install4you
Member
Hi. I'm retired from a specialty installation trade, but not in electrical work. I've always had a lot of interest in electrical & electronic work. I even considered a career change to electrician but I couldn't afford to start over on a salary scale.
I enjoy learning about any trade, but money has been a big driver of my DIY efforts. Maybe I'm a nightmare DIY'r for a pro, but I think I know & respect my limits.
I'm so tired of trying to get by with cheap crummy multimeters. I'm looking for suggestions.
With the following, I'm NOT bragging but trying to share enough facts so you know what to recommend. As I've needed to do stuff I've researched & tried hard to learn to do things right/to code. Some examples of things I've learned about & done include running a new circuit, matching gauge to breakers & loads, triple-checking proper neutrals & grounds, and a variety of repairs. I've fixed appliances & power tools, worked on automotive electrical systems, made microphone cables (soldered) from parts, and repaired circuit boards.
So, what do I need in the way of multimeters & such? I have a plug-in circuit/outlet tester & a couple non-contact voltage detectors. I'm thinking I need a decent multimeter and a clamp ammeter. I've seen that some newer clamp meters double as multimeters but also read that the combo compromises on the multimeter functions. At age 73 I can't justify $350 for a fluke or something at that level. Online I've seen frequently purchased & well reviewed multimeters & clamp ammeters priced $40-$70 for both (individually or in sets).
Can you recommend any specific meters? What about minimum costs to avoid junk?
I'll stop here. I appreciate your help.
Eddie
I enjoy learning about any trade, but money has been a big driver of my DIY efforts. Maybe I'm a nightmare DIY'r for a pro, but I think I know & respect my limits.
I'm so tired of trying to get by with cheap crummy multimeters. I'm looking for suggestions.
With the following, I'm NOT bragging but trying to share enough facts so you know what to recommend. As I've needed to do stuff I've researched & tried hard to learn to do things right/to code. Some examples of things I've learned about & done include running a new circuit, matching gauge to breakers & loads, triple-checking proper neutrals & grounds, and a variety of repairs. I've fixed appliances & power tools, worked on automotive electrical systems, made microphone cables (soldered) from parts, and repaired circuit boards.
So, what do I need in the way of multimeters & such? I have a plug-in circuit/outlet tester & a couple non-contact voltage detectors. I'm thinking I need a decent multimeter and a clamp ammeter. I've seen that some newer clamp meters double as multimeters but also read that the combo compromises on the multimeter functions. At age 73 I can't justify $350 for a fluke or something at that level. Online I've seen frequently purchased & well reviewed multimeters & clamp ammeters priced $40-$70 for both (individually or in sets).
Can you recommend any specific meters? What about minimum costs to avoid junk?
I'll stop here. I appreciate your help.
Eddie
