A multimeter is a must-have in every home in order to quickly check voltage, current or faulty wiring. There are a huge number of devices with different functions. What is the best multimeter for my home? What features must a device have? Will a cheap one do or will it be necessary to get a professional model?
On sale today there are dial and digital models. Some electricians are of the opinion that the pointer meters measure more accurately and have a smaller error margin. However, this may only be true when comparing the two devices within the same brand. For the most part, the digital multimeters are not inferior to the dial meters.
It should be noted that digital meters are more convenient in terms of visualization - better visibility, while on the pointer gauges can not notice or confuse the division. Hand-held instruments have several scales for different measurements which need to be understood in order not to make a mistake when measuring. The only thing in which hand-held devices are superior to digital ones is in battery life - hand-held ones have slower battery life. However, given that a multimeter is not often used at home, this "superiority" loses its position.
TOP-5 multimeters of 2022
These models have been tested and proved to be perfect for home use.
1. RICHMETERS RM113D NTS
Top-of-the-range multimeters are those that can determine voltage, the capacitance of capacitors, detect broken circuits, and check diodes. These are the most demanded parameters for measurements. Equipped with a sensor for measuring body temperature, room temperature, and water temperature. Thanks to the auto-setting you don't have to worry about the settings.
The model features a solid build, with a magnet on the back for attachment.
Pros:
Protective bumper;
Large digits on display;
Temperature measurement.
Cons:
Large dimensions.
2. BSIDE ADMS7 / ADMS9CL
The miniature multitester has a smartphone form factor and features a 3.5″ 3-line LCD display. Capable of testing three positions: voltage, frequency, and analog bar. Indispensable for home use, can be used in schools for laboratory classes. No adjustments need to be made.
The multimeter automatically detects the parameters tested and selects the range. The flush wiring detector works great. Bright torch is built in. All modes are protected.
Pros:
Ultra-compact;
Nice looking casing;
Automatic settings.
Cons:
Low-functioning.
3. ANENG XL830L
In third place in the review of multimeters, an affordable model designed to take a fairly wide range of values: measurements of DC and AC voltage, resistance, and current. The device is equipped with a protective soft rubber cover to protect it from shocks.
There is a useful option to hold the last value. No need to take notes in notebooks. The screen can be illuminated with a blue light in low light conditions.
Pros:
Lockable readings with a button;
Neon backlighting of screen;
Insignificant indication error.
Cons:
Inconvenient to change battery;
Unprotected LCD display.
4. ANENG Q1
Instead of a circular mode selector, this model with a claimed 9999 counts uses push-button controls. The unit implements the full range of demanded measurements. By default, the range is selected automatically, but the manual mode is available.
As soon as the probe is inserted into the current socket, the appropriate mode is triggered. There is a useful non-contact voltage detection option. As you get closer to the source, bars appear on the screen and a pulse signal is triggered.
Pros:
Nice design;
Small size;
Measures quickly and accurately.
Cons:
No transistor check;
Very thin case.
5. RICHMETERS RM409B
The automatic multimeter is equipped with only seven buttons for comfortable operation. It can be used to quickly and accurately measure DC/AC voltage, temperature, resistance, capacitance, and capacitor capacity. There are also popular functions like an audible diode and diode checks.
With a long press of the button, it switches the multimeter on and off. Equipped with an inversion display. This model claims 9999 counts.
Pros:
High-speed operation;
Excellent accuracy;
Rubberized casing.
Cons:
Not enough two batteries to power it;
No inductance measurement.
How to choose a good multimeter?
What should be the basic functionality of a multimeter? Modern testers can have dozens of different functions, but in fact, we only use a few at home. Here is a set of the most important functions we think a multimeter should have:
• DC and AC voltage checks. You can measure the AC voltage in the mains, checking for spikes, undervoltage/overvoltage. "DC" is needed to measure the battery voltage.
• DC and AC checks. Although current measurements are not often made in the home, those instruments which can measure voltage are usually 'outfitted' with a current measurement function. However, if you need to check loads on wires frequently without removing the voltage, then you are better off buying a clamp meter for this purpose.
• Wire-checking. This is the most useful function for finding faults in a wire. With this function, you will be able to determine which specific core in a stranded wire is damaged and repair it accordingly. The wire identification can be audible, light, and in the form of a change in the reading on the device. An audible dialler is the most convenient, as you do not need to look at the screen.
This is the basic set of features that a multimeter should have for comfortable use. However, there are many additional functions and features that may come in handy for certain jobs.
