The first thing we noticed about the Greenlee during testing was its grippy rubber cover, which can slip on and off easily for cleaning. Its backlit display is a bright green color that makes reading it a breeze. The Greenlee operates on a 9-volt battery (included) and tests AC/DC voltage, resistance, and current in addition to capacitance, duty cycle, and temperature. It comes with standard black and red probes as well as a built-in stand. This digital multimeter from Greenlee features auto-ranging capability to do away with guessing at the current being tested. Note: All the meters in our test feature auto-ranging AC and DC capability. Keep key considerations in mind when comparing the following list of our favorite multimeters. To help simplify shopping, we performed hands-on testing with some of the best popular multimeters. There’s actually a lot to know about choosing the best multimeter-and while DIYers will find ample info in this guide, it might still feel challenging to find the right tool. Some models didn’t make the grade, while others excelled. In the process, we compared the meters’ stands, leads, and functions as they apply to automotive work.īetween all these tests, we had a good idea of what the average DIYer can expect from each of these models. We did simple tests like battery loads as well as testing across some less-than-factory wiring jobs. We also tested these meters in the driveway to see how they’d do troubleshooting the wiring in an older vehicle. We worked in the dark as well as the bright sunlight so we could see how well the displays performed. We checked each of the basic functions, like alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) voltage, resistance, continuity, and the jaws on the clamp meters. With that said, we put each of these meters through their paces.įirst, we set up a testing station with some outlets, wires, appliances, and a couple of batteries.
#FLUKE TOOLS HOW TO#
Learning how to use these meters to their full capacity and having the serious electrical infrastructure available to test some of those functions is outside the scope of this article. Our goal was to test these meters to the degree that the average DIYer would use their meter. Photo: Tom Scalisi How We Tested the Best Multimetersįull disclosure: We are not electricians or HVAC technicians.
#FLUKE TOOLS PROFESSIONAL#
While a DIYer can usually get by with a no-frills tool, electricians and HVAC pros will benefit from some of the advanced options found on professional models.
Now, multimeters combine those testing capabilities into a single tool, letting you perform a variety of electrical tests with one device.Ī wide variety of multimeters are available, designed for both basic and advanced circuit testing and geared toward different projects or specialties. Prior to the development of today’s versatile multimeters (also called multitesters), separate meters were necessary to test circuits for voltage (voltmeter), resistance (ohmmeter), and current (ammeter). They’re also practical for hobbyists-folks who tinker with electronic circuits when building the likes of pedometers, motors, and humidity sensors. But multimeters also come in handy for DIYers who want to test their home’s wiring or repair electrical appliances. From testing batteries to determining the amount of voltage in an electrical circuit, the multimeter is a standard diagnostic tool often found in electricians’ tool kits.
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