Digital Multimeter Store FAQ

A: If it's a true-rms AC multimeter, such as the Fluke 177 or Fluke 87V, it will not zero and should not be zeroed. Most of the true-rms models have a minimum current level specification and AC voltage for both the AC current modes and AC volts, generally within 3%-5% of range. When a signal is detected above the minimum level, the multimeter will meet its correct accuracy specifications. For more information look at your users manual, in the section labeled "Specifications" near the end of the manual.

A: Peak mode measures the negative and positive peak voltage of a signal. For a 120 volt AC line, the peaks would read around -169 volts and +169 volts. Typically they work with peaks around 250 microseconds or longer. The Mix/Max mode is the lowest and highest reading that a multimeter displays from the time the Mix/Max recording function started. Generally, they need the measured signal's minimum or maximum to be 200 to 350 milliseconds longer or longer in order to get an accurate reading.

A: The accuracy is referring to the least significant number on the meter range. For a quick example, lets do the math for measuring 120 Volts AC on a 6000 count meter (the A and D converter actually goes from 0 to 5999 counts). To properly measure 120 Volts AC, the multimeter is required to be on the 600.0 AC Voltage range. The least significant digit then is 0.1 volt. (120 V X 1% = 1.2 V + 3 digits) = (1.2 V + 0.3 v) = 1.5 V

A: A multimeter, at the very minimum has the ability to measure resistance, current, and voltage of electrical components and circuits. More advanced meters, like the Fluke 1587 can measure volts for direct current (DC), amps, and even for alternating current (AC) circuits as well. In addition, the high-tech multimeters can perform diode checks to determine if there is an open pathway or break in the circuit.

A: The most simple explanation is that a digital multimeter will have an LCD display, while an analog meter has a needle that physically moves around.