Recommend me a quality multimeter for under $100

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Lifer
Apr 6, 2002
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Posted this in the NEF thread, but no one is responding. My trusty multimeter died yesterday after 15 years of reliable service. I don't use it a lot, but it's nice to have when I'm troubleshooting an electronics issue. I'm not a professional so I don't need a Fluke.

I've had this Extech for over 15 years. It's done everything I've needed it for. It was reliable, accurate and well built. So, I'm looking for a replacement. I may buy another Extech. Klein is another brand I'm familiar with.

What does everyone else use? Any models that you recommend?

IMG_20170526_233129_zps78ezjy5i.jpg
 
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lakedude

Platinum Member
Mar 14, 2009
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I guess Fluke is the gold standard but they are a little high. The leads on a Fluke are of noticeably better quality and the rubber surround makes them all but indestructible. That said I don't really love my new Fluke. The leads are too big, and too heavy, especially when you convert the points to clips. It is better to just have a set of short clips than the ridiculous long probe converted to a clip.

Of course you can always buy leads separately...

My work has a crazy rule that a meter must be replaced or calibrated every year and buying new meters is cheaper than having one professionally calibrated. This being the case I've had several meters over the years and honestly my favorite has been an inexpensive Extech. The numbers are large and it came with several sets of leads instead of the ridiculous convertible Fluke leads. The Extech lead quality is inferior to the Fluke but in practice it does not matter so much. The Extech is also not nearly as durable as the Fluke so if you are going to be dropping it a lot you might get a rubber coated meter, like a Fluke.

Are you looking for any special features? We are mostly measuring 120/208 AC, 5, 12, 24, and 48VDC and checking for continuity.
 
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Lifer
Apr 6, 2002
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lakedude said:
The Extech EX320 with autorange and large display is about $40 at Amazon...https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EX27PE

The 330 is a bit more.

Other meters are getting higher ratings on Amazon but I can't speak from experience on any of these...


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071DV9PXK
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072BH3T43
Click to expand...

What Extech model do you have? I was thinking about the 330. Looks like it has a rubber boot that covers all but the front. Just like my MiniTec 26.
 
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lakedude

Platinum Member
Mar 14, 2009
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I've got the cheap little MN15A which I didn't suggest because it is not auto-ranging and is not rubber coated. The 330 looks nice but it does get a few complaints in the ratings.

I've had a few Flukes and even have a Simpson 260. I can pretty much make due with any of them. For the money these $20 to $50 meters can't be beat IMHO.

They let us take the meters home after they no longer meet the requirements so I've got several just laying around.
 
Thebobo

Thebobo

Lifer
Jun 19, 2006
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For your money Extech EX330 but did you look into fixing it? Did it suddenly stop working? did you blow it up? does it have the burnt electronics smell? Did you open it up and check for any kind corrosion on the contacts, loose wires etc. Battery lol?

Digital Multimeter Troubleshooting and Repair
 
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Lifer
Apr 6, 2002
40,902
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146
Thebobo said:
For your money Extech EX330 but did you look into fixing it? Did it suddenly stop working? did you blow it up? does it have the burnt electronics smell? You check for any kind corrosion on the contacts, loose wires etc. Battery lol?
Click to expand...

Yes. I did take the time to troubleshoot it. The fuses were intact. Replaced the batteries with new ones. Dead. Bummer.
 
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Rifter

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,522
751
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illsee if i can dig up my ebay seller and if he still has them, got it out of taiwan for $95 3 years ago.
 
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Rifter

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,522
751
126
bigboxes said:
I'm sold as long as I can get it for $100. Ebay has it for $135. Please provide me with a link for the device for $100.
Click to expand...

Looks like prices have gone up, the ebay seller listing for $135 is the same one i purchased from 3 years ago.

At the time the Bryman was going for $95 and the Greenlee DM-510A(retail version of brymen, brymen is OEM version) was going for $130. Now it looks like the brymen is up to $135 and the greenlee is up to $150-160.

Still worth the price IMO
 
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Lifer
Apr 6, 2002
40,902
12,304
146
Rifter said:
Looks like prices have gone up, the ebay seller listing for $135 is the same one i purchased from 3 years ago.

At the time the Bryman was going for $95 and the Greenlee DM-510A(retail version of brymen, brymen is OEM version) was going for $130. Now it looks like the brymen is up to $135 and the greenlee is up to $150-160.

Still worth the price IMO
Click to expand...

I'm sure it's a great unit for the price. Having trouble justifying for something I rarely use. I have a dedicated power supply tester. Just want to be able to do basic electronics troubleshooting, computer, auto, household. Well, I'm not pulling the trigger yet. Probably within the next month or two. Time to think and make a educated decision. Got to keep my heart out of this one or I would overspend. LOL
 
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lakedude

Platinum Member
Mar 14, 2009
2,778
528
126
How about this one $73.55?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AIUCPM2

Extech EX355?
features
 6000 count (EX355) or 4000 count (EX350) digital display
 Large backlit LED display
 True RMS ACV measurements
 Variable Frequency Voltage measurements
 Lo Z mode protects readings from ghost voltages
 Auto and Manual Range modes
 0.5% DCV accuracy
 Auto Power OFF (APO) with disable function
 Temperature measurements (Model EX355 only) with included temperature probe
 10A AC/DC current measurements
 Non‐Contact Voltage Detector
 Visual and audible continuity measurement alert
 Low battery indicator
 CAT III 600V


What exactly does this Bryman @ $135 do that can't be done with a cheaper meter, especially the $73.55 EX355? I'm not doubting it is a good meter, only doubting the need for it.

If we are being completely truthful I'd never have a Fluke if work didn't pay for them (jeez I've got a $300 Fluke 77, never knew how expensive they were till today). Honestly I'd have trouble paying much over the $40 for the Extech EX320 if it were my money.

The EX350 @ $63.99 looks decent as well:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AIUCNOW
 
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kolab

Junior Member
May 24, 2017
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bigboxes said:
Posted this in the NEF thread, but no one is responding. My trusty multimeter died yesterday after 15 years of reliable service. I don't use it a lot, but it's nice to have when I'm troubleshooting an electronics issue. I'm not a professional so I don't need a Fluke.

I've had this Extech for over 15 years. It's done everything I've needed it for. It was reliable, accurate and well built. So, I'm looking for a replacement. I may buy another Extech. Klein is another brand I'm familiar with.

What does everyone else use? Any models that you recommend?

IMG_20170526_233129_zps78ezjy5i.jpg
Click to expand...
You can find them in Amazon. After doing some research I found this one INNOVA 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter, its price is less than 100$. Anyway, you need to make decision by your preference.
 
bigboxes

bigboxes

Lifer
Apr 6, 2002
40,902
12,304
146
12K nerds on this board and a handful of recommendations. Don't tell me that everyone on AT uses a Fluke at home, Drako not included.
 
Thebobo

Thebobo

Lifer
Jun 19, 2006
18,574
7,672
136
I do. Its some twenty years old but still works. Oh and you can spin the dial all the around now..
 
disappoint

disappoint

Lifer
Dec 7, 2009
10,132
382
126
I like my UNI-T UT61E 22,000 count DMM. It's inexpensive and is unbeatable bang for the buck IMHO. I think I paid $50 years ago. It may have gone up slightly in price since then but it's still well under $100 which meets your criteria.

The pic below is from Part 4 of Martin Lorton's review, torture test and calibration. You can see how to calibrate it yourself so that you can be confident in it's accuracy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9n0scdsung

maxresdefault.jpg
 
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RLGL

Platinum Member
Jan 8, 2013
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Fluke.... good stuff. Used them for 30 years. I have had 2 of them. One met its demise when it came into contact with an electric fence, my fault not the product.
 
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sdifox

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
98,853
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RLGL said:
Fluke.... good stuff. Used them for 30 years. I have had 2 of them. One met its demise when it came into contact with an electric fence, my fault not the product.
Click to expand...


Inquiring mind wants to know what you were doing with a multimeter and an electrified fence.
 
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