As an electrician, you must know that which is the best multimeter for electrician. With so many different models on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Electricians have to work fast and need accurate readings. Therefore, if you're an electrician you must be looking for the best multimeter. So, I have made a list of 7 best multimeters for electricians. This guide will tell you how to choose the best multimeter for electrician. So fasten your seat belts and let's get started.
Why do electricians need the best multimeter?
It's a fact that not all multimeters are equal in terms of performance. Some have many features and capabilities, while others do not. An electrician needs to be able to take measurements quickly without having to wait too long for results or change settings on their multimeter. The frequently changing setting may create a risk so for electricians auto-ranging multimeters are the best option.
Moreover, Electricians often work in harsh environments and need a multimeter that can withstand tough conditions. So, it's important to invest in a good quality multimeter with high end features. If you're not an electrician and need some budget friendly multimeters then you can read my other multimeter reviews. Before jumping on to the list of 7 best multimeters for electricians let have a look at a buying guide.
Buying guide and checklist for choosing an electrician's multimeter
There are few factors that you should keep in mind while choosing a multimeter for yourself as an electrician. Here is the buying guide and checklist which will help you to choose the perfect multimeter for your needs:
Type of meter:
There are two types of meters available in the market, Analog digital and Digital multimeter. So, choose a multimeter which can take both AC and DC readings if you're an electrician.
Auto ranging:
The auto-ranging feature on the multimeters is very important for electricians because they have to change settings frequently while working on different projects. If you are looking for something that would not require frequent changes in setting then you should go for an auto-ranging multimeter.
True RMS:
True RMS multimeters are used by electricians because they give accurate readings. If you're an electrician then it's better to choose a true RMS multimeter for your projects.
Display:
Most people don't pay much attention while choosing a display but it's an important factor because it will tell you how easy or difficult it is to read data from the multimeter. The display count also matters because if it's less than 2000 counts then you may have difficulty reading it. Moreover, always choose an LCD display instead of a seven segment display.
Resistance:
A good quality meter with a high resistance range is always recommended for electricians. If your multimeter has a low range of resistance it might get damaged very quickly so it's better to have a backup plan and buy something reliable in this regard.
Safety features:
Safety should be your first priority while choosing any electrical equipment. Make sure that the multimeter you're buying has all the safety features such as CAT III or IV rating and over voltage protection.
Other features:
A multimeter with other features like frequency, temperature measurement, data hold and min/max will be very helpful for electricians. You must look for these features before purchasing a multimeter for yourself because they might come in handy some day when you're working on a project.
Now that you know what to look for in a multimeter, let's move on to the list of best multimeters for electricians:
Best Multimeter for Electricians - Top 7 Picks
Looking for a reliable and accurate digital multimeter? Look no further than the UT161B from UNI-T. This meter is perfect for professionals who need to measure voltage and current in all conditions. It's easy to operate, and can even measure high voltage and current.
With its 6000 count display, this meter gives you all the precision you need when measuring voltage and current. And it comes with a host of other features that make it an essential tool for any professional.
Features:
- 6000 counts display helps you in measuring values in a more convenient way.
- It comes with a backlit LCD display.
- True RMS function embedded in it for accurate readings.
- You can measure values in both AC & DC circuits.
- It comes with a voltage measuring range of 1000V.
- You can also measure current up to 10A with a mA measurement option.
- You can also use USB cable to transfer data.
- Non-Contact Voltage detection helps in checking energized circuits.
- Dual Ceramic fuses of 1A and 10A are also installed in it for overvoltage protection.
- An 18 month warranty is enough to win its users' confidence.
- Continuity and Diode test both are perfect loop testing.
- Audible and visible alarm on continuity gives you ease of use.
- Safety rating of CAT III 1000V/CAT IV 600V allows you to measure high voltages.
Pros
Cons
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- UNI-T UT161B Digital Multimeter
- CAT-III standard Test Leads
- USB Cable
- A carrying case
- User manual
- eManual
- Gift box
The Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter is another great option for electricians. This meter is designed to meet the needs of professionals, with features like true-rms voltage and current measurements, 6000-count resolution, and a wide range of safety ratings. It's also easy to use, with an intuitive interface and large, clear display.
Features:
- Display of 6000 counts makes measuring values easier.
- It features a backlit LCD display.
- For accurate readings of non-linear loads, it contains a true RMS function.
- You can measure both AC and DC circuits.
- It measures voltage up to 1000 volts.
- Additionally, you can measure current up to 10A.
- VoltAlert Mode is also enabled in it. This Non-contact ac voltage detection helps identifying energized circuits.
- Overvoltage protection also comes from dual ceramic fuses of 1A and 10A.
- The continuity test and the diode test are both available in it.
- It comes with a safety rating of CAT IV (600V).
Pros
Cons
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Fluke 117 Multimeter
- CAT-III Test Leads
If you're looking for a quality multimeter at an affordable price, the Klein Tools MM700 is a great option. This meter is perfect for electricians who need to measure voltage, current, and resistance. It's also designed with safety in mind, and features overload protection and a CAT III rating.
The MM700 has a 6000 count display, and comes with a host of other features that make it an essential tool for any electrician.
Features:
- With its auto-ranging features you can measure values easily.
- True RMS function allows you to measure real time values of non-linear loads.
- It comes with a backlit LCD display of 6000 counts resolution.
- You can measure voltages up to 600V, but you need CAT-IV standard test leads for this.
- Both AC & DC voltage measurements can be done with this klein mm700.
- It is capable of measuring current up to 10A in normal conditions and 20A in overload situations up to 30 Seconds.
- mA measurement option is also available in it so you can use it for electronics repairs.
- Loz (low input impedance) Mode is also available in it so it helps in eliminating ghost voltages.
- A K-type thermocouple also comes with it. So, you can measure temperature from -18°C to 816°C easily.
- You can also measure capacitance up to 4000 µF and frequency up to 500KHz.
- Low battery indications help you to replace the batteries timely. Only 2 AAA battery cells are required to make it fully functional.
- Overload protection (Dual ceramic fuses) is also available in it.
Pros
Cons
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Klein MM700 Digital multimeter
- CAT-IV test leads
- K-type Thermocouple Probe
- Two AAA Batteries
- User Manual
Electricians have to measure different electrical values at the same time. But most of the time they only need to check voltage presence. So they need a non-contact voltage tester. A non-contact voltage tester is totally different from a standard multimeter. If you want to know more you can visit my blog about the comparison of non-contact voltage testers vs multimeters. Amprobe solves this issue by providing both tester’s features in a single unit. Let’s see all of its features in detail.
Features:
- LCD display with 6000 counts resolution makes it perfect for everyday use.
- It is an auto-ranging multimeter so you don’t have to set ranges again and again.
- An analog bar is also available on the display which helps to record signal fluctuations.
- True RMS function is also installed in it.
- A flashlight at the top is also introduced in it which is not very common among multimeters.
- You can easily measure voltage in both AC and DC circuits.
- It is capable of measuring voltages up to 750V with CAT-III standard test leads.
- Current measurement in both mA and A can be possible. But you have to insert the banana jacks into their respective slots.
- You can measure current up to 10A with the Amprobe-AM530 Digital multimeter. If you don’t know how to measure current(amps) then you can also read my blog. For high current measurements it's better to use the best clamp meters.
- You can test diodes and continuity of any circuit with cat iii safety rating test leads(included).
- Capacitance and Frequency can also be measured with this multimeter.
- Dual Ceramic fuses are also installed in it which helps its circuitry from burning.
- For HVAC technicians, a special temperature measurement mode is also installed in it for temperature measurements from -212F to 1832F.
- An NCV non-contact voltage detection mode is also installed in it.
Pros
Cons
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- AM-530 digital multimeter
- CAT-IV standard test leads
- A thermocouple for temperature measurement
- 9V battery (already installed)
- Velcro strap
- Carrying Case
- User manual
There are only a few multimeters on the market which come with high resolution and display counts. But their only drawback is their high price. AstroAI breaks the norms and comes in a very pocket friendly budget. The 1000 accounts display with a bigger LCD makes it perfect for engineers. It's so lightweight and versatile that you can easily carry it all day. I bet you that it will be the best multimeter for electrician they will ever use. Some of its features are listed below. Some of its features are listed below.
Features
- It comes with a 10000 count display.
- Auto-ranging functions allow you to measure current and voltages with adjusting ranges.
- It is a True RMS multimeter which can provide accurate measurements in no time.
- You can measure voltages up to 1000V in both AC and DC circuits.
- It is capable of measuring current in mA and A up to 1A and 10A respectively.
- The best thing is that all the test lead jacks have indication lights.
- You can also do precise frequency measurements with AstroAi digital multimeters.
- You can also measure temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit scales.
- It also has an auto mode, which helps in auto-selecting voltage current and resistance on its own.
- Data hold option is also there to see values on a still display.
- NCV mode allows you to check energized circuits easily without attaching voltage.
Pros
Cons
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Astro AI digital multimeter
- Cat-III Test leads
- Carrying Case
- 6x AAA batteries
- Thermocouple temperature probe
- Caps for Test leads
How to use the best multimeter for electrician?
Before buying best multimeter for electrician you must know about is correct usage. First, let's talk about how to use a multimeter. When you're using a multimeter, it's important to always set it to the correct mode. You also need to make sure that you're using the correct probes. If you're not sure how to do this, consult the manual that came with your multimeter. Once you have the multimeter set up properly, you can start measuring electrical values.
There are a few different types of measurements that electricians make with a multimeter. The most common type of measurement is volts. You can also measure amps and ohms. For HVAC work its better to get a clamp meter. I have made a list of best multimeter for electricians of HVAC system and a comparison of Clamp meter vs multimeter.
Measuring voltage
To measure volts, you'll need to connect the probes to the correct terminals on the multimeter. Then, set the multimeter to volts mode. Next, turn on the power to the circuit that you're testing. Touch the black probe to the negative terminal and touch the red probe to the positive terminal. The voltage reading will be displayed on the screen.
Current measurement
To measure amps, you'll need to connect the probes to the correct terminals on the multimeter. Then, set the multimeter to amps mode. Next, turn on the power to the circuit that you're testing. Touch the black probe to the negative terminal and touch the red probe to the positive terminal. The current reading will be displayed on the screen. If you want to know more about how to measure current in different situations then you can visit my blog. You can also measure current with a clamp meter. In comparison clamp meters are more significant for current measurements. So I made a list of the best clamp meters for electricians also.
Resistance measurement
To measure ohms, you'll need to connect the probes to the correct terminals on the multimeter. Then, set the multimeter to ohms mode. Next, turn on the power to the circuit that you're testing. Touch the black probe to one terminal and touch the red probe to the other terminal. The resistance reading will be displayed on the screen.
Those are the basics of how to use a multimeter. Now, let's talk about some common hazards that comes with best multimeter for electrician usage.
Safety Guide of best multimeter for Electrician
Working with electricity can be dangerous if you're not careful. One of the most important tools an electrician has is a multimeter. This tool allows you to measure electrical values safely and accurately. In this safety guide, I will go over how to use a multimeter properly. We'll also discuss some common hazards that electricians face while working. Follow these tips and you'll be able to work safely with electricity!
- Always set the range before measuring any electrical value.
- Use the test leads as per given CAT standards. Otherwise you will blow your test leads or multimeter.
- Periodically check your multimeter fuses so at critical times you don’t feel any inconvenience.
- One hazard that electricians need to be aware of is shock hazards. Shock hazards can occur when you're working with live electrical wires. To avoid shocks, always make sure that you're using the proper safety equipment.
- Another hazard that electricians need to be aware of is arc flash hazards. Arc flash hazards can occur when you're working with high-voltage equipment. To avoid arc flash hazards, always make sure that you're wearing the proper safety clothing.
- Those are just a few of the many hazards that electricians face. By following the tips in this guide, you'll be able to work safely with electricity. Stay safe out there!
Final Verdict(Best multimeter for electrician)
Beginners can buy a budget multimeter but electricians need a robust and multi-functional electrical tester. The most important factors for an electrician's multimeter are precision and range. If you're still with me then you might have made your decision. If you're fan of fluke multimeters then you can visit my list of best fluke multimeter also. So, choose the best one from the above mentioned multimeters and let us know about your experience.
FAQS of Best multimeter for electrician
How multimeter record signal fluctuations?
Multimeters usually have a rolling graph that records the fluctuations over time. This is also called an oscilloscope function. Some multimeters also allow you to record and save data so you can review it later. If you want to record and save signals fluctuation data then UNI-T UT61E is the best option.
Which is the best multimeter for electrician from fluke?
Fluke offer a wide range of multimeters with different features and price points. So, it really depends on your budget and what features you're looking for. If you want the best of the best then you should go for the Fluke 87V or Fluke 117. Otherwise I have also made a list of best fluke multimeters for you.
Is Fluke better than Klein?
Both multimeters have their own features. If you have a good budget needs a certified tester then fluke is a better option. But For those who want something in a medium budget or something competitive to fluke then Klein should be your priority. I have also made a detailed comparison of Fluke vs Klein multimeters for you.