Recommendations for a general-purpose Digital Multimeter?

[John Vine]

Up till now, received wisdom suggested the Draper 60692.  Indeed, I have two of these already.  But it's now discontinued, and I need a replacement.  A possibility would be the Draper 41818, which has the added bonus of a temperature probe.

Any thoughts or recommendations, please?

JV

 

[Jonathan Kay]

My current recommendation is that Draper 41818.

Jonathan

[John Vine]

Thanks, Jonathan, and in two minutes flat!

JV

[7 wonders of the world]

https://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-mas830b-digital-multimeter-600v/75337?tc=JA8&ds_kid=92700055262507126&ds_rl=1244066&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3prtlLjm6wIVT-vtCh190glpEAQYASABEgJZzPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[aerobod - near CYYC]

If you want something that is both robust and accurate and use the meter a lot, Fluke is probably the best brand to buy, but you do pay a premium for their meters. https://uk.rs-online.com/web/b/fluke/

I've dropped mine on to concrete a few times with no ill effect.

[garybee]

For general automotive use this takes some beating:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNI-T-DIGITAL-UT210E-100Amp-600V-AC-DC-CLAMP-METER-Multimeter-True-RMS-VFC-diode/283882488770?hash=item4218b703c2:g:CWgAAOSwXHhdkA1E

It incorporates a 'low amp' DC clamp meter which is very handy for fault finding parasitic current draws.  Also has audible continuity test and voltage measurement.  These are a steal at £30.

[Shropshire AR]

Auto-ranging meters save a lot of hassle 

[Guy Lowe]

What he said, auto-ranging is a must .

[garybee]

Not a fan myself, too easy to miss that it's changed its units when you're upside down in a footwell trying to keep a contact on the probe tip.  If two meters were otherwise identical I'd avoid the auto ranging one.

Personal preference of course.

 

[Wrightpayne]

I like 7WOWs recommendation - 25% off at the moment - at 7.50 worth having in the car just in case!

Off to screwfix!!

[garybee]

No audible continuity tester on that one.  That is a feature that's a real pain if absent.

[Wrightpayne]

I've been trained to use resistance as a circuit / continuity tester

[John Vine]

Thanks for all the advice, chaps.  Most helpful.

I've opted for the Draper as it has all the functions I'm familiar with, including a continuity buzzer.  Also, I quite fancy a temperature probe as I don't already have such a device (other than my fingertip*).

* Works surprisingly well for distinguishing < and > 60C, as my chemistry lecturer often pointed out.  But not so good on hot primaries.

JV

[aerobod - near CYYC]

An infrared thermometer for £25 or so is a good addition to the toolkit to measure primary temp, etc.

[John Vine]

Re #14:

Do you think the Draper probe would do the job?

JV

[aerobod - near CYYC]

I would say this Draper IR thermometer would do it, better to use non-contact methods with the hotter components on a car, in my opinion: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-15101-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B01NAXHYTS

[Mark w]

They sell these infrared thermometers in Lidl from time to time . Less than £20 

[John Vine]

Thanks, James.   I'm treating the temp probe as a bonus feature.  I'll see how good/bad it is, and then go for an IR device if needed.

JV

[7 wonders of the world]

I was looking at this one acouple of nights ago

https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/electrical-diagnostics/laser-infrared-laser-thermometer---digital-208382.html

£27 after club discount too.