Best Multimeter for Electrician Reviews

If you are an electronic technician, you are probably looking for the best multimeter for electricians. This essential tool allows you to measure current, voltage, and resistance through a circuit as you are troubleshooting circuit issues or dealing with other tasks.

You should not overlook the quality and reliability of the multimeter as you are picking one for your needs. The functionality of this instrument will define how easily you’ll be handling your daily tasks or fixing broken devices.

Before putting out this review, I tested different multimeters of different brands and from various price ranges. I carefully estimated how functional each entry is as well as its pros and cons. Hope my feedback will help you choose the most optimal solution for you.

Our pick

Fluke 324

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This is a reliable, solid troubleshooting tool for commercial and residential electricians, featuring True-RMS measurements.

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Best multimeter for electrician reviews

Fluke 324 – best overall

The Fluke 324 is a go-to clamp meter for technical amateurs and professionals. Along with the device, you also get a pair of TL75 test leads, a type-K thermocouple, and two installed AAA batteries, and a soft case.

Fluke 324 features a True RMS system to measure alternating current (AC) and AC voltage on non-linear signals with fantastic precision. This device measures AC current up to 400A and AC/DC voltage to 600V, meaning that you can apply it for a wide range of activities and electronic jobs.

Similar to KAIWEETS HT206D, this item has a clamp measuring mechanism, so it allows you to quickly and safely measure voltage, current, and resistance. It is also noted by CAT III 600 V and CAT IV 300V, so you can be certain that no damage will be done to your devices. The Fluke 324 clamp meter also enables you to check the temperature (14 to 752F) and capacitance (up to 1000μF) to troubleshoot electronic problems more efficiently.

The great thing about the Fluke 324 is that it has a backlight feature. Even if you work in conditions of limited illumination, you will be able to check the desired measurements. Also, the hold function will capture the figures on display for more convenient use.

Perhaps, there is an internal connection issue in the capacitance measurer in the model I obtained. I had to push the leads hard to make the meter show some figures.

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KAIWEETS HT206D – budget

The KAIWEETS HT206D clamp meter is a must for electricians who appreciate functionality and accuracy at a reasonable cost.

The box includes the clamp meter, a pair of test leads and K-type thermocouples, two AAA batteries, and a carrying bag.

This device has a clamp design, allowing you to measure the current flow without breaking the circuit. That’s what makes it look similar to Fluke 324. Since this is a True RMS clamp meter, you can take accurate measurements on non-linear loads.

The KAIWEETS HT206D device precisely measures AC/DC current (from 60 to 600A with accuracy ±2.5%+5), AC/DC voltage (up to 600V), frequency or duty cycle, resistance, and capacitance (100 mF). You can also make diode, continuity, and temperature (4°F~1832°F) tests.

The great perk of this unit is that it allows the NCV voltage detection, so you do not have to touch any wires to check the electrical status. The NCV button is easy to reach and press for getting quick measurements. But that’s not the only handy feature. An automatic shutdown feature will turn off the device if you haven’t used it within 15 minutes. I also enjoyed the two-color LCD screen that goes red when the voltage is too high. The side-to-side display viewing angle is pretty good, but it might lose the contrast with the top tilted viewing.

As I measured current, I noticed a 1-5% deviation. The shift varied from time to time. But I noticed that the heavier the load, the greater the difference.

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Fluke 117 – also a great choice

A compact Fluke 117 multimeter is a decent choice for electricians who appreciate reliability. This design has been successfully tested for the drop, shock, and humidity.

This True-RMS device can easily measure pure and non-sinusoidal waves. The Fluke 117 multimeter has a display with a backlight, which is supposed to allow you to work even in the dark. In fact, the backlight is cheaply made, and you won’t be able to read the figures even at a slight angle.

As you switch the dial located on the left side of the unit, you can easily get the measurements of voltage (up to 600V), current (10A – 20A overload for 30 seconds), resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance with the accuracy range of 0.5-5% depending on the selected parameters. There is an auto AC/DC voltage selection to enable you to obtain the figures more quickly.

Similar to KAIWEETS HT206D, the Fluke 117 has a non-contact voltage detection to keep you and the devices safe. A selectable low-impedance mode will let you get more accurate measurements from ghost voltage. Because of the CAT III 600V safety rating, you can safely test and measure circuits, components, and wall outlets.

The multimeter has a compact and robust design. The item is packed with 4 mm silicone test leads and a holster for easier storage. It can be used for day-to-day electronic tasks, but this tool has been specially designed with demanding applications in mind like commercial buildings, hospitals, or schools.

The Fluke 117 doesn’t have an mA range, making it harder for you to get fine current measurements.

Klein Tools CL800

The CL800 clamp meter by Klein Tools measures AC/DC voltage (1000V), current (600A), resistance (60MO), continuity, frequency, and capacitance (6000µF). You can also use it effectively to test diodes or measure temperature (-14 – 1000F).

As you purchase this clamp meter, you also get a carrying case, test leads, a thermocouple with adapter, and two AAA batteries. There is no magnetic hanger you can find in other multimeters, but you can purchase it separately.

The automatically ranging True-RMS technology allows for enhanced accuracy and ease of use. While there might be insignificant deviations when measuring basic parameters, the temperature accuracy is huge. At the temperature of 32F, the deviation was 7F – that’s a lot! In these terms, Fluke 324 is a more reliable clamp meter.

A low-impedance mode in this device is effectively used for eliminating ghost or stray voltage. In this regard, the Klein Tools CL800 is similar to Fluke 117. But unlike its rival, it has CAT IV 600V, CAT III 1000V, class 2, and double insulation safety rating, which will enable you to safely work on your projects.

The illuminated LCD screen lets you easily read the measurements as you turn the knob. The added features like the low-battery indicator and automatic shut-off make the use more convenient.

AstroAI Digital Clamp Meter 2000 – the cheapest

The clamp meter by AstroAI Digital is a bright example of great performance regardless of the low item price.

Similar to the Klein Tools device, this clamp meter also boasts auto-ranging for ease of use on-site or as you work on your project. It covers a wide range of measurements that include AC/DC voltage, AC current, resistance, and continuity. You can also use it as an electricians test meter for diodes.

Thanks to an auto power-off feature, the unit preserves the batter energy. An extra-large clamp allows you to easily measure the desired parameters on many devices. The LCD screen ensures you can flawlessly read the metrics, while the data hold feature would keep the metrics on the screen for some time. There is also a low-battery indicator to prevent the item from getting accidentally dead.

The kit comes with the device itself, test leads, and the carrying bag. The case looks fine, but it doesn’t protect the meter much.

In terms of accuracy, the AC voltage and resistance are pretty accurate. However, the AC current metrics are different from other clamp meters by nearly 10%.

One of the probe tips pulled out over several uses, but putting it back was not a big deal. Also, I wish there was a DC current clamp function.

Multimeter for electricians buying guide

Multimeter vs clamp meter

Still wondering what is better for your project – a multimeter or clamp meter? Let me briefly explain each tool’s difference and key benefits in brief (find more information in this article).

A clamp meter for an electrician consists of a current sensor and, in most cases, a basic multimeter. It has a clamp (to measure current) and probes (to measure the voltage). The device’s design allows for non-contact amperage measurement, which proves to be quicker and safer. As you are using a multimeter to define the current flow, you’ve got to break the circuit, which is time-consuming and sometimes even dangerous.

Comparing the versatility, the multimeter proves to be more multipurpose. It is used to estimate current, voltage, resistance, and sometimes even temperature. The main purpose of the clamp meter is to measure current, yet it may also provide metrics about resistance, voltage, and other parameters.

The accuracy and resolution of the multimeter are also superior to the clamp meter. So, if the precision of the measurements is critical for you, you should look for a high-end multimeter.

Auto-ranging feature

Most recent multimeters are auto-ranging. It means that you do not have to set the incremental range settings as you are testing resistance, current, and voltage. The unit will automatically define what range you are working in, so it will spare you the hassle of making the adjustments by yourself. Look for the device that would enable you to test voltages of about 600 volts and alternating currents up to 400 amps.

Versatility and functionality

The basic electrician multimeters will give you an idea of the current, voltage, and resistance. They are enough for covering the basic needs of the electronic technician. Advanced units are more versatile as they have more features. You may be able to run continuity, diode, or transistor tests provided the multimeter has these features.

Other parameters may make the use of the tool more convenient, like the auto range, true RMS, analog bar graph, and much more.

Multimeters safety features

Consider the safety features of the multimeter as you are looking for the perfect item. Firstly, make certain you purchase the device without any flaws or defects. Secondly, consider the safety rating.

The safety rating reflects sure safety standards that define the transient withstand rating. There are CAT I, CAT II, CAT III, and CAT IV ratings (CAT IV delivers the highest level of protection).

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