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I am considering buying a multimeter because idk I guess I'm at the time in my life when people buy multimeters.

I don't know much about them -- is there any point trying to find a good one, or are they fairly consistent / standard?

in reply to Ben Millwood

Ben Weinstein-Raun
Ben Weinstein-Raun
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They definitely vary substantially in quality, but my sense from your post is that you mostly want one for the most common things, i.e. voltage checking and continuity testing. Is that right? If so, basically it doesn't matter and you should get a cheap one.

If you instead want to get a solid entry level one, Extech is a solid mid level brand, and Fluke is roughly the best of the best.

in reply to Ben Weinstein-Raun

Ben Millwood
Ben Millwood
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Yeah, that's right, sounds like a cheap one is right for me :)

But I'm curious (largely idly curious) what spending more would get me.

in reply to Ben Millwood

Ben Weinstein-Raun
Ben Weinstein-Raun
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mostly:

  • accuracy and speed
  • higher current / voltage ratings
  • fancier features that you mostly don't need (e.g. temperature measurement; auto-ranging)
in reply to Ben Millwood

Ben Weinstein-Raun
Ben Weinstein-Raun
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Actually I should add that I'd recommend getting a clamp meter if you have a car, even though they cost more. It's extremely useful for measuring currents flowing from your car battery when your car is meant to be off (and thus helping to figure out why your battery needed a jumpstart).
in reply to Ben Weinstein-Raun

Ben Millwood
Ben Millwood
•
one of my ambitions in life is to get through adulthood without ever having to learn to drive
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