How to choose a multimeter for home and car

A few decades ago, masters who had to work with electricity could not imagine life without such useful devices as an ohmmeter, a voltmeter and an ammeter. Today, a multimeter came to replace them. The latter is a universal device for testing the parameters of a variety of electrical appliances and networks. Let's find out which multimeter to choose for the house and the car, consider the purpose of devices of this category, their functionality.

What parameters does the multimeter measure?

With the help of this device you can test:

• Constant and alternating voltage;
• Capacitance of capacitors;
• Temperature at various parts of the electrical circuit;
• Working capacity of transistors and diodes;
• Inductance of coils;
• Constant and alternating current.

Types of multimeters

Before you figure out how to choose a good multimeter, you need to consider the types of such devices. Currently, masters are available electronic and analog devices. Let us consider their features in order.

In analog instruments, all measurements are displayed on the graph scale by moving the arrows relative to the divisions. Here are the gradations, each of which corresponds to one or another indicator. The main drawback of this principle is the relative inaccuracy of the testimony. Even in a qualitative analog multimeter, the arrow slightly fluctuates sideways, which leads to some distortion of the data. Naturally, if the master needs fixation of only general values, such an instrument will do for him. In general, analog devices have almost outlived themselves, so they are used very rarely today.

Asking which multimeter to choose, experienced masters pay attention primarily to electronic devices. All data here is generated on a digital display. The reproducible readings are accurate and convenient for perception. Most electronic devices are characterized by wide functionality.

What points should I pay attention to when buying a multimeter?

There are a number of defining characteristics that should be considered when choosing a measuring device :

• Range of indicators;
• error;
• The number of measurements;
• Powering the device;
• Number of displays.

Next, consider how to choose a multimeter, focusing on the specified parameters.

Range of indicators

The presented characteristic indicates the maximum and minimum limit of the values of the parameters that are to be measured. The choice of the multimeter, based on the range of indicators, depends on the intended scope of the device. If it is planned to be used for work in domestic conditions, in this case it is sufficient to stop the selection on the device with a relatively modest range of measurements. As for industrial applications, it is better to give preference to a multimeter with the widest possible range of each required parameter.

Error

Even the best quality electronic devices do not allow to obtain absolutely accurate measurements. There is always an insignificant error, which in individual instruments can vary from 0.02 to 3%. Determining how to choose a tester-multimeter, it is necessary to give considerable importance to the existing deviation.

If the measuring device is purchased for monitoring the indicators of radio electronics, it is recommended to pay attention to the models with the slightest error. As for the household use of the tester, a device with a certain deviation from the real parameters will fit here.

Bit depth

The essence of the parameter is how accurate the readings can be displayed on the screen of the measuring device. For example, the main mass of household multimeters has 2.5-digit digital displays, which display values, the accuracy of which reaches hundredths after the decimal point. At the same time, 3.5-bit devices display values on the screen with thousandths.

Trying to figure out how to choose a multimeter, based on the bit factor, it is worth paying attention to the value of the existing error. If it is impressive, even the possibility of obtaining a thousandth of the values on the display will not matter, since the information will be unreliable.

Food

Multimeters are self-contained instruments. Most of them function from ordinary batteries. The power source is absolutely sufficient to ensure a long-term operation of the tester when it is necessary to perform household measurements. However, if the multimeter is used for industrial purposes, this will not be enough. In this case, you have to stop the selection on the tester, which is equipped with a capacitive battery.

Number of Displays

To pay attention to the presented characteristic follows to the masters who are in search of the tester for its use in the industrial environment or for work with complex radio electronics. You can select a car multimeter for measurements in normal household conditions with a single display. The presence of several digital screens will be convenient for professionals who have to perform a lot of different measurements on the basis of their service.

Browse popular models

How to choose a multimeter for car and home? There are several common examples of fairly functional, easy-to-use testers that are suitable for these purposes:

1. ADD8055 - the model of the multimeter was developed specially for measuring the indicators of storage batteries. With it, you can also monitor the operating parameters of the engines during cold start, obtain data from various sections of electrical circuits.
2. ADD280 - the device is used to diagnose glow plug blocks in diesel engines. The operation of the device makes it possible to detect faults in sparking in such systems.
3. ADD3055 - diagnostic tester for the study of control units of all kinds of sensors, electrical systems of cars. The widest distribution of this model of the multimeter acquired in service centers for the maintenance of vehicles.
4. ADD8630 - suitable for assessing the technical condition of automobile starters, generators, batteries. Such a tester contains a functional unit in the form of a printer, through which you can display the information received on paper.
5. ADD91 is a multifunctional measuring system widely used by automotive electricians and mechanics. It contains an illuminated display and is able to simulate signals that reproduce various sensors.

Helpful Tips

To finally determine which multimeter to choose for the car and the implementation of household tasks, it is worth taking into account several recommendations.

When assembling an absolute majority of electronic testers, reliable chips are used. Therefore, pay special attention to the filling of the device is not necessary. But the appearance of the device is important. To begin with, it is recommended to evaluate the build quality. The component parts of the housing must be securely connected. Also welcome is the absence of gaps, loose parts and parts.

How to choose a multimeter for home use? In this case, a conventional plastic tester will work. As for experts, the last one is to focus on the purchase of the device, the internal filling of which is enclosed in a sealed, shockproof case. When operating a multimeter in the industrial sphere, it is desirable that the shell of the device does not let in dust and moisture.

Determining which multimeter to choose for the car and home, pay attention to the switches. If these structural elements are made of poor-quality plastic, the likelihood that they will hopelessly loosen up during the first months of operation of the device is increased. As a result, tracking the required indicators will be extremely difficult. Therefore, it is worthwhile to give preference to multimeters with reliable, preferably metal switches.

To understand how to choose a multimeter that will be convenient in daily operation, you need to alternately place a few interesting models in the palm of your hand. It is better to give preference to the device, which will be comfortable to lie in the hand.

Available wires must have a good cross section. This is important in cases where measurements with large values are to be performed.

It is desirable that the end of the styli are well sharpened. In this case, there will be absolutely no problems if you need to connect the contacts to the smallest points of the electrical circuit.

Finally

So we looked at how to choose a multimeter. Finally, it is worth noting only that if you need to perform simple measurements, such as checking the charge of batteries or testing the operation of fuses, it is better to look at relatively inexpensive testers. If the plans include the implementation of more complex tasks, you should consider buying a truly multi-functional device.