A major consideration when choosing a mulitmeter is its level of accuracy.  There are two components to accuracy in multimeters.  First, on digital models, is the number of digits displayed.  When measuring large values you may find that a few decimal places is sufficient; however, when working with smaller values fewer decimal places equates to a larger margin of error.  The second aspect of accuracy is the margin of error built into the device.  Higher quality models will read more accurately, but this may not be a major concern for your project testing.  A KWIPPED network supplier will have a multimeter available with the right capabilities and probes for your project.

A mulitmeter will have a display, a selection knob, ports, and probes.  The display will be an analog needle or a digital screen with numerical values.  The selection knob is used to choose one of the many functions of the mulitmeter.  The ports allow you to change probes for different uses.  A few examples of probe types are the following: alligator clips, IC hooks, needles, and tweezers.  Sensors can be attached to measure things like light, pH, and relative humidity.  Along with standard voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter capabilities, there are a variety of other options available, such as the ability to read capacitance, conductance, decibels, frequency, or temperature.  New digital models may have to ability to work with your computer and data logging software.

Multimeters use probes to either measure the current and voltage or send current through a portion of the electrical device to test the resistance.  When measuring current and voltage you need to know the amount that should be present when operation is at its optimal level; this will allow you to set the multimeter correctly and get an accurate reading.  You can test the circuit or network in multiple places and may get different readings for each.

Multimeters are instruments designed to measure several electrical characteristics.  The most common measurements are voltage, current, and resistance.  Multimeters are a very useful and convenient tool.  Analog and digital varieties are available.  You may prefer an analog model because it continuously takes measurements or you may prefer the technological upgrades available on digital models.  Multimeters come in a wide range of sizes from portable, hand-held models to large tabletop versions.

• Industry
• Household
• Electrical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Manufacturing

• Agilent
• Amprobe
• Extech
• Fluke
• Innova
• Mastech