Multimeter professional: specifications and reviews

The presence of a multimeter in the arsenal of master-wizard tools or the electrician is not an optional addition, but an indispensable condition for ensuring effective work. This device belongs to multifunctional measuring instruments, allowing to determine several characteristics of an electrical circuit. The versatility and high quality of measurement are distinguished by a professional multimeter, the handling of which, however, requires some preparation. With the help of such a device it is possible not only to measure the current with the voltage, but also to determine the location of the laying of the hidden line.

What is the difference between professional models and conventional ones?

The boundary between professional and home measuring equipment is leveled in many parameters. On the one hand, models for specialists become more compact, more ergonomic and more convenient in physical circulation, which brings them closer to household appliances. On the other hand, both conventional devices are equipped with new functionality, and also offer a wider range of measurement operations.

Nevertheless, the question of how a professional multimeter differs from conventional modifications is largely determined by the purpose itself. For example, for laboratories and service centers, stationary devices often differing in multi-digit indication. But this segment is still specific and narrow. Specialists-generalists mainly use portable versions. Unlike household multimeters, such devices are provided and a number of special options. In particular, a professional device can automatically select search ranges, perform calibration and, in general, provide more efficient measurement technological processes.

Main characteristics

The key performance feature is the already marked search range. This is a measurement spectrum, within which the apparatus will be able to determine one or another indicator of the circuit. Thus, professional models allow the current to be fixed in values from 0.1 μA to 10 A. Further it is important to take into account the resolving power, which is expressed in the multimeter's capacity. For convenience of search of the necessary value the user switches bits depending on current tasks. Regardless of the model, any multimeter is characterized by professional and high-precision measurements. To estimate this indicator, the error value is used. In the case of electrical apparatus, it averages from 0.025 to 3%. For comparison, cheap household appliances in some versions allow deviations of 10%, which, of course, does not suit the master who performs complicated and responsible electrical installation operations.

Varieties of the device

Until recently, one of the most noticeable signs of the allocation of professional multimeters was expressed in belonging to the segment of digital devices. Models with LCD screens quickly won the confidence of users due to high measurement accuracy, easy operation and stylish design. Today, among digital devices are often found and household models. At the same time, analog versions do not leave the market either. Although they lose to digital models in accuracy, but they are cheaper. Separate these devices and for their intended purpose. Today, a multimeter is very common in the automotive professional, which is used in assessing the characteristics of the on-board network. Even more popular was the universal multimeter-tester, equipped with current clamps. It is easy to handle, as it saves the user from performing auxiliary actions during maintenance of the work site.

Comments about the model CEM DT 916N

Typical representative of an inexpensive multimeter with a filling designed for professional use. According to the owners, the model allows to qualitatively perform the continuity of the circuits testing the actions, as well as fix the main quantities, among which voltage and current strength. Although the professional DT 916N multimeter can not be attributed to high-precision representatives of the segment, skilful handling of settings on ranges before work significantly increases the chances of obtaining reliable information. Along with this, many users of the model mark a very worthy bundle. The device is supplemented with measuring probes and thermocouple. At the same time, the modification is inexpensive, which could not but affect the performance in the negative direction. For example, there are complaints about the branded case, which under severe conditions of use does not guarantee the physical protection of sensitive fillings.

Comments about Fluke 179 model

If the previous version can be attributed to professional multimeters with some reservations, Fluke company with its modification 179 demonstrates an example of a full-fledged high-precision device for specialists. This is confirmed by the practice of exploitation. Even experienced electricians note that the device effectively works with determining the capacitance, frequency, voltage and current in the circuit. In addition, the multimeter professional from Fluke allows you to ring the line, analyze the state of the transition areas, check the diodes, etc. But this model also has a serious drawback. On the Russian market, it is available for 17-18 thousand rubles. This is a serious amount even for a professional instrument, but it justifies the functional and sufficiently high accuracy of measurements.

Reviews of the MAS838H from Mastech

If you want to get a wide functionality, while giving the device a minimum amount of money, it makes sense to refer to Chinese products. Under the brand name Mastech, inexpensive, but quite professional in its capabilities, are produced. The technical characteristics of the model MAS838H are similar in many respects to the technique of Fluke, which, again, is confirmed by the users themselves. Even to the indicators of error, there are no special complaints. But there are also critical reviews that receive multimeters Mastech. The professional qualities of this model in terms of measurements can satisfy the specialist, but the quality of the device itself is questionable. The harshness of the case and the unreliability of the batteries are only part of the negative feedback addressed to this device.

Reviews of the model Testo 760

We can say that this is a multimeter that is balanced in all respects, which is suitable for users with different requests. As for the measurement capabilities themselves, they are medium-sized by professional standards, but supported by a minimum error. Users also point out the wide spectra of values that can be measured for different parameters and the presence of additional functions. Together with this professional multimeters, the digital marks of Testo are mostly distinguished by a well thought out structural implementation. The device was not an exception in the modification of the 760. The model is equipped with a dustproof and waterproof housing, therefore, electricians working in difficult conditions on construction sites, flatteringly speak about its operational properties.

How to choose the right multimeter?

To begin with, it is necessary to outline the range of tasks that the device will have to perform. This can be a narrow range of functions - for example, the determination of the same current with voltage, and a wide range of actions involving the fixation of capacitance and frequency in a particular electrical circuit. Then you can proceed to the selection of the optimal form factor. For example, for production facilities, a stationary electrical tester is often chosen . The multimeter is a professional pocket type suitable for visiting specialists working at different sites. The choice of performance depends entirely on the specific requests, but most modern models even in the basic versions offer fairly wide measuring ranges, so it will be difficult to miscalculate in this criterion.

Recommendations for use

Immediately before work, you should evaluate the state of the multimeter. Verifies the correct display of the display, the location and suitability of the batteries, as well as the appearance of the case. After that, the mode of operation is adjusted - manual or automatic. It is advisable to use a professional multimeter in the automatic mode - it is not only convenient, but also justified from the point of view of obtaining accurate indications. Using the working parts of the device, it is necessary to ensure a tight contact with the electrical circuit, after which you can monitor the readings. When the data logging is completed, you can turn off the device. By the way, in the automatic mode the device can be switched off automatically without user intervention after 15-20 minutes of downtime.

Conclusion

Evaluating the performance of the multimeter, one can face the question of whether it should be used as an alternative to special measuring instruments. After all, in fact, it repeats the functions of the ammeter, ohmmeter and voltmeter, and in some cases noticeably losing them in accuracy. What is the professional tester-multimeter that justifies itself? First of all, its multifunctionality. If you need a comprehensive survey of the object for the state of the electricity network, then a more convenient device simply does not exist. Using the same ammeters and voltmeters separately will be more troublesome, which often leads to errors in the process of recording data. Another advantage of multimeters is the economic benefit. Still, one multifunctional device is always cheaper than several specialized devices.