According to a study, 54% of your household appliances will break down before 5 years. Given this programmed obsolescence, having a multimeter becomes necessary to anticipate. Whether you're a professional or a do-it-yourselfer, there are different types of multimeters for every situation. To find the best model, consult our detailed comparison.
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Our selection
"Practical and versatile, this multimeter has all the features to satisfy do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike. In addition to its voltmeter and ohmmeter functions, it has…"
"Treat yourself to a digital multimeter with multifunctional settings. This model is equipped with a storage mode with data accessible through its LCD screen."
"Digital model with category CAT III 600 V, that's top of the range. Its compactness and backlit LCD screen give it a touch of practicality…"
"This digital electrical tester is perfectly suited for professional use. The case is equipped with a screen readable from several angles. This is an excellent…"
Practical and versatile, this multimeter has all the features to satisfy do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike. In addition to its voltmeter and ohmmeter functions, it has the advantage of automatic calibration.
42,39 £ on CdiscountThe Kuman True RMS 6000 has a large backlit LCD display with no parallax. It offers the basic functions of a multimeter and some additional features: continuity test with beep, cyclic frequency measurement, hFE measurement and temperature measurement.
Its resistance range is between 200 - 20MΩ and capacitance between 2nF and 20MF. In addition, you have 28 layouts, colored, and a folding stand on the back. Finally, this model allows you to save the measurements you have made.
Treat yourself to a digital multimeter with multifunctional settings. This model is equipped with a storage mode with data accessible through its LCD screen.
See priceThe Janisa multimeter model PM18C has the ability to safely measure AC/DC voltage, resistance, capacitance and frequency and many other parameters. Transistor test, automatic shutdown, low battery warning, this device impresses with its wide range of use.
It is particularly ergonomic and allows you to move freely while working. You will also benefit from a flashlight located on its back, an excellent device thanks to which you will be able to work in low light conditions.
Digital model with category CAT III 600 V, that's top of the range. Its compactness and backlit LCD screen give it a touch of practicality that is anything but negligible during work.
70,70 £ on CdiscountIf you are looking for a multimeter that is powerful enough for professional use, this is the ideal device for all professionals. It is not only powerful, but also versatile, as it has several functions: automatic selection of the measuring range, temperature test, capacity test, continuity check and many others.
In addition, it is equipped with a 3 5/6 digit display with a 62 segment bar graph. With a USB port, it can be paired with your PC. So you can store the recorded data thanks to the software provided. Finally, it is EN 60010, Cat II 600 V Ac/DCcompliant.
This digital electrical tester is perfectly suited for professional use. The case is equipped with a screen readable from several angles. This is an excellent asset for handling.
25,59 £ on CdiscountThis model signed Ultrics is a powerful device perfectly resistant. Equipped with a removable rubber-coated shell, it is perfectly protected. Discover integrated folding supports with double insulation and the device has an overload protection (600 VDC or rms). In short, no worries about safety.
Its backlit LCD screen provides maximum readability. Moreover, it has several features: AC/DC current test, diode test, hFE transistors, among others. In terms of ergonomics, its dimensions and its weight of 280 g make it a perfect working tool.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level multimeter
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
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| OUR SELECTION |
True RMS 6000 Digital Multimeter
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Janisa PM18C
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Peaktech 2025
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ULTRICS Multimètre Numérique LCD
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Practical and versatile, this multimeter has all the features to satisfy do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike. In addition to its voltmeter and ohmmeter functions, it has the advantage of automatic calibration.
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Treat yourself to a digital multimeter with multifunctional settings. This model is equipped with a storage mode with data accessible through its LCD screen.
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Digital model with category CAT III 600 V, that's top of the range. Its compactness and backlit LCD screen give it a touch of practicality that is anything but negligible during work.
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This digital electrical tester is perfectly suited for professional use. The case is equipped with a screen readable from several angles. This is an excellent asset for handling.
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Large backlit LCD display
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Wide range of uses
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Ultra versatile instrument
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Compact digital multimeter
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Versatile device
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Backpack flashlight
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Automatic measurement range selection
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All-round overload protection
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Case included
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Intelligent design
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USB port with software included
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Removable thick rubber case
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There are two main types of multimeters: the digital multimeter and the analog multimeter.
Because a multimeter is designed to measure electrical values, it must meet a requirement for accuracy so as not to distort interventions at the risk of creating major incidents. For this type of measuring device, accuracy refers to the margin of error, i.e. the difference between the actual value and the displayed value. The smaller this margin, the more accurate the multimeter.
Similar to accuracy, resolution is the difference between two values displayed by the same multimeter and relating to the same unit. The smaller the difference, the better the resolution. Note that the resolution comes into play when two identical measurements are taken successively.
Multimeters, depending on their design, are more effective on DC or AC circuits:
For a multimeter to be put on the market, it must bear the mention of conformity with the IEC 601010 standard. However, depending on its category, it is matched to a specific type of use:
Digital models have electronic components that can fail after mishandling or over time. One of the most common failures is the death of your digital multimeter's internal fuse. To recognize the failure, simply try a measurement and your meter should read, "0.00″. This is a sign that the fuse has blown. This error was caused, 90% of the time, by a measurement beyond the limit of the tool. There is no way to know this at the time of the event.
So, you have to replace this component with a screwdriver. You need to remove the battery and unscrew the back panel. Once done, you will see the two fuses on their respective ports. Carefully remove the parts and replace them with new ones.
To improve your knowledge of multimeters, it is useful to know that there are three main families: analog, digital and amperometric.
The analog model is easily recognizable since it is composed of a screen and a needle. The needle gives the measurement of a given electrical voltage by moving on a calibrated dial. This device offers a very good measurement accuracy and manages to challenge the more advanced models on this field. In practice, this device is the tool of choice for sound repair technicians. This is due to its wide measurement band that is superior to the latest generation models.
A
digital multimeter is made up of an LCD screen that allows it to display the measurement data you have made. To do this, it is equipped with a motherboard that automatically calculates the measurements, calibration, and broadcast them directly on the screen. It is easy to use, because you only need to read the information. This mechanism allows this tool to give very accurate measurements.
In addition, it has several features that allow you to quickly switch between measurement modes. Then, because of the electronic elements contained in the shell, the digital multimeters have more resistant structures. However, the only downside is that if the batteries fail you may get false information.
A
so-called amperometric device works like a digital multimeter. The only difference is that it is equipped with a clamp to check or measure the current flowing through a wire. It is used when the current on an element is too high, above 100 A. In addition, this clamp can be purchased as an accessory to a conventional multimeter
RMS or "Root Mean Square" measures the power of an electrical voltage as long as the wave is flat. To give you the measure, it identifies only the peaks in its calculations.
So, if you are often faced with a system consisting of direct current, the type of device equipped with this technology is perfect.
The TRMS, the true value, is used in most digital devices. It is a calculation mode recognized for its accuracy and reliability. In its calculation mode, it looks for peaks and variations and calculates them to find the exact value.
There are no disadvantages to using this mode.
A TRMS device will be more reliable in general. But as mentioned before, each electrician or engineer has his own needs.
To test the operation of an electrical circuit
The multimeter allows you to test the electrical continuity between two points with its "ohmmeter" function. You can also measure the voltage of an electronic circuit with the Voltmeter option. As for the "ammeter" function of the device, it offers you the possibility of measuring the current intensity.
To have a multifunction tool
The multimeter mainly replaces three devices, namely the ammeter, the voltmeter and the ohmmeter. It can also measure the temperature of the circuit, the frequency of electrical signals or voltage peaks. All you have to do is select the function you need with a button on the multimeter. The most powerful ones can even be connected to a computer in order to have more details about the different values displayed.
To work safely
Handling the electrical circuit can be dangerous if you do not take the necessary precautions. The multimeter allows you to work in complete safety and avoids electrocution. In fact, it offers you the guarantee of working in the absence of electrical voltage.
To obtain a high accuracy
You can find digital multimeters that allow you to read the measurement directly on an LCD screen. The display of the measurement on this type of device is more accurate because of the absence of resistance. An analog multimeter, on the other hand, offers you the possibility of observing the oscillation of the current and measures the voltage present in an electric circuit.
To work efficiently
The multi-functional nature of this device reduces the number of tools required when working on an electrical circuit. In addition, it saves you time and is extremely easy to use. All you have to do is select the option for the measurement you want to make. Then you connect the red and black leads to the electrical circuit to be measured. There is no risk of making mistakes when using a multimeter.
In our opinion, the best brands of multimeters in 2022 are :
This brand has been around for 50 years. The product range under the PeakTech® brand includes measuring instruments for electronic sizes, environmental measurement technology, power supplies and generators. It is a German brand, so there is no need to worry about quality, robustness and durability.
This brand is a multimeter brand used by professionals who use multimeters. Its products are quality and reliable. And the most important thing is that it offers quality products at affordable prices.
This American brand specializes in the design and development of devices such as multimeter. The brand is committed to providing high quality products with the best cost performance. This brand is serious and reliable.
AoKoZo brand focuses on the field of multimeters and is committed to providing customers with safer and more convenient multimeters. AoKoZo digital multimeter is suitable for home, school, outdoor, industry and other scenes.
Fluke Corporation is the world leader in professional electronic test tools and software for measuring and monitoring conditions. Fluke tools are known for their portability, safety, ease of use, accuracy and high quality standards.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
To measure the intensity
If you have a digital multimeter, simply select the ammeter mode on the device. This is the function that will allow you to measure the current of an electronic component. Then, take the red rod, polarity plus, and put it in contact with the positive of the element to measure. Do the same with the black rod. Once connected, you will see the measurements appear on the screen. However, please make sure to locate the minus and the plus to have a measurement.
In the case of an analog model, you must manually choose the measurement modes. To do this, turn the central selector to the options you want. In this case, choose the numbers marked "A" or amperes.
Accuracy
On
a digital model, calibration is usually done automatically. The user will only have to start examining the element. In the case of analog multimeters, it is useful to perform calibrations regularly. The calibration procedure is a guarantee of the accuracy of the measurements taken. Moreover, during your test if the rods are not correctly put, you will have bad measurements. It is therefore recommended that DIYers use alligator clips to ensure that the parts are in good contact. Plus, using alligator clips will keep your hands free!
The equipment
When
it comes to handling electrical items, safety comes first. It's not just about your safety, but the integrity of the parts that make up the device. The wrong way of working could damage parts that were not damaged in the first place. So, always check that the equipment to be tested is turned off and not connected to an electrical outlet. Then, wearing anti-static wristbands will allow you to spare the other parts. Be sure to work on a bright, spacious table so that your movements are not impeded.
Find the neutral phase
Not all electronic components are well labeled. This makes it difficult to make the measurements properly. To find the neutral phase, you need a multimeter and check the voltage between the ground and phase potential. Normally, the measurement will be between 220v and more. If you opt for the neutral, you will have trouble, because in theory the voltage is less.
Decode the dial of an analog multimeter
You
probably noticed, there are several numbers engraved on the dial of the multimeter. So, you have 3 scales of measurements that we will detail below:
The best multimeter depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find the best products available.
An entry-level model will be the ideal weapon for DIY. Choosing a multimeter requires knowing important features and specifying a budget for your purchase. However, in our comparison we give you the steps to follow to find the model that suits you.
Some models available on the market make a sound when testing the resistance of an electronic element. This is normal. But if this is not your case, try to test the voltages and if it works and you can't get a resistance measurement; it means that your device is defective. As a last resort, check the state of your fuses if they were not damaged.
This is an error in the voltmeter mode of your device. This number tells you that you have calibrated your device incorrectly. This often happens when you don't know the range of the voltage you need to monitor. To correct this problem, please choose a higher rating until the meter stops displaying this information.
This is an indication of infinite resistance. It tells you that you have measured a resistance greater than your calibration.
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