Anyone who works with electricity or electronics needs to have a multimeter. 3 Popular Multimeters can measure a wide range of variables, including temperature, capacitance, frequency, resistance, voltage, and current. It may also check a circuit’s diode and continuity.
You can check components, diagnose issues, monitor performance, and assure safety with the use of a multimeter.
However, not every multimeter is the same. Multimeters come in a variety of styles, designs, and features to meet a range of requirements.
How do you pick the multimeter that’s right for you? What aspects need to be taken into account while purchasing a multimeter? What are the benefits and drawbacks of various multimeters?
These questions will be answered in this article by a comparison of three well-liked multimeters from EXTECH: the EX530, the EX540, and the EX570.
These multimeters are made for professionals in the electrical, industrial, plant maintenance, and MRO fields who need a meter that is just as rugged as they are.
They have a high safety rating, are tough, and are waterproof. For accurate readings of AC voltage and current, they also have real RMS measurements.
Based on their similarities and differences, we shall compare these three multimeters. We’ll also provide you some suggestions on how to pick the best multimeter for your needs and price range. You’ll know which multimeter is best for you and why by the time this essay is over.
Common Qualities
Three genuine RMS multimeters from EXTECH are the EX530, EX540, and EX570. As a result, they are able to precisely detect AC voltage and current even when the waveform is distorted or noisy.
This is crucial when evaluating non-sinusoidal waveform electronic devices, such as power supplies, generators, inverters, and others.
Additionally, the 40,000-count display on these multimeters features a 40-segment bar graph and a five-digit readout for simple reading and comparison.
Additionally, they contain a backlight feature that lights up the display in dimly lit areas.
With a type K probe, these multimeters can detect temperature, resistance, frequency, duty cycle, capacitance, AC/DC voltage, and current.
Additionally, they contain functionalities for testing continuity and diodes that produce an audible beep and display the voltage drop across the component. Additionally, you may take measurements and compare them with the use of helpful features like peak hold, relative mode, data hold, and min/max/average functions.
These multimeters are durable, water-resistant, and impact-resistant. They are shielded from collision, water, and dust by a double-molded casing. Additionally, they feature safety ratings of CAT IV-600V and CAT III-1000V that guarantee they can safely handle high voltage sources.
Additionally, all of their functions feature a 1000V input safeguard that guards against overvoltage damage.
These multimeters include a carrying case, a 9V battery, a type K bead wire temperature probe, magnetic hanging strap, and double-molded test leads.
Additionally, they offer an automatic power-down feature that may be turned off as needed to conserve battery life.
Differences
The most basic model of the three is the EXTECH EX530. It can measure electrical frequency between 40Hz and 400Hz and has 11 functions. It does not have an infrared thermometer or a wireless PC interface. It costs $230.99, making it the least expensive of the three variants.
The most sophisticated of the three is the EXTECH EX540. It can measure electronic frequency from 0.001Hz to 100MHz and electrical frequency between 40Hz and 400Hz. It has 12 functions.
You can send real-time data to your computer using the wireless PC interface and datalogger features, or you can internally store up to 9,999 measurements. It includes PC software and a remote receiver with a USB connector.
It contains a data collecting mode that enables remote meter operation from a computer. It costs $248.99, making it the most costly of the three variants.
The middle model between the three is the EXTECH EX570.
It can measure electronic frequency from 0.001Hz to 100MHz and electrical frequency between 40Hz and 400Hz. It has 12 functions. It lacks a wireless PC interface and datalogging capabilities.
It contains a laser pointer and an infrared thermometer capability that can measure surface temperatures from -58°F to 1382°F (-50°C to 750°C) without making contact. It includes a sizable dual lighted display that simultaneously displays two readings. The price is $249.99.
Comparison Standards
We shall compare these three multimeters using the following standards:
Functions: The quantity and kind of parameters that a multimeter is capable of testing or measuring.
Features: The extra functions or choices the multimeter provides to improve its functionality or usability.
Price: The multimeter’s price and value for money.
Pros: The multimeter’s advantages or benefits over competing models or in general.
Cons: The multimeter’s shortcomings or downsides compared to other models or generally.
Analysis of Comparison
After looking at the comparison chart, let’s examine each criterion in more detail and compare the three multimeters.
Functions
The EX530 offers 11 functions, including resistance, electrical frequency, duty cycle, capacitance, temperature, diode, and continuity.
It also measures AC/DC voltage and current. These are the fundamental capabilities that the majority of multimeters offer, and they can handle the majority of the measurements you need to make.
Twelve functions are included on the EX540 and EX570: AC/DC voltage and current, resistance, frequency (electrical and electronic), duty cycle, capacitance, temperature, diode, and continuity.
With the addition of electronic frequency, these are the same features as the EX530. This feature, which is helpful for evaluating power supplies, generators, inverters, and other electronic devices, can measure the frequency of signals from 0.001Hz to 100MHz.
Infrared thermometer is a feature that the EX570 possesses over the other two variants. This feature uses a laser pointer to remotely and without physical contact measure an object’s surface temperature.
With minimal risk of electric shock or property damage, this function can assist you in locating hot spots such as overheating motors, stressed bearings, overloaded electrical panels, aberrant vent temperatures, and others.
Features
The EX530 offers a few features that improve both its use and performance.
These consist of:
True RMS enables the multimeter to measure AC voltage and current precisely even in the presence of distorted or noisy waveforms.
This is crucial when evaluating non-sinusoidal waveform electronic devices, such as power supplies, generators, inverters, and others.
Peak hold: This function, which is useful for gauging transient voltages or currents, records the highest reading that appears on the display.
When used for offsetting or comparing readings, the relative mode feature shows the difference between the current reading and a reference value that has been saved.
Data hold: This function freezes the reading on the screen for review or recording at a later time.
Minimum, maximum, and average values during a measurement session are recorded and displayed using the min/max/average function.
Backlight: This function makes the display more visible in low-light conditions.
Auto power off: To extend the life of the battery, this feature automatically switches off the multimeter after a period of inactivity. If necessary, it can be turned off.
The EX540 contains all the features of the EX530 in addition to a few more modern and adaptable features.
These consist of:
Real-time data transmission to your PC via a wireless USB interface is made possible by the multimeter’s wireless PC interface (915MHz) capability. Using the software that comes with your PC, you can view, examine, and record data.
Using the data acquisition mode, you can also control the multimeter from your computer.
The multimeter can store up to 9,999 readings with a date and time stamp using the datalogger feature.
For additional analysis or reporting, you can access the data again or download it to your PC.
The EX570 contains all the characteristics of the EX530 in addition to a few more convenient and distinctive features.
These consist of:
Using a laser pointer and an infrared thermometer, the multimeter can measure surface temperatures between -58°F and 1382°F (-50°C to 750°C) without making contact. By pressing a button, you can switch between the type K probe and infrared thermometer modes.
The emissivity of the infrared thermometer can also be changed to accommodate various surface types.
Dual display: This function utilizes a sizable lit display to simultaneously display two readings. You may simultaneously view voltage, current, frequency, duty cycle, and temperature.
Price
The features and functionality of these multimeters affect how much they cost. The least expensive of the three versions is the EX530, which sells for $230.99. For a basic multimeter that is dependable and capable of handling most measurements, this is a fair price.
It costs more than other entry-level multimeters on the market, although having comparable features.
The EX540, which costs $248.99, is the most expensive of the three versions. Although this multimeter has expensive features and functions, the pricing is appropriate.
For professionals who need to monitor, record, and analyze data remotely or over time, the wireless PC interface and datalogger features are exceptional and useful.
However, not everyone will need this capability, and owing to frequency limitations, it might not function in some nations.
The EX570 costs $249.99, which is the same as the EX540. Although it is expensive for a multimeter, its price reflects its practicality and originality.
A convenient and secure feature for temperature measurement without physical touch and using a laser pointer is the infrared thermometer function.
The dual display function is a helpful feature for simultaneously monitoring two readings. It does not, however, include the EX540’s wireless PC interface or datalogger features.
Cons and Benefits
Each multimeter has unique benefits and drawbacks compared to the others or generally. Pros and drawbacks of each model are listed below:
EX530
Pros:
a simple, trustworthy multimeter that can handle the majority of measurements.
lowest priced of the three variants.
both drop- and water-resistant
high grade for safety
40,000 count display with 1,000V input protection
temperature probe of type K.
Hanging magnetic strap
transport bag
Cons:
less features compared to the other two variants
Infrared thermometer and wireless PC interface are not functional.
EX540 is more expensive than other entry-level multimeters on the market.
Pros:
electronic and electrical frequency measurements with a sophisticated multimeter
Using a wireless PC interface and datalogger features, real-time data may be transmitted and stored.
Data capture mode that enables PC-based meter control
both drop- and water-resistant
high grade for safety
input protection for 1000V
display of 40,000
temperature probe of type K.
Hanging magnetic strap
transport bag
USB cable, remote receiver, and computer software
Popular Multimeters EX570 12
Cons:
pricey compared to the other two variants
Lack of an infrared thermometer feature
Due to frequency limits, some nations may not be able to use wireless PC interface.
EX570
Pros:
a mid-range multimeter with electrical and electronic frequency measurement
Using a laser pointer and infrared technology, an infrared thermometer can determine temperature without physical contact.
a huge lighted dual monitor that simultaneously displays two readings
both drop- and water-resistant
high grade for safety
40,000 count display with 1,000V input protection
temperature probe of type K.
Hanging magnetic strap
transport bag
Cons:
Datalogger or wireless PC interface functionality is absent.
comparable cost as the EX540 but with fewer functionality
Conclusion
Three EXTECH multimeters—the EX530, the EX540, and the EX570—have been compared in this article. These multimeters are made for professionals in the electrical, industrial, plant maintenance, and MRO fields who need a meter that is just as rugged as they are.
They have a high safety rating, are tough, and are waterproof. For accurate readings of AC voltage and current, they also have real RMS measurements.
Based on their similarities and differences, we have compared these three multimeters. Additionally, we have provided you with some guidance on how to pick the best multimeter for your needs and price range.
You have seen that these multimeters offer a range of features, functions, and costs to accommodate various uses and tastes.
The most basic model of the three is the EXTECH EX530. It can measure electrical frequency between 40Hz and 400Hz and has 11 functions. It does not have an infrared thermometer or a wireless PC interface. It costs $230.99, making it the least expensive of the three variants. If you want a basic but dependable multimeter that can handle most measurements, the EXTECH EX530 is a solid option.
The most sophisticated of the three is the EXTECH EX540. It can measure electronic frequency from 0.001Hz to 100MHz and electrical frequency between 40Hz and 400Hz.
It has 12 functions. You can send real-time data to your computer using the wireless PC interface and datalogger features, or you can internally store up to 9,999 measurements. It includes PC software and a remote receiver with a USB connector.
It contains a data collecting mode that enables remote meter operation from a computer. It costs $248.99, making it the most costly of the three variants. If you’re looking for a multimeter that can wirelessly transmit data to your PC while also datalogging, the EXTECH EX540 is a solid option.
The middle model between the three is the EXTECH EX570. It can measure electronic frequency from 0.001Hz to 100MHz and electrical frequency between 40Hz and 400Hz. It has 12 functions. It lacks a wireless PC interface and datalogging capabilities.
It contains a laser pointer and an infrared thermometer capability that can measure surface temperatures from -58°F to 1382°F (-50°C to 750°C) without making contact.
It includes a sizable dual lighted display that simultaneously displays two readings.
The price is $249.99. If you want a multimeter that can measure temperature without making contact and with a high distance-to-spot ratio, the EXTECH EX570 is a solid option.
Which multimeter should you get, then? You can pick the multimeter that best suits you based on your requirements and financial situation.
You can make your choice using the comparative table and analysis above as a guide.
In order to compare these three multimeters and make an informed choice, we hope this post has been helpful. You can click on the links below to learn more about or place an order for any of these multimeters if you’re interested in purchasing one.
We appreciate you reading this article and hope you found it helpful and enlightening.
Links:
EXTECH EX530:EXTECH EX530 11 Function Heavy Duty True RMS Industrial MultiMeter – https://mme-ae.com
EXTECH EX540 is available at EXTECH EX540 12 Function Wireless True RMS Industrial MultiMeter Datalogger – https://mme-ae.com
