Digital multimeter accuracy

Caecilius · 2015-09-14T19:28:53+00:00

I've got Velleman DVM 68 digital multimeter that I paid GBP 9.99 for about ten years ago in a special offer at Maplins. It's does what I've needed it for, although I've never really trusted its CAT III 600v rating so I've not used it on the mains. As one does, I've thought it's time to get a better one. My excuse being that I want something that I can measure mains voltage with. So I've looked at Fluke, which seems to be the DMM of choice according to various reviews, and I had my eye on a Fluke 115 which costs about GBP 140. Then I looked at the claimed accuracy. Taking AC volts (which is generally the worst in terms of accuracy), my el-cheapo claims +/- 0.8% or 3 digits, and the Fluke claims +/- 1% or 3 digits. In other words on paper the Fluke's accuracy seems to be worse! 1% is 2.4 volts at mains voltage. I'd have expected something like 0.1% given the price difference. I wonder if my DMM manual is just telling porkies, or if it really is just as good in terms of accuracy as a modern entry-level Fluke. Maybe I got an unexpected bargain at Maplins all those years ago.

Sep 14, 2015 22 Replies

Rate this thread:

tabbypurr 10 years ago

cobblers

Vote

whisky-dave 10 years ago

Nom it's not it's one of the hardest, average is easisiet to measure.

No it won't.

peak can be important for some.

Vote

pamela 10 years ago

That Aidtek VC97 seems to get some good reviews (with a minor quibble about capacitance measurement) and the pricing is very good.

Pity it doesn't have a load test for dry cells. My current multimeter does that but otherwise it's not great and I want to upgrade it one day. Your mention of the Aidtek VC97 reminded me.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required