Seven Things to Consider Before Buying Your Digital Multimeter

There is a multitude of digital multimeters available in the market and online for testing currents, voltages, resistances, capacitances, and many other parameters. Digital multimeters are extensively used in testing, installation, and repairing of electrical devices.

Things to Consider While Buying Your Digital Multimeter

Here are seven things to consider before spending money on a digital multimeter:-

#1. Digital Multimeter Specifications (DMM Specifications)

The performance of a digital multimeter is decided by the digital multimeter specifications. By DMM Specification, we mean understanding the capabilities of the multimeter in terms of its DC current, AC current, DC voltage, AC voltage, and resistance.

• Choose a digital multimeter with a higher main voltage than is required to operate electrical devices.
• It is important not to use the multimeter above the current range it can withstand. Higher Amperes of currents can end in severe hazards.
• When buying higher-end digital multimeters, check whether it provides the true RMS value which may also account for any DC components, if any.

#2. Digital Multimeter Accuracy (DMM Accuracy)

Ensure that the digital multimeter you are about to buy is accurate. Accuracy of a DMM is defined as the maximum permissible error limit in the observed readings.

#3. Digital Multimeter Resolution (DMM Resolution)

DMM Resolution is defined as the number of digits up to which the signal strength can be measured. It is the measurement of the change in the output signal, as a result of the most minuscule fluctuation made in the input signal. Higher-resolution DMMs come with the disadvantage of increased times to observe the rightmost value – after the rightmost digit stabilizes.

#4. Input Impedance

Choosing a multimeter with high input impedance gives accurate measurement. This is done for measuring more sensitive electronics.

#5. Frequency Measurement

Some DMMs are capable of measuring the frequency and in turn monitoring voltage and current within a frequency range. If powered by a steady AC voltage,ensure that your device maintains current frequency.

#6. Energy Capacity

It is always wise to know the energy capacity of the circuit you’re working on in advance. One should know the maximum transient voltage that the DMM can tolerate without any risk of damage.

#7. Temperature Measurement

If you have frequent temperature monitoring needs, get a digital multimeter with a dual differential temperature function; this functionality allows you to measure two temperatures simultaneously.

Keeping these factors in mind, you will be able to choose the best quality digital multimeter that suits your requirement. Some of the best brands selling digital multimeters online are Fluke, Meco, Mastech, Rishabh, Hoki, RS Pro and Sigma. These brands provide you with reputed multimeters capable of making accurate measurements.