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Old 20th September 2021, 11:42   #1
DRWMGTF
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Default Multimeters

Afternoon All,
I have one or two electrical problems on my car and I would like to buy a multi meter to try and identify and resolve the problems.
I know nothing about multimeters so I am looking for suggestions/recommendations.
Thanks for your help.
Regards David
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Old 20th September 2021, 12:20   #2
MSS
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Multimeters are a bit like torque wrenches.

For occasional fault finding on a car, this will suffice.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201073986...Cclp%3A2047675

The leads will be more plastic than rubber coated and will break in 2 years time. But its reasonable enough to keep in the toolbox.

If you want one that is highly accurate and will last 25+ years, a Fluke handheld such as this is one to go for.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/multimeters/6161460

There is a whole range in between.
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Old 20th September 2021, 12:21   #3
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Hello David,

Go for an uncomplicated model. For basic car fault-finding all you will need is:
  • A 20v DC range
  • A low resistance range, for example 200Ω or below.

You're less likely to need DC current but even meters costing as little as £6.99 come with a 10 amp range. Eliminate any which cannot read above 200mA.

If you'd like to expand upon the electrical problems you wish to tackle, I might be able to advise further.

Simon
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Old 20th September 2021, 12:54   #4
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Hi

Just a bit of suggestion - from the wise

I bought a cheapo one when Maplins were shutting down. It's worked fine but in the last year it's started to "play up" to the point where I was getting some very odd readings. Which is fine if you can recognise that they're weird readings.

My neighbour has a RS components Fluke meter that he's had for years (decades ) and it's incredibly easy to use. After a quick probe on the same cables he simply said "I don't trust your meter" which was totally accurate.

So I reckon some quality advise on exactly which meter to get (given a budget - obviously) would be very worthwhile.

You definitely don't want some unbranded, unknown cheapo that lasts about as long as some of our unbranded, unknown drop links . Electrical gremlins are bad enough without adding an unreliable test meter into the mix.
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Last edited by AndyN01; 20th September 2021 at 12:58..
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Old 20th September 2021, 13:12   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MSS View Post
Multimeters are a bit like torque wrenches.

For occasional fault finding on a car, this will suffice.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201073986...Cclp%3A2047675

The leads will be more plastic than rubber coated and will break in 2 years time. But its reasonable enough to keep in the toolbox.

If you want one that is highly accurate and will last 25+ years, a Fluke handheld such as this is one to go for.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/multimeters/6161460

There is a whole range in between.

Good afternoon Maninder,
Thanks for your thoughts.
I think I'm looking for something in between. A bit more than £6.95 and perhaps a lot less than £284.40. £50?
Anyway what do you have? A Fluke?
Regards David
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Old 20th September 2021, 13:17   #6
MSS
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Very wise.

I have two Fluke73 that are now about 30 years old. They will be handed down to my two engineer youngsters.

I do keep a £6 multimeter in the toolbox though!


David - have a look on the CPC Farnell and RS Components websites. There is a whole range there and feel free to ask for further advice when you've narrowed down the choice a bit.

Last edited by MSS; 20th September 2021 at 13:25..
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Old 20th September 2021, 13:22   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SD1too View Post
Hello David,

Go for an uncomplicated model. For basic car fault-finding all you will need is:
  • A 20v DC range
  • A low resistance range, for example 200Ω or below.

You're less likely to need DC current but even meters costing as little as £6.99 come with a 10 amp range. Eliminate any which cannot read above 200mA.

If you'd like to expand upon the electrical problems you wish to tackle, I might be able to advise further.

Simon
Afternoon Simon,
I achieved a B in A Level Physics 50 years ago but my memory is failing me know!
I need to brush up on ohms, amps and volts!
Problems - A battery drain problem on a 75, windscreen/headlight pump problem on a 75 and an electric window problem on an MGTF.
Anyway working on a budget of around £50 any thoughts?
Regards David
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Old 20th September 2021, 13:24   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyN01 View Post
Hi

Just a bit of suggestion - from the wise

I bought a cheapo one when Maplins were shutting down. It's worked fine but in the last year it's started to "play up" to the point where I was getting some very odd readings. Which is fine if you can recognise that they're weird readings.

My neighbour has a RS components Fluke meter that he's had for years (decades ) and it's incredibly easy to use. After a quick probe on the same cables he simply said "I don't trust your meter" which was totally accurate.

So I reckon some quality advise on exactly which meter to get (given a budget - obviously) would be very worthwhile.

You definitely don't want some unbranded, unknown cheapo that lasts about as long as some of our unbranded, unknown drop links . Electrical gremlins are bad enough without adding an unreliable test meter into the mix.
Thanks Andy.
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Old 20th September 2021, 16:31   #9
Mike Noc
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MSS View Post
Very wise.

I have two Fluke73 that are now about 30 years old. They will be handed down to my two engineer youngsters.
Yes my Fluke meter has been travelling in the toolcase for donkeys' years and still works perfectly.

Here it is assisting with finding a current drain;

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Old 20th September 2021, 17:11   #10
MSS
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DRWMGTF View Post
Good afternoon Maninder,
Thanks for your thoughts.
I think I'm looking for something in between. A bit more than £6.95 and perhaps a lot less than £284.40. £50?
Anyway what do you have? A Fluke?
Regards David

Hi David,

If you need a specific recommendation within your price limit, I would go for this.

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/multi...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

It is auto-ranging, which is handy, and comes with a 3-year warranty from RS. The probe leads are of decent quality and RS sell replacement probe set for just under £15.

It has fuses for protection on the current ranges, which is a must really for the 10A range. It is also CAT rated for 600V which means that unlike the cheap meters, you can use it safely on your home wiring.

The accuracy is very good and all that you will need.
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