Multimeters

Hi all
I have a question about multimeters. I have picked out a really good multimeter with brilliant spec however the batteries it requires is two 1.5V AAA batteries as opposed to other, slightly more expensive but lower spec multimeters which take one 9V battery.These however are out of my price range.

I was wondering, will the the fact that the multimeter requires only 3V battery power make any difference?

Thanks in advance

dan77714 said:

, will the the fact that the multimeter requires only 3V battery power make any difference?

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It will not make any difference.
The meter will do what it says it will do.

So it won't give a less accurate reading compared to a multimeter with a 9V batter?

If you will not be using it on a regular basis it won't make much difference. Obviously the batteries will probably have a shorter life if used regularly. The voltage level of the batteries should be compensated for within the instrument until the volts fall to a level where it stops working & switches off by itself.

Taylortwocities said:

dan77714 said:

, will the the fact that the multimeter requires only 3V battery power make any difference?

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It will not make any difference.
The meter will do what it says it will do.

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The one he's looking at won't.

The one he's looking at won't.[/quote]

could you possibly tell me the problems you have had with this multimeter?

Monkeh said:

The one he's looking at won't.

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I'm curious, given that the op has not said which meter or given any link to it - how can you make that statement?

mattylad said:

Monkeh said:

The one he's looking at won't.

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I'm curious, given that the op has not said which meter or given any link to it - how can you make that statement?

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See his other thread.

Oh no, lets not play that game.

Any information should be on this topic that has been created.
If there is another thread then surely the best plan would be to continue that thread, otherwise there is not enough info to help.

I havent got the inclination to remember the 300,000 plus topics on this forum. Its hard enough to find my glass or Merlot!

Taylortwocities said:

Oh no, lets not play that game.

Any information should be on this topic that has been created.
If there is another thread then surely the best plan would be to continue that thread, otherwise there is not enough info to help.

I havent got the inclination to remember the 300,000 plus topics on this forum. Its hard enough to find my glass or Merlot!

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Well I didn't start two threads!

My Fluke 77 uses a 9v PP3 battery.
My AVO 8 uses a standard cell and a D type battery.
I don't think it matters one iota what type of battery they use!!

Clearly I don't know what meters you are looking at. However a few pointers.

1) A diode needs around 0.6 volt threshold voltage boats will use 2 diodes in their earth to stop electrolysis so at least 1.2 volt is needed to test the earth connection diodes.

2) The biggest danger is ionisation of the atmosphere and I will always select a meter which has no range which can draw enough current to start this so will always go for a clamp on meter to measure current.

3) Many meters as sold do not have GN38 leads as standard again ionisation of the atmosphere considerations one should have leads which comply.

At extra low voltage the last two are not a problem but low voltage (50 - 1000VAC) does need the protection. With this in mind I bought my son a clamp-on meter from Maplin to ensure his safety as far as meters go. OK he after that got a full 17th edition test set and in fact also gave me a full 17th edition test set but I started at least the right way.

Clearly with a 1.5v battery testing diodes may be a problem. As long as you understand the problem then it's OK.

ericmark said:

Clearly I don't know what meters you are looking at. .

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sorry here is the multimeter I wish to purchase
http://www.aidetek.com/New_products_info/Datasheet/Vichy/VC99+.pdf

As you say quite a good spec and at £25 not really ultra cheap so should be OK.

However any meter is selected to do a job and without knowing the job you want to do with the meter one can't really say if it's a good selection.

I have never used the transistor tester on a multi-meter and personally I have selected meters with no hard wired amp range I use a clamp-on for amps.

I did a "A" level physics course and was rather surprised to see half the class blow the fuses in the meters due to incorrect use.

I also noted the leads did not comply with GN38 although at 12 volt max that was not a problem.

I have also been surprised at the number of people who think they can test 240 volt electrical systems with a simple multi-meter. They seem surprised when I point out low ohms needs at least 200 ma to flow and high ohms uses 500 volt and as to measuring the current and time to trip a RCD there is no way a multi-meter can be used. The same applies to loop impedance.

I have used the meter I have with twin temperature problems to set the lock shield valves on radiators but my Avo Mk8 has stayed in the cupboard with batteries removed for years as near everything I want is done with my cheap clamp-on meter or special test set.

Working on generators I have used Hz function to set speed but again rare and to select a meter without knowing what you want it for is of course impossible.

As to if the battery type matters, well only for measuring ohms. The 1.5 volt and 22 volt cell/battery in the AVO Mk8 is only required for ohms and likely you will never need to measure over the 3 volts across a diode so will not really matter.