A few decades ago, masters who had to work with electricity could not imagine life without such useful devices as an ohmmeter, voltmeter and ammeter. Today they were replaced by a multimeter. The latter is a universal device for testing the parameters of a wide variety of electrical appliances and networks. Let's find out which multimeter to choose for home and car, consider the purpose of devices in this category, their functionality.
What parameters does the multimeter measure?
Using this device you can test:
- direct and alternating voltage;
- capacitance of capacitors;
- temperature in various parts of the electrical circuit;
- operability of transistors and diodes;
- coil inductance;
- direct and alternating current.
Types of Multimeters
Before figuring out how to choose a good multimeter, you need to consider the types of such devices. Currently, electronic and analog devices are available to masters. Consider their features in order.
In analog instruments, all measurements are displayed on a graphical scale by moving the arrow relative to the divisions. It contains graduations, each of which corresponds to a particular indicator. The main drawback of this principle is the relative inaccuracy of the testimony. Even in a high-quality analog multimeter, the arrow oscillates slightly to the sides, which leads to some distortion of the data. Naturally, if the master needs to fix only general values, such a device will do for him. In general, analog devices are almost obsolete, so they are rarely used today.
When wondering which multimeter to choose, experienced craftsmen pay attention primarily to electronic devices. All data here is generated on a digital display. The reproducible readings are accurate and easy to read. Most electronic devices are characterized by wide functionality.
What points should you 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;
- bit depth measurements;
- device power;
- number of displays.
Next, we will 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 parameter values that are to be measured. The choice of a multimeter, based on a range of indicators, depends on the intended scope of operation of the device. If it is planned to use it to perform work in domestic conditions, in this case it is enough to opt for a device with a relatively modest measurement range. 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 highest quality electronic devices do not allow you to get absolutely accurate measurements. There is always a slight error, which in individual devices can vary in the range from 0.02 to 3%. Determining how to choose a tester-multimeter, you should pay considerable attention to the existing deviation.
If a measuring device is purchased to track electronics, it is recommended that you pay attention to models with the smallest margin of error. As for the domestic use of the tester, a device with a certain deviation of indicators from real parameters will fit here.
Capacity
The essence of the parameter is how accurate the readings can be displayed on the screen of the measuring device. For example, the bulk of household multimeters has 2.5-bit digital displays, which display values whose accuracy reaches hundredths after a decimal point. At the same time, 3.5-bit devices display values on the screen in thousandths.
Trying to figure out how to choose a multimeter based on the bit parameter, you should pay attention to the value of the existing error. If it is impressive, even the possibility of obtaining thousandths of the values on the display will not matter, since the information will be false.
Nutrition
Multimeters are stand-alone devices. Most of them are powered by ordinary batteries. The power source is absolutely sufficient to ensure long-term operation of the tester if necessary to perform household measurements. However, if the multimeter is used for industrial purposes, this will not be enough. In this case, you will have to opt for a tester that is equipped with a capacitive battery.
Number of displays
Pay attention to the presented characteristic should be the masters who are in search of a tester for its use in an industrial environment or for working with complex radio electronics. You can select a car multimeter to perform measurements in normal domestic conditions with a single display. The presence of several digital screens will be convenient for specialists who, on duty, have to carry out a whole host of different measurements.
Browse Popular Models
How to choose a multimeter for cars and homes? There are several common examples of fairly functional, easy-to-use testers that are suitable for these purposes:
- ADD8055 - The model of the multimeter is designed specifically for measuring battery performance. Using it, you can also monitor the operating parameters of engines during cold start, receive data from various sections of electrical circuits.
- ADD280 - the device is used to diagnose blocks of glow plugs in diesel engines. The operation of the device makes it possible to identify interruptions in sparking in such systems.
- ADD3055 - a diagnostic tester for the study of control units of various sensors, electrical systems of vehicles. This model of a multimeter has gained widespread distribution in service centers for servicing vehicles.
- ADD8630 - suitable for assessing the technical condition of car starters, alternators, batteries. Such a tester contains a functional unit in the form of a printer, with which you can display the received information on paper.
- ADD91 is a multifunctional measuring complex widely used by automobile electricians and mechanics. It contains a backlit display and is able to simulate signals that reproduce various sensors.
Useful Tips
To finally decide which multimeter to choose for a car and the implementation of domestic tasks, it is worth taking into account several recommendations.
When assembling the vast majority of electronic testers, reliable chips are used. Therefore, paying special attention to the filling of the device is not necessary. But the appearance of the device does matter. To begin with, it is recommended to evaluate the build quality. The constituent parts of the housing must be securely connected. The absence of gaps, dangling parts and their parts is also welcome.
How to choose a multimeter for use at home? In this case, an ordinary plastic tester will do. As for specialists, the latter should focus on buying a device whose internal filling is enclosed in a sealed shockproof case. When operating the multimeter in the industrial field, it is desirable that the shell of the device does not allow dust and moisture to pass through.
Determining which multimeter to choose for the car and home, you should pay attention to the switches. If these structural elements are made of low-quality plastic, the likelihood that they will hopelessly loose in the first months of operation of the device increases. As a result, tracking the required indicators will be extremely difficult. Therefore, it is worth giving preference to multimeters with reliable, preferably metal switches.
To understand how to choose a multimeter that will be convenient in everyday use, you need to place several interesting models in your palm in turn. It is better to give preference to a device that will comfortably lie in your hand.
Existing wires should have a good cross-section. This is important when you need to perform measurements with large values.
It is advisable that the ends of the probes be well pointed. In this case, there will be absolutely no problems if it is necessary to connect the contacts to the smallest points of the electrical circuit.
Finally
So we looked at how to choose a multimeter. In the end, it is worth noting only that if you need to perform simple measurements, for example, checking the battery charge 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 multifunctional device.