The multimeter is an electrical quantity-measuring device. It is used to measure voltage current resistance capacitance inductance successfully. It is an indispensable device that is necessary for every electrical installation for high-voltage and low-voltage applications. Nowadays multimeter has been updated due to technological expansion. However, let’s see what are the two types of multimeter and which is best for electrical work to measure quantity. It is noted that we have shown how digital multimeter measure.
What are the Two Types of Multimeter?
A multimeter is an electronic tool, and each electronic technician and engineer used the piece of test electrical and electronic equipment. A multimeter is used to estimate the three primary electrical features of current, voltage, and resistance. This can be used to check the continuity connecting two points of an electronic circuit or electrical circuit.
The multimeter has many processes that act like voltmeter, ohmmeter, and ammeter. It’s a portable electronic device that has positive and negative indicator needles above the arithmetic LCD digital display. Sometimes a question appeared what are the two types of multimeter? Yes, there are two types of multimeters but these are sub-divided, so let’s see in detail.
- Digital multimeters
- Analog multimeter
Digital Multimeter (DM)
The Digital Multimeter or the DM can measure and authenticate many electronic units that involve current, resistance, capacitance, and voltage. It is also known as an interactive tool that electrical engineers and technicians utilize. It can cooperate with the characteristics of a voltmeter, ohmmeter, and ammeter.
The digital multimeter involves clamps, leads, and probes, which are placed into inputs on the tool and associated with the device down test that constructs the measurement. The DM is essentially utilized to support the three factors of Ohm’s Law Voltage (volts), resistance (ohms), and current (amps). The electrical engineers use the equation throughout the diagnostic testing.
V = I ×R
Voltage = Current × Resistance
Engineers in the field and lab use this digital multimeter to check the state of the systems or the circuits to experience the advantages of objectives. For example, voltages that are within 42 volts or currents with a surplus of 10mA can be effective to generate some dangerous shocks. In most cases, it can be harmful. So it can get easily heated when it is driving with high currents and voltages. The digital multimeter assists the engineers to check the device that is under the test is safe enough to work.
There are two main types of multimeter analog and digital multimeter. Especially digital multimeter is subdivided into different types of meters. Whatever the meter is, all the multimeter is used to measure and test electrical properties like voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, etc. However, let’s see what are the different types of multimeters.
Clamp Type Digital Multimeter
Clamp-type multimeters are digital multimeters that are the best choice for electrical technicians and engineers to measure electrical properties. They have a magnetic field sensor that helps detect the magnetic field created by current flow through a conductor. The magnetic field sensor detects the magnetic field of any measuring unit and shows the result in its display.
Does the clamp-type meter have a probe? No, it does not. This is because it has a clamp, and this measuring tool consists of a magnetic field sensor that creates a magnetic field whenever it detects current. However, there are several types and model of clamp type multimeter that use in different section the electrical power system.
- Current transformer.
- AC Clamp Meter.
- Flexible Clamp Meters.
- FLUKE-773 Milliamp Process Clamp Meter.
- Fluke-902 FC HVAC Clamp Meter.
- Fluke-323 True RMS Clamp Meter.
- Rogowski Coil Clamp Meter.
- Fluke 302+ Digital Clamp Meter.
- Fluke Multimeter.
- Megger Dcm340 Clamp Meter.
- Uni-t Ut202a Clamp Meter.
- Ut210 Series Mini Clamp.
Current transformer type multimeter measures only alternating current (AC).
Hall Effect clamp multimeter measures AC and direct current (DC).
Flexible type clamp multimeter uses a Rogowski coil to measure AC only.
However, such multimeters are used to measure high power low power, and other electrical properties.
Fluke Digital Multimeter
It is another essential digital and electrical unit measuring tool. Fluke digital multimeter is used for electrical maintenance and troubleshooting or measuring any electrical property. It has multiple functions to measure multiple electrical units.
This tool is used to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical measurements, fault finding, appliance testing, and others. It has a smart lighting system that lets you know the testing status. So, where can you use this multimeter? it can be used anywhere to measure and diagnose like
- Use solar system to measure solar panel output power or wattage as well.
- Use to measure low-voltage AC or DC equipment.
- Diagnose the power supply and make sure that it is working or not.
- You can test fluorescent or incandescent light bulbs.
Auto-Ranging Type Multimeter
Auto-ranging type multimeter is an automatic electrical and electronic unit measuring tool. It measures automatically and gives the automatic result for every electrical and electronic parameter like current, voltage, resistance, capacitance, etc.
In that case, an electrical technician or an electrical engineer does not need to select manual ranging because it gives results automatically. That’s why it is an auto-ranging type multimeter. This tool is more convenient to measure and it is the best parameter-measuring tool for beginners.
Analog Multimeter (AM)
The Analog Multimeter is a unique meter with some key arrangements to secure it as, an ammeter, voltmeter, and ohmmeter. The analog Multimeter is especially used to measure electrical quantities, for instance, voltage, resistance, current, frequency, and signal power.
The primary elements involve the measurements of probable resistance in ohms, current amps, and volts. The Analog Multimeter is applied to find the electrical and electronic issues. Improved units are always expected to arrive with better and innovative characteristics which involve diodes, capacitors, and modes of IC testing.
Some unique evaluations are made by the analog multimeter which involves AC voltage, DC voltage, AC, DC, current range, and some blare measurements.
Digital Multimeter Testing Capabilities?
A digital multimeter is a test appliance that can be used to measure two or more values of electronics which involves mostly current (amps), resistance (ohms), and voltage (volts). It is an excellent diagnostic tool that is used by technicians within industries of electronics. An earlier digital multimeter was restored to the needle-based analog multimeters since they could measure with substantial accuracy, improved impedance, and reliability.
The digital multimeters cooperate with the testing capabilities of single-task meters which include an ammeter (amps), an ohmmeter (ohms), and a voltmeter (volts). They involve many specific attributes or improved options. Many electricians with precise needs, consequently they can look for some targeted models to meet the ultimate requirements. The features of a multimeter involve four core elements:
- Display: here, the measurements of the readouts can be observed.
- Buttons: For designating multiple functions, the choices may vary depending on the model.
- Dial (Rotary Switch): For determining the values of main measurements (ohms, amps, volts).
- Input Jacks: It’s a place where test leads are placed.
What Factors to Consider When Choosing a Multimeter?
All the multimeters are good for measuring electrical units but there are some essential focusing points to select or choose the best multimeter. So, how to select the best multimeter? In that, you should focus on the features. It means how easily you can measure anything. However, let’s see some short-listed focusing points or criteria for buying a multimeter.
- Available easy measuring feature.
- Very fast to measure any electrical properties.
- Choose CAT rating based on the environment and voltage levels.
- LCD so that the result can be visible clearly.
- Data accuracy and sensitivity.
- Multimeter nobs and probes work perfectly.
What Safety Rating You Should Focus to Choose a Multimeter?
Before buying a multimeter digital or analog) you should focus on some essential safety factors. Let’s take a look at what is that.
- Voltage and current rating.
- Fuse protection.
- Ingress Protection (IP) rating.
- Overload protection.
- Double Insulation system for handling in high-voltage environments.
- Ensures the meter has UL or CE certified with safety standards.
- Standard temperature rating for the operating conditions.
What are the Difference Between Analog and a Digital Multimeter?
While seeking the Analog Multimeter it is crucial to review the ranges of measurements for which the value is being estimated. The Analog Multimeter exhibits these values through a dial, consistently a needle, or a moving pointer. Principally Analog multimeters are handheld and bench-top.
Bench Top models are manageable by the use of wheels and handles. The handheld multimeter is designed and built to provide better service while holding and it can be easily operated with one hand. However, we have referred that what are the two types of multimeter but now we will see their difference
Analog multimeter
- The Analog Multimeter is used to measure the restricted quantities of the electronically like the current, voltage, and resistance.
- The width of the Analog diameter is large.
- The meter generates the reading on the scale which is directly next to the pointer.
- It calibrates in a non-mechanical way.
- The construction of the multimeter is manageable.
- Analog Multimeter is less appropriate since some parallax errors and scanning of the wrong pointer.
- Resistance of Input is not secured.
- The pointer of this multimeter attempts to turn aside to the left within its reverse polarity.
- They are less expensive.
- The o/p of the meter cannot be connected to the exterior equipment.
- The range of the frequency is up to 2 kHz.
- Analog Multimeter estimates the current without the assistance of the Galvanometer.
- It has less electrical sound.
- It authorizes one i/p signal for each operation.
- The highest AC frequency is calculated as the minor one.
Digital Multimeter
- The digital multimeter is applied to estimate the multiple quantities of multimeter such as resistance, voltage, current, impedance, values of Diode and capacitance, et cetera.
- The size of the digital multimeter is small.
- The meter generates the reading of the scale in the form of numeric within an OCD.
- These are calibrated accordingly.
- The construction is elaborated since the involvement of the components is like logic and electronics.
- Digital Multimeters are appropriate.
- The frequency range is more expensive than the Analog.
- Its resistance of the input point is fixed.
- The multimeter appears to be the negative quantity once the polarity is changed.
- They are overpriced.
- The range of frequency is high and it can be balanced with Analog.
- It requires more electric sound.
- It permits many input signals and consumers that can select the vital signal on the volatile display.
- The highest AC frequency that can be estimated is greater than the counter element.
Final thought
Indeed engineers and technicians highly relying on the multimeter to rely on the multimeter. It is because it is only the efficient and significant device that can successfully measure electrical quantity. Generally, we have discussed of what are the two types of multimeter and we have given some advantages and disadvantages of both. It may clarify your concept, and why digital multimeter is used more you will also be clear about it. So stay with openread to knowing more innovative things.