Introduction
Multiple electrical parameters, including voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, and temperature, can be measured using a multimeter. When troubleshooting and testing electrical circuits and components, they are crucial tools for electricians, technicians, hobbyists, and students.
But not every multimeter is made equal. Multimeters come in a wide variety of models and brands, each with their own features, requirements, benefits, and drawbacks. How can you pick the multimeter that would suit your needs the best?
The Testo 760-2 Digital Multimeter, the KEWMATE 2012RA Digital Multimeter with AC/DC Clamp Sensor, the Powerful Voltmeter PCE-DM 15, and the EXTECH EX505 11 Function Heavy Duty True RMS Industrial MultiMeter will all be compared in this article.
Five factors will be taken into consideration when judging them: pricing, accuracy, functionality, durability, and use. You will be able to make a well-informed choice once you have a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each multimeter.
The EXTECH EX505 stands out as the most versatile and trustworthy multimeter for industrial applications because to its true RMS function, waterproof construction, PC connectivity, and large display, despite the fact that all four multimeters can conduct basic measurements with respectable accuracy.
Accuracy:
One of the most crucial things to take into account when selecting a multimeter is accuracy. It describes how closely the measured value resembles the quantity’s actual value. In most cases, accuracy is given as a percentage of error or uncertainty.
For instance, a multimeter with a 0.5% error means that the measured value may be 0.5% higher or lower than the true value.
The EXTECH EX505 has the highest overall accuracy of the four multimeters we are reviewing. For DC voltage and resistance, it has a basic accuracy of 0.5%; for AC voltage and current, 0.8% (true RMS); for capacitance, 3.5%; and for frequency, 1%.
For DC voltage and resistance, the Testo 760-2 is similarly accurate (0.5%), however it is less accurate for AC voltage and current (1%, not real RMS), capacitance (5%), and frequency (1.5%).
For DC voltage (0.8%), resistance (1%), AC voltage (1%, not real RMS), capacitance (4%), and frequency (1%), the KEWMATE 2012RA is less accurate.
For DC voltage (0.8%), resistance (0.8%), AC voltage (0.8%, not real RMS), capacitance (5%), and frequency (1%), the PCE-DM 15 is less accurate.
Therefore, the EXTECH EX505 is the best option if you require a multimeter that can measure electrical numbers with high precision and accuracy, notably AC voltage and current.
Functionality:
A multimeter’s functionality is determined by how many various sorts of measurements it can perform and how well it can do so.
Different multimeters perform different functions, such as measuring temperature, testing diodes, continuity, duty cycles, and logging data, among others. These capabilities can be beneficial for a variety of uses and applications.
The EXTECH EX505 is the multimeter with the most features out of the four we are examining. It can detect frequency (dual sensitivity for electrical and electronic applications), AC/DC voltage (up to 1000V), AC/DC current (up to 10A), resistance (up to 40Mohms), capacitance (up to 100 microFarads), and temperature (with a type K hermocouple probe).
It also contains a PC interface function that enables data transfer to a PC using the provided software, as well as a duty cycle measurement function, a data hold function, a relative mode function, and a diode test function.
The Testo 760-2 can detect temperature (using a type K thermocouple probe) and AC/DC voltage (up to 1000V, 10A), as well as resistance (up to 60Mohms), capacitance (up to 60mF), frequency (up to 30MHz), and other quantities.
Additionally, it has a duty cycle measurement function, a data hold function, a min/max/avg function, and an auto power off function. It also has a diode test function and a continuity test function with an audible buzzer.
The KEWMATE 2012RA can measure resistance (up to 40Mohms), capacitance (up to 40mF), frequency (up to 10MHz), and temperature (with a type K thermocouple probe). It can also detect AC/DC voltage (up to 600V) and current (up to 600A) with a clamp sensor.
Additionally, it has a backlight function, a data hold function, an auto power off function, and a continuity test function with an audible buzzer.
The PCE-DM 15 can detect temperature (using a type K thermocouple probe) and AC/DC voltage (up to 1000V), as well as AC/DC current (up to 10A), resistance (up to 60Mohms), capacitance (up to 40nF), frequency (up to 10MHz), and other quantities.
Additionally, it features a data hold feature, an auto power-off feature, and a PC interface feature that enables data transfer to a PC with the help of provided software.
Therefore, the EXTECH EX505 is your best option if you need a multimeter that can carry out a variety of measurements and functions.
The KEWMATE 2012RA would be a better option for you if you require a multimeter that can detect large currents with a clamp sensor, though.
Durability:
How effectively a multimeter can survive physical harm, such as drops, shocks, water, dust, etc., is referred to as its durability. In challenging environments and circumstances, a strong multimeter can last longer and work more effectively.
The IP rating of a multimeter, which assesses its defense against solid and liquid ingress, frequently serves as a sign of durability.
The EXTECH EX505 offers the highest level of durability out of the four multimeters we are reviewing. Due to its IP67 classification, it is entirely waterproof (up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes) and dustproof.
Additionally, it has a double-molded housing that offers additional impact protection and a 1000V input protection on all functions that guards against overvoltage damage. The EXTECH EX505 is capable of withstanding drops up to 6 feet (1.8 meters).
The EXTECH EX505 is more durable than the Testo 760-2. It has an IP64 classification, which means that while it is not waterproof, it is dustproof and splashproof. Additionally, it has a rubberized shell that offers some impact protection and a 1000V input protection on all functions that guards against overvoltage damage.
The Testo 760-2 can withstand drops up to three feet (1 meter) in height.
The Testo 760-2 is more durable than the KEWMATE 2012RA. It is protected against solid objects larger than 1 mm thanks to its IP40 classification, but not against dust or water.
Additionally, it has a plastic enclosure that offers limited impact protection and a 600V input protection on all functions that guards against overvoltage damage. The KEWMATE 2012RA can withstand drops from up to three feet (one meter) away.
The KEWMATE 2012RA is more durable than the PCE-DM 15. It has no IP rating, therefore it is not resistant to water or dust.
Additionally, it has a 1000V input protection on all functions that guards against damage from overvoltage and a plastic enclosure that offers little protection against impact. The PCE-DM 15 can withstand drops up to three feet (1 meter) in height.
Therefore, the EXTECH EX505 is your best option if you require a multimeter that can withstand physical damage as well as harsh environments and conditions.
The other multimeters might be adequate for you, though, if you work in places and situations that are comparatively safe and sanitary.
Usability:
The term “usability” describes how simple and practical a multimeter’s use is. It involves elements like a multimeter’s size, weight, form, display, buttons, interface, etc. A functional multimeter should be simple to use, intuitive to navigate, easy to read, and comfortable to handle.
The EXTECH EX505 has the highest usability of the four multimeters we are reviewing. It has a sizable (1.7 x 2.1 inches) backlit LCD display that concurrently displays bar graphs and numerical numbers. Additionally, a keyboard is provided, eliminating the need for a rotary switch to operate the multimeter.
It contains a small USB interface that enables you to use the included software to connect the multimeter to a PC.
Additionally, the multimeter has a magnetic hanging strap that you can use to secure it to a metal object for hands-free use. The EXTECH EX505 is 7.3 x 3.2 x 2.2 inches (185 x 81 x 57 mm) in size and 13.1 ounces (371 grams) in weight.
The EXTECH EX505 is more usable than the Testo 760-2. The display is smaller (1.4 x 1.8 inches) and illuminated; it solely displays numerical numbers. Additionally, a keyboard is provided, eliminating the need for a rotary switch to operate the multimeter.
However, it lacks a magnetic hanging strap and a USB interface. The Testo 760-2 is 6.5 x 3.3 x 2 inches (167 x 85 x 50 mm) and weighs 12 ounces (340 grams).
The Testo 760-2 is more usable than the KEWMATE 2012RA. The display is smaller (1.3 x 1.6 inches) and illuminated; it solely displays numerical numbers. Additionally, a rotary switch is included that lets you choose the measurement function and range.
However, it lacks a magnetic hanging strap and a USB interface. The dimensions of the KEWMATE 2012RA are 8.9 x 3 x 1.6 inches (225 x 77 x 40 mm) and it weighs 14 ounces (400 grams).
The KEWMATE 2012RA is more usable than the PCE-DM 15. The LCD panel is smaller (1.3 x 1.6 inches) and only displays numerical values.
Additionally, a rotary switch is included that lets you choose the measurement function and range. However, it lacks a magnetic hanging strap, a USB interface, and a backlight. The PCE-DM 15 is 7.5 x 3.5 x 1.9 inches (190 x 89 x 48 mm) and weighs 12 ounces (340 grams).
Therefore, the EXTECH EX505 is your best option if you need a multimeter that is simple and convenient to use. The other multimeters, on the other hand, might be more appropriate for you if you prefer a multimeter that is more compact and lightweight.
Conclusion:
The accuracy, functionality, durability, use, and affordability of the four multimeters have been compared based on these five factors. Due to its great accuracy, functionality, durability, and usability, the EXTECH EX505 is the best multimeter among the four for industrial applications.
But among the four, it is also the most expensive multimeter. In terms of accuracy and functionality, the Testo 760-2 comes in second place to the EXTECH EX505, although it is less robust and easier to use. Additionally, it costs a little less than the EXTECH EX505.
Although the KEWMATE 2012RA is a respectable multimeter that uses a clamp sensor to measure high currents, it is less accurate, functional, durable, and usable than the other two multimeters.
Furthermore, it costs less than the other two multimeters. The PCE-DM 15 is the least accurate, useful, long-lasting, and usable multimeter among the four. Additionally, of the four, it is the cheapest multimeter.
