7 Best Digital Multimeters [2020 Review] | Home Remodeling Contractors

Parts of a Digital Multimeter

(Note that we used the Fluke 115 True-RMS Digital Multimeter in this illustration. The position of the settings, as well as the number and variety of functions, may differ on other brands and models.)

1. Digital display. In some models, only the parameters are displayed on the screen. Other models, on the other hand, also display other data, such as a bar graph and warnings when the input is too high for your selected range.

2. A ‘V’ with a squiggly (~) line above or next to it is the symbol of alternating current or AC. Turn the rotary switch to this symbol if you want to measure alternating current or AC voltage.

3. If you want to measure direct current (DC) voltage, turn the rotary switch to the setting printed with a ‘V’ with a solid or dashed line above or next to it. This setting is used to measure a battery’s voltage or check if it’s still usable. 

4. This setting is for millivolts for AC. Press the Shift (yellow) button to switch from millivolts for AC to millivolts for DC.

5. Ohmmeter setting. This setting is symbolized by a (Ω) and used to measure the resistance of a device.

6. Continuity beeper. Turn the rotary knob to this setting if you want to check if current passes through an electric circuit. You can use it to check if the switches are working as they should or if the conductor you’re testing is shorted.

7. Diode setting. You can use this setting to test diodes. In this model, use the Shift button to switch to Capacitometer mode.  

      8 and 9. Frequency settings. These modes are used to measure AC (symbolized by an ‘A’ with a squiggly line) and DC (symbolized by an ‘A’ with a solid dash) frequency.

10. Current or input terminal. Plug in the red test lead into this terminal to measure alternating current and direct current (up to 10 A in this model).

11. Common terminal. This terminal is used for all measurements. This is where you plug in the black test lead.

12. Frequency, resistance, and voltage terminal. It can also be used to check continuity, capacitance, as well as for testing diodes.

13. Backlight. Push this button to turn the backlight on or to turn it off.

14. Test leads and probes.

Digital Multimeter Buying Guide

Manual Versus Auto-ranging Multimeters

With a manual digital multimeter, you have to find a range that is higher than the value you are trying to find. Let’s say that you’re trying to find the actual voltage of a 3.8V lithium-ion battery. You have to turn the dial to DC (or Bat/Batt/Battery Load in some newer multimeters) and set the dial specifically to 6 V, 9 V, or 10 V to check the voltage. Set the dial to a lower value than the battery’s voltage (1.5V or 2.5V), and you’ll get a faulty reading.

But with an auto-ranging digital multimeter, you only need to set the dial to DC, and you will automatically get the parameter. You don’t have to know the specific range of value to get the right reading. Auto-ranging multimeters are a bit pricier than manual ranging digital multimeters, but they’re easier to use and can save you time while working.

Multimeter Features

The most basic digital multimeters can measure voltage, amperage, capacitance, and resistance. Newer models can even test continuity, diode, and transistor. Some intelligent multimeters can produce a bar graph on the screen, measure temperature with a special probe, as well as have an RS-232 PC interface.

Multimeter Display

There are electricians today who still prefer to use analog multimeters because of their responsiveness. But there are instances when analog multimeters are difficult to read, especially if you work in low-light conditions or if you have poor eyesight. Accuracy can also be an issue with analog multimeters as they cannot give out readings down to tenths and hundredths.

Digital multimeters, on the other hand, are easier to read. All you have to do is probe the battery or the outlet, and its large display will automatically give you a reading. It can provide parameters down to four decimal places. 

Digital multimeters allow you to identify polarity. Let’s say that you’ve set the probes into opposite polarities. It won’t damage the multimeter, but it will automatically give you a negative reading. 

Choose a digital multimeter with a large and easy-to-read display. If you can afford it, choose one with a backlight. Your eyes are going to thank you for it especially if you’re working in poorly lit areas, such as basements and attics.

Check out this video for a comprehensive guide on how to use a digital multimeter.

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