Selecting the best multimeter for electricians, your work is challenging, especially if you are a beginner. You have tons of questions that might confuse you several times before you make a final decision. It all happens because you aren’t aware of the crucial parameters to look at in a multimeter. If you’re also going through the same situation and wondering how to choose the best ideal multimeter, you don’t need to worry much about it.
| Photo | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter | View On Amazon |
| Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS Multimeter | View On Amazon |
| Fluke 323 True-RMS Clamp Meter | View On Amazon |
| Fluke 787 ProcessMeter | View On Amazon |
We’ve reviewed the ten best multimeters for electricians based on their features and functions to help electricians give accurate results. This guide describes each multimeter in detail and its specifications and provides insight into the buyer’s guide while purchasing the best multimeter. Choose the clamp meter that fits best according to your criteria. So, let’s dive into it.
10 Best Multimeter for Electricians
1. Fluke 87-V- Best Fluke Meter for Electricians
Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter is a top fluke for electricians who work in an industrial environment.
Quick Summary
- A built-in thermometer
- True RMS AC voltage and current
- Both auto and manual ranging
- CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V
- Min/Max and Peak Min/Max recordings
- Have alligator clips, test leads, and a 9 volts battery
- Resistance up to 50MΩ
- AC voltage to 1000V
- DC voltage to 1000V
- Lifetime warranty
It comes with a wide range of features and high build quality. It has a rich set of functions that ranges from testing capacitance, current, frequency, resistance, temperature, and voltage.
The 87-V digital multimeter is one of the best Fluke for electricians available in the market to maintain accurate results while testing various speed devices. It has a built-in thermometer that efficiently records temperature reading without using any separate instrument. It means that you don’t need to carry a thermometer with you while you take down reading inside an air conditioning or refrigeration unit.
The other best feature about this clamp meter is its backlight, whose readings are readable without any flashlight in dark areas.
In other words, it means that you can get more accurate results without much fumbles in the dark space. The digital multimeter is equipped with auto and manual, ranging for achieving maximum flexibility. Moreover, it functions in such a fantastic way that guarantees appropriate frequency and voltage readings, even on various motors and equipment.
- High-quality design
- Low pass filter
- Long battery time
- Lifetime warranty
- Test lead storage
- Much expensive than others
- Heavier than other meters
2. Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS- Best Fluke Multimeter for Home Electricians
Fluke 117 belongs to the Fluke family, who has been a trusted tool partner since 1948. It’s among the best fluke multimeters for electricians meeting the users’ expectations and safety standards of the working environment. Like others, Fluke 117 electricians true rms multimeter is tested for use in a safe environment, especially in a CAT III 600v environment.
Quick Summary
- VoltAlert technology for non-contact voltage detection
- Automatic AC and DC voltage selection
- Possess the True Root Mean Squared (TRMS) analysis method
- CAT iii 600v safety rated measurements
- LED backlights that help while working in dark and lousy light areas
- Low input impedance
If you are looking for an ideal multimeter that gives you accuracy, you should invest in fluke 117. This device gives off all three readings (average, minimum, and maximum) to measure capacitance and frequency. Fluke 117 is easy to use and saves a lot of time, making it one of the best ideal for electricians.
Although Fluke 117 doesn’t have a clamp meter for measuring current, it is still the best fluke meter for electricians. Wondering why? It’s because of the unmatched accuracy it provides. It has a TRMS feature for measuring accuracy. It gives reading in millivolts too, and thus, you couldn’t find any other electrician multimeter with such accuracy.
Moreover, another interesting thing about this is its auto volt selection that automatically measures voltages.
This device performs multiple functions. It can help you measure resistance, continuity, capacitance, frequency, and standard voltages and, at the same time, help you test diodes. It has also Non-contact voltage testing abilities.
To prevent the problem of ghost voltages, it goes to low impedance mode while measuring current.
- Accurate measurements
- Compact design
- Durable
- CAT III 600 V Safety Rated
- VoltAlert™ technology for fast non-contact AC voltage detection
- Readings are easy to read from the display
- Wide range of features
- Not a clamp meter
- Do not have a thermocouple.
- No CAT IV safety rated
3. Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS Multimeter- Best Fluke Multimeter for the Electricians
If you are looking for a electrician multimeter for an exceptional level of accuracy, along with additional features, the Fluke 179 should be your choice. It’s equipped with a compact true rms digital multimeter in demand in both industries and at home, making it the best fluke multimeter for home electricians that is still widely used.
Quick Summary
- Built-in non-contact AC voltage detector
- 6000 count display
- Allows useful temperature measurements
- Both manual and automatic ranging
- RMS voltages and current measurements
- CAT IV 600 V/CAT III 1000V safety rating
- Resistance up to 50MΩ
- AC voltage to 1000V
- DC voltage to 1000V
- 9 volts installed battery
- 09% of accuracy
Fluke 179 has a compact and high quality built design. It provides complete input protection and works well in all situations, especially in a noisy environment.
Fluke 179 is the finest one because of its backlight feature that works efficiently in low lighting areas. Another thing that stands out among others is its high-quality design that can be easily adjustable from the front through a panel. Amazing, isn’t it?
Secondly, this digital multimeter is more accurate than other meters discussed in this guide. It is also not vulnerable to mobile phones, which means operating efficiently in frigid environments. Thus, if your work unit is severely cold, you should use this ideal for electricians.
The digital multimeter is entirely safe to use. The IEC safety rating ranks category three up to 1000 V while category 4 to 600V. In other words, the multimeter can withstand high effluxes like large motors and massive lightning strikes. The digital device also provides enough current ranges up to 10A and voltage that ranges up to 1000V.
- Display both Hold and auto-hold function
- Easy to operate
- Gives accurate and precise reading
- Quite affordable
- Lifetime warranty
- Doesn’t have a low pass filter
- Low-temperature limit at 400C
- Not much clear display
4. Fluke 323 True-RMS- Best Clamp Meter for Electricians
Although Fluke 323 is not an ideal electrician multimeter, its accuracy and reliability have made it the best clamp meter for electricians. Another reason is the presence of a clamp meter that measures indirect current. If you’re looking for a electric tester for measuring indirect current, your priority should be Fluke 323.
Quick Summary
- True RMS AC voltage and current for precise readings for non linear measurements
- Rated for 300 volt CAT IV measurements, 600 volt CAT III measurements
- Measures resistance
- Possess a digital clamp meter
- 600 V AC and DC voltage measurement
- Test Leads: AC/DC voltage (up to 600 volts, automatic ranging), resistance (up to 4 kiloohms), and continuity
The clamp meter has a user-friendly interface in which general electricians feel quite comfortable. However, there is no maximum and minimum temperature mode, and you need to freeze the temperature manually.
Don’t worry much! There are several other reasons why you should choose Fluke 323. Now, let’s dig it out in the next section.
As the name suggests, Fluke is the best multimeter brand for electricians; therefore, you should give it a try. The clamp meter is a perfect choice for beginners as you can easily use it without any assistance.
It is standard and lightweight; hence, you won’t face any problem while carrying it or taking measurements.
It possesses a high-quality design with a durable and slimline jaw mechanism. The jaw sizes are wide enough that allow conductors of 30mm. Moreover, it uses the TRMS method for more accurate and precise results. The battery changing process is also hasslefree. So, isn’t it a complete package to go with?
It’s also rated for CAT III and CAT IV measurements.
- Affordable
- Fulfills IEC safety standards
- Highly durable
- Slim yet high-quality design
- Uses TRMS analysis method
- Doesn’t have a thermocouple
- No non-contact voltage detection
- No backlights
- The leads are of not good quality.
5. Fluke 787 ProcessMeter- Best Fluke for Electricians
The Fluke 787 process meter is yet another best fluke meter for electricians with various user-friendly features.
Quick Summary
- Alligator clips
- Have a true RMS meter for accurate results.
- Have 30,000 counts backlit display.
- Conduct diode tests
- Measures AC/DC voltage and current, millivolts and resistance
- Manual setup along with both auto ramp and auto step
- Resistance 400Ω / 40MΩ
- AC voltage 400mV / 1000V
- DC voltage 4V / 1000V
- Removable rubber holster
- 9 volts battery
Generally, it is designed for measuring current, resistance, and voltage. Simultaneously, it allows us to measure milliamp current loops with accuracy, making it a great troubleshooting tool.
Thinking why you should invest in Fluke 787? Well! It’s because of the features it comes with. The Fluke multimeter has a true rms digital multimeter that measures AC voltage and current variable speed drives compared to any standard multimeter.
It also comes with an LCD display with backlights that allows you to take readings in shady lighted areas.
Secondly, it’s a complete package for troubleshooting and calibrating the current loop applications in your palm. By doing this, you can get more fast results.
If you want a multimeter for industrial, maintenance and repair, and test and measurement purposes, then Fluke 787 is the best fluke meter for electricians. I would suggest it to give this hvac multimeter a try once.
- Auto hold function
- Durable
- Exceptional input protection
- HRC fuses
- Expensive
- Have limited amperage range
- No capacitance
- No thermocouple
6. Klein Tools MM6000- Best Ideal Multimeter for Electricians
Although this is not as fast as other Fluke meters, it is still the best Klein multimeter. The outstanding features it offers make it different yet a must to try and be a useful multimeter for the electricians.
Quick Summary
- Auto and manual ranging
- Both auto and manual hold
- Backlit display
- DC voltage accuracy is off 0.2%
- Measures AC/DC voltage to 1000V
- Maximum, minimum, and relatives mode
- Low impedance
- Tests diodes
- Resistance 600Ω / 50MΩ
- AC voltage 600mV / 1000V
- DC voltage 600mV / 1000V
The Kelin electrician tools MM 6000 is durable and uses True RMS multimeter for accurate results.
The Klein MM6000 multimeter is one of the best meters for electricians because of its durable and ergonomic design. It has an easy to grip body and a robust protective hostler.
Moreover, the multimeter’s screen is quite attractive with a LED backlight that ensures work won’t get disturbed regardless of the light quality.
What makes it the best ideal multimeter is its sampling rate, which is three times per second. It means that you can get quick results of the fast-changing values. It is also equipped with bar graph updates that monitor 10x faster with the main display. So, won’t you try this voltage test tools?
- Alligator clips
- Big screen with long backlight
- Offers a wide range of features
- Presence of thermocouple
- Test leads
- Battery life is not reliable.
7. Fluke 115 Compact True RMS- Best Fluke Meter for Industrial Electrician
The Fluke 115 is the perfect choice for beginner electricians, but it’s not the uncomparable multimeter under $100 when it comes to budget.
Quick Summary
- Precise frequncy and voltage measurement for varible speed motor drives and other complex electricial equipment
- Auto-ranging
- Backlit digital display, can view readings on this device easily even in low light conditions
- Diode tester
- CAT III 600 V safety rating
- 4mm
- silicone probe leads 9 volts battery
However, it is durable when it comes to usage, gives accurate results, and versatile.
Fluke 115 is the best fluke multimeter for home electricians if you’re looking for a multimeter for home use. Besides home, it’s also useful for field service engineers, the light industry, and the audio industry.
It functions efficiently like other fluke meters and gives accurate resistance, continuity, capacitance, frequency, and voltage. It can measure up to 6000V AC/DC and continuous amperage up to 10A.
- Auto power-off
- The battery compartment is accessible.
- Compact and stable build quality both inside and outside
- Track signal fluctuations
- True RMS
- Display resolution is a bit disappointing.
- Lacks dedicated milliamp and micro-amp range
- Relatively affordable.
8. Klein Tools MM700- Best Klein Multimeter for Electricians
The Klein tools MM700 is among the best Klein meters for electricians because of its accuracy, features, and reliability.
Quick Summary
- True RMS AC voltage and current for precise readings for non linear measurements
- Measures AC/DC voltage, current to 10A and voltage to 1000V.
- Continuity and diode tests
- Low impedance mode
- x2 AAA batteries
- CAT III 600 V safety rating
- Probe leads
- Thermocouple
They aren’t a formidable competitor of the Fluke meters, but if you want a multimeter within a limited budget, then it is the best cheap device for electricians.
The digital multimeter is designed for both casual and professional work. Being an auto-ranging multimeter, you don’t need to choose the individual ranges while using it. The accuracy, range, and resolution across the test criteria are acceptable.
Moreover, the presence of two fuses makes it a safe choice for use. While using this multimeter, you don’t need to worry about the battery drainage because it has an auto-off feature that automatically switches off the meter when you aren’t measuring. So, will you give it a try?
- Backlit screen
- Pocket friendly
- Alligator clips
- Slow on ranging
9. Amprobe AM-570- Best Digital Multimeter for Electricians
Amprobe AM-570 is the ideal that measures all the standard ranges and regular current, continuity, resistance, and voltage. It is the best ideal multimeter who deal with home issues, vehicles, and advanced electrical systems.
Quick Summary
- Built-in temperature measurements
- Non-contact voltage sensor
- Auto power-off feature to conserve battery
- Both auto and manual ranging
- Data hold display lock
- CAT III 1000V / Cat IV 600 V safety rating
- LED flashlight
Its affordable price makes it a top-pick among other meters. It is easily accessible to electricians mainly because of its price; thus, it is also known as the best multimeter.
The digital device is primarily designed for professionals like HVAC technicians and maintenance engineers. It analyzes complex systems and measures electronic circuitry and three-phase circuits.
Another exciting thing about AM-570 is that it can read both milliamps and microamps, rare and can’t be found in other famous meters. Also, it measures 1000 AC/DC voltage with 10A current.
- Affordable
- Backlit display
- Dual temperature probes
- Build durable and rated for CAT III 1000V or CAT IV 600V
- Voltage detection
- Backlights are temporarily
- Auto-ranging is comparatively slow.
- Short detector range.
10. Fluke 101 Basic- Best Budget Multimeter for Electricians
If you’re looking for a voltage tester for daily use, you should invest in Fluke 101 digital multimeter.
Quick Summary
- Precise frequncy and voltage measurements for varible speed motor drives and other complex electricial equipment
- Durable design
- Lightweight
- CAT III 600V safety rated
- TL75 test leads
- 2xAAA batteries
It offers a variety of extra features making it the best digital multimeter. It is compact yet small in size and weight means that you can easily carry it anywhere.
The 101 digital multimeter is an ideal choice for home and HVAC systems.
If you are a beginner, then you should choose this multimeter. It is accurate, reliable, portable, and you can buy it at a reasonable price.
The digital multimeter is for measuring low voltages. The CAT III rating ensures its safety up to 600V.
The best thing about this multimeter is its auto-off feature that makes sure your batteries don’t get drained before time.
- Accurate and reliable
- Compact
- Pocket friendly
- High-quality design
- Test most range
- Auto-ranging is slow
- Bottom probes cause mishandling.
- No backlit display
Everything You Must Know For Buyer Guide of Best Electrician Multimeter
1. Essential Parts And Basic Functions Of Digital Multimeter
Basic Functions:
A multimeter has several essential functions to perform and among all the vital functions of a digital multimeter are as follows:
- It is used to test the continuity between two ends of an electrical cord. But, for this purpose, you need to switch off the meters’ power supply.
- It’s used to check a motor. If the digital meter shows zero in the display, then it means the continuity of the motor.
- Both AC/DC voltage, current and household current can be measured by using a digital multimeter.
- You can use a digital multimeter to reduce the voltages in the household appliances.
Essential Parts:
A digital multimeter consists of three essential parts. All of them are discussed separately below:
Display Screen:
A digital multimeter has a high-quality built-in design with a big display screen. The primary purpose of this screen is to make reading easy. The display consists of four digits that either starts from zero or one. Also, there are displays for positive and negative readings, while some multimeters have special readings for both AC/DC.
Main Switch
The digital multimeters have a rotary switch, which is for turning on or off the device.
Connectors
Generally, there are two connectors in all digital multimeters. Some selected multimeters have, in fact, three or more connections. The connectors are connected well to flexible and insulated leads. There are three main connectors used in a digital device:
- The black lead is connected to all common connections. It is also known as a negative connector.
- The red lead is used for measurements. Another name for this connector is ohms and frequency connectors.
- The amperage connector is used to measure current. It also has a red probe.
2. Working Principle of Multimeter & Construction
A multimeter mainly consists of a bridge DC amplifier, attenuator, function switch, internal batteries, PMMC meter, and a rectifier. Moreover, the multimeter consists of a permanent magnet that moves in a coil galvanometer. The iron cored coil is pivoted on two jeweled bearings. The coil is further wounded on an aluminum bobbin that is free to move in the magnet field.
There are two spiral springs also joined with the coil both top and on the bottom. It provides a route to control torque and a path for the direct flow of current.
The measuring device measures current, resistance, and voltage, and for this purpose, a galvanometer is converted into an ammeter, ohmmeter, and voltmeter with appropriate circuits fixed in it.
3. 5 reasons everyone should own a multimeter
A multimeter is a tool that is used to measure different electrical units. But, there’s more you can do with a multimeter. Yes! I’m right. With time, when you become more familiar with a multimeter, you come across several reasons why you should have your multimeter—thinking about those reasons? The following mentioned below are five reasons to own a multimeter.
Search for a faulty switch
If you have a light switch and doubt that it is not in good condition, you can use your multimeter to confirm its right state. First, all you need to do is turn off the power switch at the panel and disconnect it from the electrical box’s wiring. Now, use a probe port and switch to the multimeter and dial to resistance mode and turn it on. Isn’t it great that you can do it yourself without calling an electrician?
Check the wall cables before the installation process
The multimeter is a great choice to check if your installed wall cables are working correctly or not. But while using a multimeter, make sure to attach the probes to each end of the wires.
To check the isolated wires
Let’s suppose you’ve finished repairing a broken lamp. Although you have taped the wire with isolation tape, you’re unsure whether the isolation process is strong enough to prevent any electric current. Thus, if you have your multimeter, you can easily and quickly use a multimeter and ensure your safety.
To check car wires
If you notice a lack of voltage from the defective wires, then no need to go to a garage. You can use your multimeter to check which of your car wires aren’t working correctly. Although it is a tedious process, you can identify where the short circuit is coming and prevent any harmful situation.
To check extension chords
If you doubt the integrity of your extension chords, then you can satisfy yourself by testing it with a multimeter of your own. You can do this by setting your multimeter dial in its continuity mode and look for the soundwaves symbol. By turning on the multimeter, you can get your answer that might clear your doubts.
To know more check here
4. Electronics Measurements: What a Multimeter Can Measure?
The multimeter device is a box with a combination of various types of meters. In general, the multimeter has three different types of meters, i.e., ammeter, ohmmeter, and voltmeter in a single device. All three meters are used to measure separate electrical units. Each of them is discussed below:
- Ammeter: It measures current in milliamperes, which is also known as milliamp. mA is the abbreviation for milliamp.
- Ohmmeter: It is used to measure resistance. Resistance means how much current is stopped by a resistor. Well! The resistor is a material that can resist the flow of current. It is measured in ohms units.
- Voltmeter: The difference in electric charges of any two points is referred to as voltage, and a voltmeter measures it.
5. Classification and range of multimeter
A multimeter is classified into three subtypes, i.e., analog multimeter, fluke multimeter, and digital multimeter.
Analog Multimeter
The Analog multimeter is also known as Volt-Ohm-Meter. It is designed using a moving coil meter and a pointer that shows the reading on the scale. The coil meter comprises a coil wound around a drum in between two permanent magnets.
Fluke Multimeter
The fluke multimeters are the best multimeters for electricians brand. They are small, easy to use, portable, and offer various functions, including measuring current, voltage, and test diodes. The measuring tool has multiple sectors to choose the function of your choice.
These multimeters are more famous than Analog multimeters and come with a wide variety of features. However, the prices may vary according to the model number. If you need either for home or professional use, you should invest in fluke multimeters.
Digital Multimeter:
The most advanced and commonly used multimeter is the digital multimeter. It performs all the functions from AC/DC quite efficiently. It consists of an analog to digital converter, an LCD, a knob to choose various electrical characteristics, and an internal circuitry comprising a signal conditioning circuitry.
Moreover, it also has two proofs (positive and negative) with black and red color indication. Like the Fluke multimeter, digital multimeters also come with outstanding features, making them the best multimeters for electricians.
Multimeter based on range selection
Multimeters can further be divided into two types based on range selection, i.e., auto-range and manual range multimeters. Both the multimeters are designed to measure multiple ranges. However, there is no significant difference between the two when it comes to accuracy and functions. However, the only difference lies in the range selection process.
6. What is Auto vs. Manual Ranging: Multimeters
Auto-Ranging Multimeters
These multimeters are in use for a long time, and manufacturers make them more advanced and better for use. These multimeters are simpler and easy to use for an average user than the manual multimeters.
Mostly, the best multimeters for electricians have an auto-ranging feature. It means that when you measure current, resistance, or anything, this feature automatically detects what you want to measure and shows accurate results.
Manual Ranging Multimeters
Again these multimeters are in use even today. These multimeter devices use a rotary switch to choose what you exactly want to measure. Upon choosing, you can test the current, diode, or voltage.
The best thing about these multimeters is its accuracy. It gives more accurate and precise results without any chances of errors.
7. Accessories after the fact: How to get the most from your multimeter
Undoubtedly, complementary accessories can boost the multimeters’ versatility, from changing it from a current meter to a voltage meter and much more.
The key to availing most of your multimeter’s benefits is selecting the appropriate accessories that best fit your multimeter. When choosing your multimeter accessories, the first and foremost important thing is to know your parameters. It means you need to know what you want to measure or test.
For each parameter, i.e., temperature or voltage, various test probes are available; each is designed for a particular type of test environment. Some of the most important considerations include:
- Accuracy
- Contact vs non-contact
- Frequency
- Measuring AC/DC
- Nature of the surface
- Range and response time
- Temperature
- Test leads
- Safety considerations
- Voltage level
Picking the Best Meter for Electricians
It’s been a long wait you all have made to know our final verdict about electricians’ best multimeters for electricians. So, here you go. After reviewing the ten best multimeters based on their performance, features, functions, and price, we have made our choice. Also, we have considered all the negative aspects of all the products before making the final decision.
According to us, if you won’t spend an extra amount of money on the accuracy, then the best multimeter is the Fluke 117 electricians true RMS multimeter.
On the other hand, if you want a cheap and easy going multimeter, our best choice is the Fluke 323 true RMS clamp meter. It’s because of its outstanding functionality, rich set of fractures, and versatility. All the models discussed in our list have good reasons to be called the best multimeter for the electricians, each having their advantages and disadvantages.