Multimeter recommendation?
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This is a quick comparison of the specs for the ones I've checked so far (click for larger version).
The UTC-120C is really nice with the super-slim form factor, but it is not able to measure small DC currents so it is no better than my current multimeter.
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One disadvantage with the UT120C, is that the test leads are not removable from the instrument. I like to have the opportunity to use whatever I have at hand (preferably one with "banana plugs"..). This also makes it a lot easier to connect for example an uCurrent gold at a later time..
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And one other remark about the Uni-T meters (all of them!) and a lot of other cheap meters: do not try to measure mains voltage with those! Officially they are capable of doing that, but the protection inside the meters is way below adequate. If you make a short with the test pins (or a high energy surge comes through the line at the moment you're metering it will blow up in your hands!
So as long as you're testing low power devices, you're ok. Otherwise I'd really advice to save a bite longer and buy yourself something proper (Fluke , Keysight and what I saw of Brymen is built proper as well).
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@DavidZH That is not true. I own an UNI-T UT136D. Couple days before I was installing shutters controlled by relays, arduino and so on. So, I wanted to measure the voltage and forgot to switch the probes from A to V... flash and BOOM! The fuse has been blown up in thousands, but if you see i am still here writing to you :)
After that i replaced the fuse, cleaned up the inner parts and it's working without any failure.
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And one other remark about the Uni-T meters (all of them!) and a lot of other cheap meters: do not try to measure mains voltage with those! Officially they are capable of doing that, but the protection inside the meters is way below adequate. If you make a short with the test pins (or a high energy surge comes through the line at the moment you're metering it will blow up in your hands!
So as long as you're testing low power devices, you're ok. Otherwise I'd really advice to save a bite longer and buy yourself something proper (Fluke , Keysight and what I saw of Brymen is built proper as well).
@DavidZH You're right. Thanks for bringing up the safety aspect, it should have been done earlier. I guess online teardowns will show if the DMM level of protection corresponds with the specification. Of course the fault current rating isn't near the level of high-end professional tools, but hopefully satisfactory. The greatest risk I can think of is if someone uses it to measure on the wrong side of their common household fuse (10-16A), but then you can argue that fiddling there without enough knowledge or skill is the first mistake.
@kenci Blowing up something then survive and clean up doesn't sound too reassuring. But real tests are always valuable so thanks for sharing.
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The safety aspect is mentioned in the videos I linked and in several of the threads. Yes, it is important if the multimeter will be used for measuring household mains. I don't plan on measuring anything above 24V, and most often 5V and lower so I am not that concerned.
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In some sense I guess there's a dilemma that you'll need a better tool the less you know.
Btw, I'm now a proud owner of the super cheap ut33a. At 10A socket it says "Unfused". FYI I've plugged that socket. Useless and dangerous.
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Late to the party...., but I absolutely love Fluke. I have several and they are build very well.
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I have to agree... I think you'll need at least one Fluke.:yellow_heart:
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Temped by EEVblog BM235 Multimeter especially given it comes with some nice silicone leads.
https://www.eevblog.com/product/bm235-multimeter/
The flukes are very nice though!
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I'm looking for a one that's a bit cheaper. And so a voltcraft VC 130-1. Is that a decent multi meter for a hobbyist?
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This post is deleted!
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Anyone reading this post, and thinking of buying Multimeter , I recommend buying a like this one,.
Because you cannot measure AC current using that traditional multimeter like this one.
Accuracy of clamp is greater than the traditional one, you can also detect the flux or EMF using clamp meter. It will be very usefull in detecting live wires with current and in the projects related to coils as it can detect EMF. -
Anyone reading this post, and thinking of buying Multimeter , I recommend buying a like this one,.
Because you cannot measure AC current using that traditional multimeter like this one.
Accuracy of clamp is greater than the traditional one, you can also detect the flux or EMF using clamp meter. It will be very usefull in detecting live wires with current and in the projects related to coils as it can detect EMF.@marchen how good is that to measure currents below 10uA ? :D
