Multimeter

[Paul-man]

Does this look ok for a basic starter meter for a DIYer?

 

[flameport]

Probably over specified - lots of features which will never be used.

 

[electronicsuk]

Looks fine to me, certainly not over-complicated. My first meter (from Argos, no less) also had the built-in test socket for transistors, and despite rarely/never using that particular feature, it didn't make the rest of the features any more of a chore to use.

 

[ericmark]

The biggest problem is selecting amps in error and blowing up the meter one of these gets around that problem click on image for more. Not saying Maplin best but good start.

 

[efiste2]

Make sure the meter you get has Fused test leads....

 

[ericmark]

Make sure the meter you get has Fused test leads....

Yes missed that from GS38 :-
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
The test probes and leads used in conjunction with a voltmeter electrician test lamps or voltage indicator should incorporate the features listed below.
(a) The probes should:
(i) have finger barriers or be shaped so as to guard against inadvertent hand contact with the live conductors under test: and
(ii) be insulated so as to leave an exposed metal tip not exceeding 2 mm measured across any surface of the tip. Where practicable it is strongly recommended that this be reduced to 1 mm or less. or that spring loaded retractable screened be used.

It also says:-

18 Although some multimeters are fitted with electromechanical overload devices. these are often inadequately rated to deal with short circuits on electrical power systems. It is therefore. usually necessary to use leads which incorporate high, breaking capacity fuses ever if the multimeter has an overload trip.
If terminal clips are provided for connection to test points, they should be adequately insulated and arranged so as to be suitable for use with the test leads, as a safe alternative to the use of test probes.
It is important that a multifunction or multirange , meter is set to the correct function and/or range before the connections are made. Where there is doubt about the value of voltage to be detected or measured the highest range should be selected at first. provided that the maximum voltage possible is known to fall within the range of the instrument.

Good test leads are advertised as complying with GS38.

 

[JohnnyG]

That's a Rapitest Multimeter with what it looks like are different company stickers on it, they probably bought a load and rebranded them.
It'll do everything the average DIYer will need (and more) and is small enough to fit in a box/bag without cluttering it up. I've got one knocking about and the only thing I'd say about it is that the supplied leads are crap, I use a pair of Kewtech leads with mine as they have the option to put croc clips on which the supplied ones don't

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

The nice thing is audible continuity. A lot of really cheap ones don't have that essential feature.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Probably over specified - lots of features which will never be used.

Agreed - you'll never need to do diode, transistor and capacitor testing/measuring with it - either you'll never need to do those things at all, or you will, in which case you'll want proper test equipment for those functions.

Better to spend more on one which does less.


http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1833260#1833260

 

[Paul-man]

Thanks everyone. Some conflicting opinions- but that is to be expected.

I have in the past used an old BT SA9083 meter for measuring capacitance, but I doubt I'll have need to do that anymore.

I might go with this one, but ensure that I get some fused leads to protect it from choosing the wrong setting!

 

[flameport]

Fused leads are there to protect the user, not the equipment.

 

[MrTinker]

Does this look ok for a basic starter meter for a DIYer?

Have a look on eBay for a Kewtech kt115, just seen a brand spanker on there, on a buy it now for about £35! quality bit of kit for not much more than than a cheepo nasty thing

 

[martinxxxxxx]

Hi there

What sort of jobs are you looking to do with this meter.

Electrical installation
Domestic Repairs
Electronic servicing
Electrical Testing

Depending on your answers, there might be different suggestions

Martin

 

[securespark]

Yes, I have one just like that, branded Alphatek.

The audible continuity is a boon, as is the HOLD button.