Suppose you are a soldier fighting in midst of the battlefield, what would be the most important things for you there? Definitely the weapons and safety shields. Similarly, the best multimeter for electricians is the most important weapon for electricians in the battle of electric troubleshooting and fault finding missions.
Right multimeters can save our precious time by giving quick and accurate results. Only error free readings can lead trained electricians to solve problems, depending on the quality of multimeter. There could be many questions in your mind regarding features of best multimeters.
Don’t worry we will answer all your queries in our review. It’s not so simple to tell what you should see in a multimeter, it depends on the nature of different electrical and electronics fields. You also need to focus on that, your multimeter should have all the required features for your job.
Best Multimeters For Electricians Comparison
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Name
Ratings
Price
Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter
CAT III 600 V 600V AC/DC 10A AC/DC R 40.00 MΩ F 50khz Cap. 1000 uF
In our reviews, we concisely discuss all functions, features, positive and negative points of multimeters so you can easily choose one from them. By reading detailed reviews you’ll be able to decide which multimeter can fulfill your job demands.
Top in our list is fluke,s most reliable and accurate 117 digital multimeter. We believe no one can serve you better other than fluke if accuracy is your first concern. This multimeter comes with many useful features with a robust body, making it a compact durable multimeter.
If you are fed up with using inaccurate multimeters and have tried many but not gotten satisfactory results then now is the time to relax and buy this multimeter without any worry. We are sure you’ll love to use it having supreme precision and a nice user experience.
It comes with worthy true rms technology which guarantees its accuracy for all types of loads including sinusoidal and non sinusoidal loads. As it has a low impedance mode, so there is no need to worry that ghost or stray voltages can affect readings. Also you’ll get extra safety and overload protections for testing heavy loads.
Due to its auto volt detection ability you don,t need to switch voltage parameter ac or dc every time before conducting test, it will automatically detect whether the voltages under test are ac or dc. You just have to set the selector wheel to auto-volt option before using auto volt function. There is built in non contact voltage tester present in it, through which you can safely test voltage presence in circuits without making contact.
Sometimes we forget to notice readings on multimeter during test to check behavior and fluctuation of signal for some specific time period. After that missed shot we had to wait again for that time and test again, but if you luckily have fluke 117 with you it will record fluctuations like minimum, maximum and average values of signal for you to see anytime after test.
This best fluke multimeter has a stylish ergonomic body shape with an elegant color scheme and design. It has a large lcd with backlight which is so helpful for using it in areas with poor light or darkness.
One thing we noticed is that its lcd display is not clearly visible from all angles. It can annoy you to read the screen from some specific angles, we would recommend makers to please correct this flaw in this ideal digital multimeter.
Key features
CAT III 600 V 600V AC/DC 10A AC/DC R 40.00 MΩ F 50khz Cap. 1000 uF Diode, continuity test True rms Loz impedance NCVT Auto volt detection Max/min/avg reading record 6kv Surge protection IEC 61010–1 Bar graph
This fluke 376FC clamp multimeter is equipped with the latest features and technologies. It provides you extreme accuracy with advance level communication methods. You can connect this multimeter to your smartphone with help of fluke app or pc through software.
It records all results efficiently to your cell phone and also to the cloud. It means all your team members can see realtime results and can communicate with each other without being at the same place. Along with all these amazing features you can also send reports of records via email through this extraordinary clamp meter.
This best multimeter for electronics engineers is the only clamp meter in the market that comes with flexible current probes or iflex, logging facilities and remote measurements all in one meter. The flexible current probes are extremely helpful to check high currents at congested areas and high risk panels where you can test loads from a safe distance.
This iflex or flexible probe comes with a good dia, can be used for extra large conductors with heavy current loads.
This true rms multimeter can be connected to your phone, so you can monitor circuits and take readings from a safe distance to arc zones. It,s really a smart multimeter with next level advanced technologies package. It could become a communicator between the troubleshooting and maintenance team so they can see realtime updates sent by this logging multimeter on their mobile apps.
This awesome multimeter has a heavy current and voltage detection ability. You can test ac and dc current up to 1000A and ac/dc voltage up to 1000 also. Using iflex extension for current testing amazingly enhances its current detection ability to 2500 amps ac. That’s why it could be the first choice of electricians for using this for industrial installations.
This multimeter is purely built for pro electricians who want to do their tasks in a smart way with communication and collaboration of the whole team. Managers would like it a lot for giving them live access to see responses and reports so they can issue orders without being present on the spot.
Key features
CAT III 1000V CAT IV 600V 1000V AC/DC 1000A AC/DC 2500A AC by iflex 500 mV DC 60.00 Kiloohms 500KHZ Cap. 1000uF Connect to smartphone True RMS Live reports Record generation
In our list of best multimeter for electricians, we focused to choose only those multimeters which are extremely reliable, accurate, and have valid safety standards. Because of having electrical and electronics background we know that what’s meant by safety and accuracy by electricians. So that’s why we set strict criteria and include only those multimeters that come under it.
This fluke 115 is another best compact multimeter by fluke. It,s much lighter in weight and medium in size having a slim ergonomic design. Electricians working in the field will love to use it due to its small size and easy to carry design. You can use it reliably for checking voltage, current, capacitance, frequency, checking power supplies and many other parameters.
True rms assures its ultra premium precision on all types of loads, also its low input impedance plays an important role in having noise less accurate results. You can consider it for checking dc micro and mili level signals also as it has a resolution of 200ma to 1 A and 600mv.
You may test the validity of a wire or fuse by indication of audible beep which helps to find out where’s the problem in circuits. There’s a proper record section in multimeter which stores data for signal fluctuations. Electricians can see what was top peak load, average and minimum load of the signal anytime after the test.
Fluke 115 will not disappoint you if you are fond of user friendly robust body multimeters. It can serve you for years and years without any issue, with the same accuracy and precision. This series of fluke,s multimeters are tested and calibrated in state of the art flukes and third party labs. They also comes with internationaly valid safety certifications.
When it comes to body structure, you will get a wide lcd with clear display and backlight. There’s a button for the backlight so you can easily power on backlight in dim light areas. You can set range from range button which is present just under lcd screen. It,s upto your ease whether you want to run meter with auto or manual range.
Key features
CAT III 600 V 600V AC/DC 10 A AC/DC 200 ma 600 mv R 40 MΩ Cap. 10,000 μF True rms 6000 counts display Data records min/max/avg IEN61010-1 UL listed
Amprobe is already known by professional electricians for producing one of best multimeters available on the market. This digital multimeter can be a good cheap in lue for fluke 115 or 117 series meters. It has all the features with latest technologies which may be required by industrial electricians.
We highly recommend it for electricians working in industries where they had to cope with heavy running loads, automation system troubleshooting and general maintenance operations. It,s decored with mighty true root mean square features which enables it to give accurate readings for nonstable loads.
In industries with high loads, variable frequency drives and soft starters are used to run heavy induction motors smoothly to avoid excessive torque load. General multimeters have no ability of testing loads of motors and devices with distorted waveform. This amprobe multimeter has low pass filter, which make it perfect to use it for checking current load on vfds and other applications with distorted waveform. Without a low pass filter we can’t get accurate results for variable frequency drives or vfds.
Due to the addition of temperature measurement facility, it,s also can be used for hvac setups. You may also check capacitance, resistance, voltage, current and other parameters for hvac installations. It comes with two k-type thermocouple plugs and temperapture adapter helpful for checking temperatures. Due to true rms it will give ideal results for compressors and other hvac motors also.
When it comes to body shape, material and facilities included amprobe am570 will surely not disappoint you because of its many beneficial functions. A flashlight is present at top of meter to provide light where needed, a carry case provides ease in its transportation, and a velcro strap is also included in package so you may hang it to a panel or somewhere else during work.
Key features
CAT IV 600V CAT III 1000V IEC certified 1000V AC/DC 10A AC/DC R 60 Mohm F 60Mhz Cap. 60mf Temp. -40 t0 1000 TRUE RMS Low pass filter Loz low impedance NCVT Analog bar graph Data hold Min/max memory Relative zero mode Auto/ manual ranging
Professional electricians working in most demanding fields need to check heavy currents also with other basic parameters like voltage, resistane and capacitance. For this purpose, they should have a best clamp meter with 500A or more amps testing capacity. It’s even better if a clamp meter like this klien CL800 has all parameters of a common multimeter along with calmp amps so no need to contain two separate meters for electric testing.
This clamp meter impressed us with its more responsive interface, accuracy and compact design. It,s so slimmer in size, can easily fit in your palm and you can take it in your work uniform pockets. Having an adorable color scheme makes it nicer in looks also with advanced level reliable usability.
You can also do contactless voltage testing with the beneficial addition of NCVT function in this clamp meter. Ncvt button is arrayed with other main function buttons above lcd screen. Range can be selected whether you want to run it with auto or manual range of your desire. It also comes with a proper memory record system which tells you about fluctuations, ups and downs of signal waves. Min/max memory record can be checked anytime by an easy access button available on the main interface of multimeter.
This clamp meter comes with many useful features like true rms technology, low impedance mode, temperature testing ability and noticeable safety regulations which ultimately make it the best clamp meter for electricians.
One thing we noticed and had to share with you for our unbiased reviews is its little bit fluctuations in temperature readings. It roughly has 3 to 25 farenhiet errors while giving results for temperature.
Key features
CAT IV 600V CAT III 1000V 1000V AC/DC 600A AC/DC R 60MΩ Cap. 600uF F 500khz Temp. -26 to 538 True rms Low impedance mode Non contact voltage test Auto range Diode test max/min record 6000 Counts lcd display
The next best multimeter for electricians which meets our strict criteria and got a position in this list is this ideal clamp multimeter. Clamp meters are always the first choice of electricians because of have high current measuring capabilities along with other basic parameters. This clamp meter has reliable performance abilities for ever changing industrial needs. It can also serve you as your electrician,s tool kit vital part of general home use or DIY electronics.
Many people don,t want to pay heavy bills for solving minor electric issues in household electric systems. For them, this best budget multimeter could be a gift if they had some basic knowledge of using multimeters they can check the quality of power supply, current drawn by appliances and many other minor tasks. Also, the electric enthusiast or DIY hobbyist will love to use it due to its user friendly easy to handle interface.
As this clamp meter is an auto range meter so you don’t need to change parameters on multimeter every time before conducting tests. There is ncv non contact voltage button in the front of meter which can help you to find voltage presence. Voltage presence can be checked by pressing ncv button while keeping meter’s tip near to any circuit, bare switch, extension cord and live wires. If voltage is there meter will buzz to let you know.
One annoying thing we notice is that ncv button sometimes gets stuck to on position if pressed gently and all other functions will not work until the button is unstuck from that position. But you can avoid this situation by using buttons softly and carefully.
This meter is compatible and safe to use for CAT 3 installations up to 600v but we will recommend you should not deal with heavy duty installations without proper training and safety.
Key features
CAT III 600V 600V AC/DC 600A AC/DC NCV 600V R 40.00M Ω Continuity True rms Auto range Data hold Auto power off 4000 counts display
This fluke 87 multimeter is the most rugged meter claimed by fluke, we’ll also confirm it due to long lasting built model. It,s specially made for technicians who have to work at tough locations like warm, cold, muddy, deserts, wet and sensitive industrial installations with heavy loads. If you want ultimate safety and undoubted accuracy then don,t bother for the high price just with this fluke best multimeter for electricians.
We analyzed the efficiency and capability of all features of this fluke 87 and found them valid. Most important of them is its dust and waterproofing, drop resistance, and high load safety certifications. Its waterproofing quality is sound enough that you may even let it leave outdoors during rain without worrying about loss. We also checked and found that it’s potentially drop resistant up to 4 meter in height.
You,ll also get many latest features like true rms readings, relative refrence, analog bar graph, min/max , autohold , corded electric power and many others. You may get analog bar graph in many other less price meters also, but not with this speed of 40 updates per second in this aewsome multimeter. There,s two stage backlight which means you may set it according to location and vision needs.
While working at industrial locations spikes or surge are a serious matter for multimeter health. You can,t use ordinary multimeters due to no resilience against sudden surges. However, we didn’t find in the literature but we are sure that this fluke 87-v max industrial multimeter has a minimum 7 to 8kv transient voltage rating.
We are not much happy with temperature function, as it gives minor deviation to actual readings sometimes. It,s not a big issue as you may consider its accuracy as +/- 5%.
As we want diversity in our best multimeters lists so we add products with different features and price tags. So following this here is fluke t5600 multimeter which is not a clamp meter but you still can check current without breaking circuit with this. It comes with open jaw current tester with current testing capacity upto 100 amps. We were forced to add it in this list due to its amps test facilility, safety considerations , rugged design and lower price . Unlike other fluke meters, it will not put much burden to your pocket.
You can consider it for general home use, farms fencing, boats , small hvac installations, and for medium level industrial usage. Due to its small size open jaw current tester electricians can use it to test amps in complex mcc panel circuits with less space. Including it in your electricians kit may ease your troubleshooting work for checking voltage, current and ohms.
If we do comparison of this meter with other quality multimeters and fluke meters what you,ll get is fluke,s supreme accuracy at relatively lower budget, ruggedness and logetive features and facility of extra current range. On the other hand there is no dc amps testing in this meter, also resistance range is much lower then others.
Another superb feature which we can confirm is its unbelieveable resolution of 1v for ac,dc and 0.1 amps ac for current. We,ll recommend it for calibration, maintenance , testing and comisioning at industrial sites.
This fieldpiece clamp meter is particularly built for hvacr applications, you also may use it fo general routine work. We liked its old styled compact design, which allows you to use it for rough use. If you’re concerned about accuracy then it would be a relief to know that it has true rms sensing technology which means that harmonics distortion is not an issue for it. You can frequently apply it for sinusoidal and non sinusoidal signals.
What we,ll get is a slim shaped clamp meter with nicely designed exterior, long tail selector switch with easy to understand function options , a carrying pouch , temperature testing probe and a pair of testing leads. There,s magnet on back through which meter could be hung anywhere like with electrical panels, some metal body during work.
Unlike some multimeters which demand some skills to open the battery compartment to replace batteries, it has a much easy battery changing procedure. One just has to unscrew only two screws and that,s it. We identified that it has a slightly lower tone voice for continuity checking that may be an issue for some people.
We,ll rate its accuracy 9 out of 10, 10 by 10 for shape and user experience and 8 out of 10 to value for money. If we compare it to other meters in this category we,ll acknowledge that it has some advantages on them like a magnet on the back( which lacks in many expensive meters) , true rms and temperature testing functions.
Now here is another unique multimeter that is new to our blog. It,s a type of heavy duty meters which are always needed by field electricians and technicians who have to do work at mixed environments with load variations. Due to its high range of voltage and the current range of 20 amps(in comparison to 10 A of most digital multimeters) it can work as your professional work tool. However, it does not seem as durable as other meters on this list but that could be adjusted due to lower price of this awesome multimeter.
It,s a wide broad shaped multimeter with necessary body cover protections. There are a bunch of range and function options around the selector wheel that may create some mess for newbies who don,t know much about electric tools. But certainly, electricians are happier with manual handling and a large number of function choices. That,s why we consider it as a best multimeter for electricians.
If we discuss efficiencies of its features, noncontact voltage tester works well with both visual and audible indications, claimed sampling speed is 2 to 3 times per second but according to us it lies between 2 to 2.5, overload protections are ok, temperature accuracy is average and abs built body is a nice addition in this multimeter.
It,s a universal fact that no multimeter is perfect in all aspects, also every meter can’t fulfill all our needs. Every field having electrical applications has different sorts of requirements and parameters. So here question how can an electrician conclude that which multimeter can fulfill all his demands and can serve well? For answer kindly read this guide thoroughly, here we’ll discuss this matter in detail to provide you ease in choosing a quality product.
For General or Home users/ Trainee Electricians
For newbies or trainee electricians we’ll not recommend a next level multimeter. Only a meter with vital measuring parameters like current, voltage, resistance, frequency, and others would be enough for them. At this stage, we can ignore features like true rms, low pass filter, and data storage. For general use, Amprobe-AM 570 would be a good choice.
For Professional or Industrial Electricians
For industrial and commercial use obviously, a top notch quality multimeter is a must keep tool for the technicians. In industries where electricians have to deal with mcc panel circuits, variable frequency drives, rectifiers, inductors, plc systems, motor drives, switch gears, single phase and three phase circuit breakers. In that environment where we can,t afford breaks and have to assure smooth operations then there should be no compromise over tools too.
Fluke is our first choice for professional electricians. Their top level meters like fluke 117 , 87-V and fluke 115 are equipped with almost all advanced features like true rms which guarantees their accuracy, low pass filter to correctly measure vfd,s, low impedance to suppress ghost voltage effects and many other beneficial functions.
Here are some important checks before buying a best multimeter for electricians.
Safety Considerations/ Protections
A multimeter built with valid safety considerations can avoid any misfortune during electrical work. All multimeters should have overload protection, reverse polarity protection, shocks and spike resistance and other necessary safety regulations. You should first check your meter whether it,s built according to international safety regulatory authorities like UL listing, IEC and others. For industrial use laboratory, calibrations and testing are mandatory like in fluke multimeters.
Body protections is another safety aspect that is neglected or underrated by many people. But for field use, a meter with no extra protective sleeves around the multimeter body can lead to early breakage of meters.
Accuracy
No multimeter can provide you an ideal accuracy level, but with a very narrow margin of variations. To check for accuracy you can read our reviews, ratings of multimeter and a trustworthy brand. Fluke is the champion in providing supreme accuracy in all its multimeters. Amprobe, ideal, klien tools, and filedpiece are also good at accuracy. But if you want our advice go for a fluke if budget is not a big issue for you.
Features/functions
Don,t ever forget to check all features of a multimeter of your choice. For example, you may miss some important points like a meter with all other advanced characteristics but having no dc amps facility, with no backlight( and your area of work have some dark locations). Similarly, check each and every feature according to your work requirements first before making a purchase.
Some other requirements
High Amp applications
Usually, in our homes or offices, we don’t have equipment or appliances with high currents but for medium and heavy industries almost 70, 80 % of the load has a current higher than 20 amps. As we know digital multimeters come with 20 amps current range only so they are not suitable for high amps installations. For them, we need a clamp meter because they provide a current testing range up to 1000 A or more. Clamp meters also do this task in safer way with help of mutual induction technology(by reading electric flux) without breaking circuits.
Fluke 376 is a best industrial clamp meter for testing higher currents. On the other hand, fieldpiece or klien clamp meter may also work well for general household or commercial use.
Conclusion
So now concluding this blog we can say now that all multimeters in this list can be beneficial for various technical fields. If you want us to give one or two general best multimeter for electricians then our decision would be fluke’s 87-V and klien tools CL800 clamp meter.
We made these choices after a long duration of research. Each multimeter we add to this list has its own pros and cons. Now you have to decide that which suits you the most among all of them. The people who want undoubted accuracy with necessary features and less budget can go for fluke t5600. This clamp meter can solve your most common troubleshoot problems with more accurate results.
We hope you’ll get a quality multimeter after reading our blog, stay blessed.
Leo Maxwell is basically an Electrical engineer and hobby tech writer, having 13 years of experience in the electronics and instrumentation industry. He has hands on experience working in various fields like Powerhouses, solar, automotive, and FMCG.
During his career, he has used many power tools and meters in electrical projects. Now his aim is to explain tools and troubleshooting in easy guides to help people. Other then it, leo loves traveling, reading books and DIY tasks.
