I've run into a few situations over the years of being a homeowner where I've thought "Y'know, I really ought to buy a multimeter..." and then promptly forgot about it later.

I don't tackle big electrical tasks, preferring to call in a pro when I feel like I've hit my limit, but I'm fairly handy and can handle some of the more basic electrical stuff.

For example: I just had my AC quit due to a failed capacitor. The capacitor wasn't noticeably blown/bulged when I examined it yesterday, but when the HVAC tech got there today the multimeter showed that it wasn't putting out enough juice to start the compressor. That's something that I could have diagnosed and fixed myself, if I had a multimeter.

So what's a good homeowner-grade multimeter to pick up? Don't need a high-end tradesman-grade tool, just something that is good enough for occasional DIY use.

And what's a good source for instructions on how to use it for basic homeowner/DIY tasks? Anyone have a specific website or Youtube channel they can recommend?

I bought this one about two years ago and it has served me well. I like that ability to measure current in individual wires without having to splice in. I only use it maybe once a month give or take, so not heavy use, but so far so good.

Kaiweets Clamp Meter

When I worked at Lowes, I picked up a Greenlee DM-20. You can find used ones on ebay for $25.

I'll second the KAIWEETS recommendation.

I'm historically a fluke guy, but I have one KAIWEETS with non-touch circuit sensor. It works well and I haven't had any issues with the unit. Its my car meter.

That is a good price for a clamp meter.

I picked up these a few weeks ago:

Klein MM400 Multimeter

Klein circuit breaker finder

Hard case to store them both

quote:

Originally posted by 1967Goat:
Klein MM400 Multimeter
Klein circuit breaker finder

Knowing little to nothing about multimeters, this is the set I was looking at initially, also from Klein. https://www.amazon.com/Klein-T...f=asc_df_B09C6MGD7J/

This MM300 is cheaper than the MM400, but I don't know enough to gauge whether the MM400 has some must-have feature(s) that would make the extra $ worthwhile.

The MM300 does not measure capacitance which you would have needed to diagnose the bad capacitor on the condenser.

I bought the clamp on Klein CL390 a few months ago because my AC condenser wasn’t running, but the air handler was. The capacitor measured some number that wasn’t even close. The new capacitor measured what it was supposed to and everything worked again. It was about $100 and measures DC amperage which I figured would be good with my RV and boat projects. The capacitor was $35, so for $135, I got a nice multimeter and my wife was happy the AC worked the same day it went out.

For a homeowner I’m sure we’ll known name of meter will serve you well. Take care of the leads and don’t leave batteries in it.

quote:

Originally posted by jed7s9b:
and don’t leave batteries in it

Because you're worried about them leaking? Or for some other multimeter-specific reason?

Newer lithium batteries don't leak like the old alkaline batteries will. So you can leave lithium batteries in seldom-used electronics. Those are all I buy these days.

Flukes at work, fieldpiece at home.
Really depends what you are looking to spend.
Most homeowners will use volt AC (outlet) and DC (car), ohms (resistance and continuity)

This one also has temperature for setting freezer/fridge temps, and checking air conditioners

https://www.amazon.com/Fieldpi...gid=pla-449323225679

I have the Klein, a Craftsman and a lot of Harbor Freights. Most of the time I prefer the latter two. They are simpler. I always have to read the manual for the Klein. The selections display icons that are not the most intuitive.

I used to have a book around here that came from Radio Shack . It showed you how to test electrical cand electronic components . Something along those lines are good for a novice .
EDIT ... I just saw a bunch of them on Ebay . It's called " Using Your Meter " .

Home Depot has the MM400 on sale for $43.

The MM400 also has a thermocouple which allows it to measure temperature. That’s useful for measuring how cold the air is coming out of your air handler and how warm the return air is going in.

For meters that won't break the bank you're probably looking at

Brymen BM235 (Taiwan)
Klein MM2000 (discontinued but made in Korea by Fine)
Lang 13804 (Korea)

Uni-T UT61B or UT61E (made in China but I think the best in it's price range)
Klein MM700 (also made in China by CEM)
Ideal 61-405 (decent inexpensive fork meter)
Klein CL360 (another decent cheap fork meter)
Uni-T UT210E (clamp meter than can measure DC amps)


or others like
Amprobe, Extech, Greenlee, or Southwire

Whatever you get, I highly recommend Probe Master leads. I'm not sure if they still send a copy of the US Constitution with their orders but they are top notch in my book.

For YouTube channels, probably something like Sparky Channel. I'm sure there are lots out there.

I bought the "good" recommended version from the description section of this video (AstroAI) and am quite pleased:

I’d go with the MM400.

It’s a Klein, so it’s quality. But it’s a lower end model so it’s not breaking the bank. Too often in threads like this people will suggest Fluke meters that cost hundreds a of dollars for home use. Unless you are a professional electrician or electronics repair tech, don’t spend that much.

FWIW, I’m a professional electronics repair tech with component level bench service experience. I’m regularly in charge of setting up products that cost six and seven figures and I have personally owned test equipment worth thousands. I carry the MM400 when I travel.

You can get a basic Fluke on Amazon for under $100. There may be some other deals coming up with Amazon Prime Day, July 11-12.

If you have any pawnshops near you, you could check with them-they often have great deals on meters, and prices are negotiable. Just look for one that looks nearly new.

I use a fairly high dollar fluke at work.
At home I have a Craftsman that is 10-12 years old.

My wife is an Electrical Engineer. She uses Fluke meters! Nuff said!

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
Home Depot has the MM400 on sale for $43.

Must be location-specific. I'm seeing $60.