If you’re looking to buy a new multimeter, the variety of alternatives could be too much for you. How do you pick the finest gadget for your requirements and price range?
We have contrasted two products from EXTECH, a well-known name in electrical testing and measurement, to assist you in making your choice.
These goods are the ETK30 Electrical Test Kit with AC Clamp Metre and the EX355 12 Function True RMS Multimeter NCV.
Although both of these instruments are made to test different electrical parameters accurately and simply, there are some differences between them that may better fit your preferences and needs.
Here is a quick rundown of their qualities and advantages:
A portable test tool called the EX355 12 Function True RMS Multimeter NCV can measure AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, temperature, continuity, and diode testing.
Regardless of the waveform, it includes a True RMS function that guarantees accurate readings of AC signals.
Additionally, it has a Low Pass Filter (LPF) that removes high-frequency noise from variable frequency drive signals and a Low Impedance (LoZ) mode that guards against false readings brought on by ghost voltages.
It also includes a non-contact voltage detector (NCV) built in that warns you when there are live wires without touching them.
The EX205T TrueRMS Autoranging Digital Multimeter and the MA430 400A AC Clamp Metre are both included in the ETK30 Electrical Test Kit with AC Clamp Metre. The LoZ, LPF, and NCV features of the EX355 are absent from the EX205T, which otherwise performs similarly.
Without disrupting the circuit, the clamp metre MA430 can measure AC current up to 400A. Additionally, it has a data hold feature and an integrated NCV detector. Test leads, a thermocouple probe, batteries, and a carrying case are included with the set.
As you can see, depending on your needs, both items have benefits and drawbacks. To guide your decision-making, we shall compare them from several angles in this article.
Accuracy
Accuracy is one of the most crucial aspects to take into account when selecting a multimeter. You need a tool that can provide accurate, reliable readings devoid of errors or variations.
This is crucial for detecting AC signals because they can have a wide range of shapes and frequencies depending on the source and load.
Because it has a True RMS feature that ensures accurate measurements of AC signals regardless of their waveform, the EX355 has an advantage over the ETK30 in terms of accuracy.
The EX355 can provide accurate readings without making any mistakes, regardless of whether you are working with sine waves, square waves, or distorted waves.
Since the ETK30 lacks this feature, it can only measure the average AC signal value. In cases where the signal is not sinusoidal, this can result in incorrect readings.
Additionally, the EX355 has a Low Pass Filter (LPF) that removes high-frequency noise from signals produced by variable frequency drives.
By adjusting the frequency and voltage of the power supply, variable frequency drives are machines that regulate the speed and torque of electric motors.
They are frequently utilised in industrial settings, including those involving pumps, fans, conveyors, etc.
They can, however, also produce high-frequency noise that can obstruct multimeter measurements.
You can receive precise readings of variable frequency driving signals and this noise is reduced by the LPF mode. Since the ETK30 lacks this mode, high-frequency noise may have an impact on it.
Safety
Safety is a crucial aspect to take into account while selecting a multimeter. When working with live wires and circuits, you need a tool that can shield you from electric shocks and burns.
When measuring high voltages or currents, you also want an instrument that has the ability to keep both itself and other equipment from getting damaged.
The Low Impedance (LoZ) mode of the EX355 gives it a safety edge over the ETK30 by preventing misleading readings brought on by ghost voltages.
Due to capacitive coupling, stray voltages called “ghost voltages” show up on deactivated circuits.
When a circuit is not actually live, they may lead you to believe that it is. If you contact them or connect them incorrectly, you risk receiving an electric shock or damaging the device.
The LoZ mode lowers the multimeter’s input impedance, which eliminates ghost voltages and provides reliable readings. Since the ETK30 lacks this mode, it is susceptible to ghost voltages.
A non-contact voltage detector (NCV) that alerts you to live wires without touching them is also a feature of the EX355.
The NCV function senses the electromagnetic field surrounding a conductor to find the existence of AC voltage. When it discovers a live wire, a beep and a red LED light are released. By doing so, you can prevent unintentionally touching or connecting live wires.
This feature is absent from the ETK30’s multimeter, although it is included in the clamp metre. The multimeter can detect AC voltage up to 1000V, however the clamp metre can only detect it up to 600V.
Other safety features like overload protection, auto power off, and CAT III 600V safety rating are present in both products.
When measuring high voltages or currents, these features prevent damage to the instruments or other equipment. Additionally, they preserve battery life and guarantee adherence to safety regulations.
Convenience
Convenience is a crucial consideration while selecting a multimeter. You desire a tool that can expedite and simplify your work by providing you with helpful and practical modes and functionalities.
Additionally, you want an instrument that is portable and simple to use.
The EX205T multimeter and the MA430 clamp metre are two instruments that the ETK30 provides you in one box, giving it an advantage over the EX355 in terms of convenience.
The LoZ, LPF, and NCV features of the EX355 are absent from the EX205T, which otherwise performs similarly. It can test AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, temperature, diode test, and continuity, however it still has seven functions.
Without disrupting the circuit, the clamp metre MA430 can measure AC current up to 400A. Additionally, it has a data hold feature and an integrated NCV detector. Test leads, a thermocouple probe, batteries, and a carrying case are included with the set.
Technicians that require an easy-to-use multimeter for measuring AC current should choose the ETK30. You can save time and hassle by utilising the clamp metre instead of interrupting or disconnecting the circuit.
Using the test leads, you can quickly switch between the clamp metre and the multimeter. Additionally, the kit includes a carrying case that makes it simple to store and move the instruments.
Compared to the EX205T, the EX355 is more sophisticated and equipped with more features, but it is also more expensive and does not come with a clamp metre.
You will need to purchase a separate clamp metre or employ another method that involves interrupting the circuit if you need to measure AC current with the EX355. Professionals that require a dependable and adaptable multimeter for a range of AC measurements should choose the EX355.
the top qualities of each product from several angles:
The EX355 12 Function True RMS Multimeter NCV may be a good option if you’re seeking for a multimeter that can handle any kind of AC signal. No of the waveform of the AC signals being measured, this device’s True RMS function ensures accuracy.
The EX355 can provide accurate readings without making any mistakes, regardless of whether you are working with sine waves, square waves, or distorted waves.
Additionally, the device has a Low Pass Filter (LPF) that removes high-frequency noise from variable frequency drive signals, which are frequently used in industrial applications. Professionals that require a dependable and adaptable multimeter for a range of AC measurements should choose the EX355.
The EX355 12 Function True RMS Multimeter NCV is a potential option if you’re seeking for a multimeter that can shield you from electric shocks.
The Low Impedance (LoZ) mode of this gadget guards against misleading readings brought on by ghost voltages.
Due to capacitive coupling, stray voltages called “ghost voltages” show up on deactivated circuits. When a circuit is not actually live, they may lead you to believe that it is.
The LoZ mode lowers the multimeter’s input impedance, which eliminates ghost voltages and provides reliable readings.
A non-contact voltage detector (NCV) that detects live wires without making contact with them is also included into the device. For electricians who require a reliable multimeter for troubleshooting electrical issues, the EX355 is the best option.
Consider the ETK30 Electrical Test Kit with AC Clamp Metre if you need a multimeter that can measure AC current without disrupting the circuit.
The EX205T TrueRMS Autoranging Digital Multimeter and the MA430 400A AC Clamp Metre are the two gadgets included in this set.
The MA430 is a clamp metre that can clamp around a conductor and measure AC current up to 400A. This saves you time and hassle because you don’t have to disconnect or interrupt the circuit. Additionally, it has a data hold feature and an integrated NCV detector.
Technicians that require an easy-to-use multimeter for measuring AC current should choose the ETK30.
The ETK30 Electrical Test Kit with AC Clamp Metre can be a good option if you’re seeking for a multimeter that will provide you more for your money.
The EX205T TrueRMS Autoranging Digital Multimeter and the MA430 400A AC Clamp Metre are the two gadgets included in this set. The LoZ, LPF, and NCV features of the EX355 are absent from the EX205T, which otherwise performs similarly.
It can still measure AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, temperature, a diode test, and continuity. It also has seven other functions. Test leads, a thermocouple probe, batteries, and a carrying case are also included with the set.
For enthusiasts who require a cost-effective and comprehensive multimeter for a variety of electrical tasks, the ETK30 is suitable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, depending on your demands, both items have benefits and drawbacks. Compared to the ETK30, the EX355 is safer and more accurate, but it is also more expensive and does not come with a clamp metre.
Compared to the EX355, the ETK30 is more practical and affordable, although it is deficient in some features and modes. The decision ultimately comes down to your finances, preferences, and applications.
Visit or to find out more about these products or to place an online order, respectively. For any questions or help, you may also get in touch with us at mme-ae.com.
We trust you found this comparison to be enlightening and useful. We appreciate your decision to work with EXTECH as your reliable partner for electrical testing and measurement.
