Size and Prices of Multitesters

Advancements in technology have led to the production of some pretty amazing machinery in the electronic industry over the years with once difficult or complicated tasks requiring an individual's attention being rounded off into simple, automated tasks allowing one to focus their concentration elsewhere. The multimeter is one such device. Also known as a Multi tester or VOM (Volt ohmmeter), it is a measuring device that combines more than one measurement function into one unit.

The features on this instrument typically include the measurement of current, voltage and resistance. The two types are differentiated by the type of circuit they use and are the Analogue Multimeter (AMM) and the Digital multimeter (DMM/DVOM). Analogue multimeters usually consist of a pointer that moves over a scale and is calibrated for all the different measurements that can be made while Digital multimeters display digits on the screen of the instrument during measurement.

Size and Prices of Multitesters
Multitesters also vary in size depending on the user's preference or requirements. They can either be in the form of a handheld device or a bench instrument. The hand held device is mostly used for field service work and basic fault-finding. It is designed to be easy to transport and is light in weight. Though the bench instrument is not portable, it is able to measure up to a very high degree of accuracy and can be used when very accurate results are required for the measurements. Multimeters can be used to troubleshoot electrical problems in a variety of devices such as electric equipment, motor controls, wiring systems and power supplies.

The price of a multimeter also depends on the particular instrument's capabilities with the more expensive ones being able to carry out measurements of more units than their cheaper counterpart. Apart from the main three units (Voltage, current and resistance), some multimeters can also measure decibels, frequency and temperature among others.

In some multimeters, various sensors can be attached to the instrument enabling them to make additional measurements not previously available of factors such as light level, acidity/alkalinity (ph levels), wind speed and relative humidity. The instruments ability to combine and measure various units has simplified tasks for professionals such as electricians who no longer have to possess a toolbox heavy with different devices and instruments for performing different tasks.

In some digital multimeters, the resolution can be configured according to the user's preference and is usually specified in "digits" of resolution. Resolution refers to the smallest part of the scale that can be shown. However, it should be noted that higher resolution measurements take a longer time to complete and thus is not recommended for quick measurements. Digital multimeters are more popular than their analogue counterparts as they generally take measurements with a more superior accuracy in comparison to their analogue versions. Analogue Multitesters though are still currently in use by a few people and are available for purchase.

Kyle Richards is a multimeter specialist and DIY enthusiast. Read onto the next page to find out more about using a multimeter.