Fundamental Considerations When Purchasing Your First Multimeter
If you take pride in engaging in household maintenance task, you properly already own a toolbox that will help you with day-to-day repairs. However, when it comes to checking the voltage in the various circuits in your home or examining if batteries are still functional, your toolbox will be of no use to you. Instead, you need to invest in a multimeter. This tool is highly convenient for homeowners who want to try to repair electrical appliances on their own or want to check the condition of their electrical wiring.
Nonetheless, they are available in a broad array of options, and this can be confusing to newbies purchasing this tool. To help you make an informed decision, here are two fundamental considerations when purchasing your first multimeter.
The range of functionality
Multimeters are not designed the same. Thus, you could choose to buy an affordable option with basic functions or, if you want to make the most of this tool, invest in one of the more versatile options that offer a broad range of functions. To begin narrowing down the options available to you, ensure that the multimeters you are focusing your attention on can test both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). AC is the electricity that you utilise from your outlets whereas DC is the electricity contained in batteries.
Secondly, you should lean towards multimeters that are capable of testing at least the current, resistance or voltage. To ensure that you are buying a multimeter that will provide you with advanced functionality, focus on the digital options that can also test for temperature, capacitance and frequency.
The type of display
Traditional multimeters are characterised by their analogue display, which comprises a needle and dial that looks similar to a speedometer. While this type of display has been around for decades, some individuals find that reading an analogue display is much easier than its digital counterpart, even more so when working outside in the glare of the sun. While you may find it hard to locate this type of display, they are the most affordable option.
New-age multimeters come with digital display, and this offers a couple of advantages. First, you could opt to purchase the multimeters that come with a backlit display as these make it easier for you to read the measurements even when outdoors. Second, some of the digital multimeters come with an automatic screen shut-off feature, which kicks when the multimeter is inactive for several minutes. This feature helps save battery life. You should know that analogue multimeters do not come with the advance functioning mentioned earlier.
Consider these points as you look for a multimeter.