Affordable, safe, auto-ranging multimeter for 600V DC measurements - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: iampoor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2018, 11:20:32 am
content: HelloI am looking for some multimeter recommendations.I often work on high voltage vacuum tube circuits, and am looking for an auto-ranging, safe multimeter for this type of work. I am open to benchtop and handheld meters, new and used. I am trying to buy 3-4, and so would like to keep the cost down.My only requirements for this meet are 600V DC range, up to 10M resistance, and a milliamp range. What affordable options are available that are SAFE!?Thank you.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2018, 12:29:25 pm
content: You were going along the right lines untill you mentioned 'a milliamp range' - that opens a black hole of meter safety issues. For voltage measurement safety, the Fluke 101 beats pretty much everything and cheaply - do a forum search.To aremuchsafer measuring the voltage drop across something of known resistance than tying to put the meter in-line to measure current.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2018, 07:31:23 am
content: What about picking up some cheap used Fluke 27/FM? They go as cheap as $30 or $40 and have True RMS and are very solid constructed. I have many myself for the same reasons. They virtually cost the same price as the fuses they come with. No capacitance test but with an ESR, LCR meter it sort of becomes an obsolete function on a multimeter anyway. These are so cheap you can buy spares (like I did) and they also have some decent accessories that you can pick up with them, such as a 6kV or 40kV high voltage probe and current clamp etc.

author: coromonadalix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2018, 10:30:39 am
content: For current measurements past 300 volts ac or dc, i always use an precision resistor shunt, to replace the one in the meterMeaning : I always use the meter in volts, never in current past 300v, i dont want to have any high voltages current spikes, even at low amps, milli amps etc... never blown fuses, and never had any problem with lesser good brands.BUTThere is a limit with inferior brands too, cheap doesn't mean safe and secure ... search for the highest Cat III voltages meterFluke 27, 28 series, 1000v cat IIIFluke 83 85 87 series at 1000v catIII would be my first choices 20,000 count display is very practicalFluke 101 is good too, but stated 600v catIII

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 08, 2018, 01:38:16 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on August 08, 2018, 07:31:23 amI bought mine a couple of years ago for $65 USD including a hard case, 6kV probe and some crappy test leads. It's also a multitasker as it can serve as a blunt force trauma weapon. Looks like the best price on evilBay is $38 with $13.15 shipping.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2018, 04:24:27 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on August 08, 2018, 01:38:16 pmYeah the original leads would be a bit outdated, I brought some new ones. But if you're buying multiples it's worth a pack of leads anyway, plus you save a bit of money. Adjusted for inflation since 1988 the Fluke 27/FM would be $958 today.