In this guide, we will take a look at 10 of the best multimeters for electricians. We have tested various multimeters from various brands and from various price ranges. Before we get into the full-on review of each meter individually, to save you time, here are our top 10 picks.
| Top 10 | Multimeter Link | Quick Features |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Fluke 87-V MAX Digital Multimeter | Resistance up to 50MΩ AC voltage to 1000V DC voltage to 1000V |
| #2 | Fluke 83-V Industrial Multimeter | Resistance 600Ω / 50MΩ AC voltage 600mV / 1000V DC voltage 6V / 1000V |
| #3 | Fluke 787 ProcessMeter | Resistance 400Ω / 40MΩ AC voltage 400mV / 1000V DC voltage 4V / 1000V |
| #4 | Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS Multimeter | Resistance up to 50MΩ AC voltage to 1000V DC voltage to 1000V |
| #5 | Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter | Resistance 6MΩ / 40MΩ AC voltage to 600V DC voltage to 600V |
| #6 | Klein Tools MM6000 Electrician's Multimeter | Resistance 600Ω / 50MΩ AC voltage 600mV / 1000V DC voltage 600mV / 1000V |
| #7 | Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter | Resistance 40MΩ AC voltage 600V DC voltage 600V |
| #8 | Klein Tools MM700 Multimeter | Resistance 400Ω / 40MΩ AC voltage 4V / 1000V DC voltage 400mV / 1000V |
| #9 | Amprobe AM-570 Industrial Digital Multimeter | Resistance 600Ω / 60MΩ AC voltage 6V / 1000V DC voltage 6V / 1000V |
| #10 | Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter | Resistance 40MΩ AC voltage 600V DC voltage 600V |
This is our short-list of the best multimeters for electricians. If you’re interested in learning more about each of these meters, their key features, pros and cons, then I highly recommend you keep reading or skip right to the meter you’re most interested in.
#1 – Fluke 87-V Digital Multimeter
The Fluke 87-V MAX is a top-of-the-line digital multimeter with a rich set of features and a highly durable build quality. It has a wide range of selectable functions to test temperatures, current, capacitance, voltage, frequency, and resistance.
Key Features
Size: 7.9 in. (201mm) x 3.86 in. (98mm) x 2 in. (52mm)- Weight: 22oz (625g)
- True RMS AC voltage and current
- Built-in thermometer
- Selectable filter for accurate motor drive analysis on frequency and voltage
- Auto and manual ranging
- DC accuracy to 0.05%
- Measures up to 1000V AC and DC
- Measures 10A continuous, 20A surge for 30 seconds
- DC accuracy to 0.05%
- Resistance, continuity and diode test
- Capacitance to 10,000µF
- Dual display resolution – 6000-count / 20000-count
- Large backlit display
- Analog bar graph for fast-changing signals
- Min/Max/Average
- Auto hold
- Relative mode
- Probe leads warning
- Safety rating – CAT-III (to 1000V), CAT-IV (to 600V)
SizeWhat’s Included in The Package
- The multimeter unit
- Rubber holster
- TL75 test leads
- Alligator clips
- 9V battery
- 80BK temperature probe
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- CAT-III and CAT-IV safety rated
- Reliable with high-quality build construction
- Low pass filter
- 6,000 and 20,000 dual-resolution available
- Features are well implemented
- Long battery life
- Removable holster
- Test lead storage
- 05 percent DC accuracy
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Moderately more expensive than other meters
- 9V battery and not AA
- A little Bulkier and a bit heavier than some meters
Our Verdict
The Fluke 87-V MAX offers a temperature probe, a feature not offered by other meters in its class. An outstanding multimeter with 0.05% DC accuracy, CAT-III and CAT-IV safety ratings, and low-pass filtering to allow for better frequency measurements.
The high drop rating, long battery life and reliable build construction make the 87-V our #1 pick of the best multimeters for electricians.
#2 – Fluke 83-V Digital Multimeter
The Fluke 83-V industrial digital multimeter is a cream of the crop multimeter as well. Packed with almost every useful feature in a digital multimeter makes the 88-V one of our top picks of the best multimeters for electricians. Let’s take a look at some of its key features.
Key Features
- Size: 7.9 in. (201mm) x 3.86 in. (98mm) x 2 in. (52mm)
- Weight: 22oz (625g)
- Measures 20A current
- Measures frequency and capacitance
- Large, 4 ½-digit backlit display with analog-bar graph
- Can measure up to 1000V AC/DC
- 1% basic DC voltage accuracy
- Automatic and manual ranging capabilities
- Measures temperature
- Pulse width measurements (millisecond)
- RPM measurements
- Input jack alert
- 10M? input impedance
- Min/Max and Peak Min/Max recordings
- Relative mode
- Auto hold feature
- Limited lifetime warranty
What’s Included in The Package
- The multimeter unit
- 9V battery
- Fluke TL81A test leads
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great overall functionality and construction quality
- Very accurate, responsive, and reliable
- RPM and pulse-width measurements
- High-resolution screen
- Two-stage backlit display
- Micro-amps range measurement
- Decent battery life
- Separate battery compartment
- Lifetime warranty
- CAT_IV rated
Cons:
- Relatively bulky and heavy
- Relatively expensive
Our Verdict
The Fluke 83-V is rated for 10A continuous measuring but can handle 20A surges for 30 seconds. Also, even with its plethora of features, the Fluke 88-V is very easy to use and intuitive.
0.1% DC accuracy—one of the most accurate available— with a maximum resistance of 50 Mohms, and CAT-IV safety rated. Great overall value, great performance, great build quality, and certainly one of the best multimeters for electricians.
#3 – Fluke 787 ProcessMeter
The Fluke 787 ProcessMeter is a meter designed for electricians who also perform instrumentation type tasks. This meter is exceptional. The only reason it’s ranked #3 on the list is because it has many features the average electrician doesn’t need and it’s expensive.
However, if part of your job is performing industrial instrumentation, then this meter is a must have. It has a DMM and loop calibrator in one rugged, handheld tool. This allows you to measure and calibrate 0-20mA feedback loops, along with many other features.
Key Features
- Product dimensions: 7.4 in. (187mm) x 3.4 in. (87mm) x 1.26 in. (32mm)
- Weight: 13oz (369g)
- Digital multimeter and loop calibrator
- Milliamp current source and simulator
- Measures AC/DC voltage and current, millivolts and resistance
- Features continuity and diode tests
- Auto-step milliamp output
- Up to 20kHz frequency output
- DC voltage accuracy to 0.1% +1 count
- 30,000-count backlit display
- True RMS meter for accurate AC values
- Min/Max, TouchHold, Relative modes’
What’s Included in The Package
- The unit with removable rubber holster
- 9V battery
- TL75 test leads
- Alligator clips
- Reference guide
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durable with a great build quality
- Loob calibration functionality making it a versatile multimeter
- Pretty decent current loop accuracy
- Accessible battery compartment
- Dual-resolution screen for easy visibility
- Excellent input protection
- Auto hold function
- High-quality HRC fuse
Cons:
- Very expensive
- No thermocouple feature (temperature scale not included)
Our Verdict
A unique feature of the Fluke 787 is how it displays both milliamp, fine 25% manual step and % of scale readout simultaneously. There’s also the auto step/ramp display to monitor feedback loops.
The Fluke 787 is a true RMS multimeter up to 1 kHz. Meaning, you can more accurately measure AC voltage and current from variable sources compared to standard multimeters. Although the accuracy level is quite high, the voltage and current ranges are more limited.
A great, versatile all-in-one multimeter with the instrumentation electrician in mind. If you don’t need these additional features, the cost may be a little too much and more than you need.
#4 – Fluke 179 ESFP True RMS Multimeter
The key highlight of the Fluke 179 Multimeter, especially when compared to the other Fluke meters we have discussed above, is its price tag. This is why the Fluke 179 remains one of the most popular Fluke DMMs every made and one of our best multimeters for electricians.
Key Features
- Size: 69 in. (43 mm) x 3.54 in. (90 mm) x 7.28 in. (185 mm)
- Weight: 8 oz (420 g)
- Industrial multimeter-thermometer combo kit
- True RMS capabilities give accurate measurements
- Min/max/average helps record signal fluctuations
- Measures resistance, frequency, continuity, capacitance, and diode
- Can calibrate through the front-panel (close-cased)
- Backlit digital display, can view readings on this device easily even in low light conditions
- Ergonomic case with an integrated protective holster for easy transportation and access
- CAT IV 600 V/CAT III 1000V safety ratings
- Records average, minimum and maximum values to help with troubleshooting.
- It comes with a 9V battery installed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordability
- Compact but durable unit
- Easy to operate with an intuitive interface
- True RMS multimeter
- Accurate and precise readings
- Automatic and manual ranging
- Built-in temperature measurements
- Display hold and auto-hold function
- Can test continuity, resistance, frequency, capacitance, and diode tests
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Relatively expensive compared other meters with same feature set
- Not very clear display especially in some angles
Our Verdict
Despite its affordable price tag, the Fluke 179 is a pretty robust, reliable, and accurate digital multimeter with a wide variety of features.
A (minor) downside is that the Fluke 179 lacks micro-amps feature, but it’s arguably not an essential feature for many applications. Also, the screen is (understandably) not as good as the more expensive Fluke multimeters we’ve reviewed above.
Overall, it’s a very good choice if you are looking for an affordable Fluke DMM.
5. Fluke 117 Electricians True RMS Multimeter
Another relatively affordable option, the Fluke 117 is a very good digital multimeter that can provide precise results. It is compact and easy to hold, suitable to work with for long hours. It has a nice grip and is very light at just 1.3 pounds, but is also quite versatile with its decent set of features.
Key Features
- Size: 6.6 in. (168mm) x 3.3 in. (84mm) x 1.8 in. (46mm)
- Weight: 1.3 lbs (590g)
- Compact and ergonomic
- True RMS measurements
- Measures current, voltage, resistance, continuity, capacitance, frequency
- Tests amperage to 10A (Max 20A surge for 30 seconds)
- VoltAlert™ detector
- Large backlit display
- CATIII rated to 600V
- Min/Max mode
- Auto-Volt
What’s Included in The Package
- The multimeter unit
- Rubber holster
- 9v battery
- Probe leads
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Relatively affordable
- Compact and portable size
- Large, backlit screen
- Unique features like auto-volt settings and non-contact detection
- Very accurate in measuring non-linear loads
- Very accurate frequency check to 50kHz
- Responsive bar graph for easy viewing
- Great build quality and durable
- Easy battery access
- Wide range of features
- Good warranty length
Cons:
- Can’t measure in milli-amp and micro-amp range
- Display resolution is not very good
- Wonky hold function that doesn’t work really well
Our Verdict
The Fluke 117 is equipped with some cool features like the magnet hanger, and it is CAT-III safety rated. A safe meter to use in many environments and applications.
Affordable price, significant protection, versatile features, and decent accuracy makes the Fluke 117 a highly recommended multimeter. On top of that, there’s the 3-year warranty making it a very safe investment.
#6 – Klein Tools MM6000 Electrician’s Multimeter
Our first entry from Klein Tools, the MM6000 Electrician’s Multimeter is a top performer and made our list of the best multimeters for electricians. The Klein MM6000 is a very sturdy and accurate meter that is quite affordable and is suitable for various applications and industries. Let’s take a look at its comprehensive feature set.
Key Features
- Size: 7 in. (178mm) x 3.5 in. (89mm) x 1.87 in. (48mm)
- Weight: 0.87lbs (397g)
- Resistance to 50M?
- Micro-amps range (check flame sensors)
- Capacitance to 60nF
- AC/DC 1000V / 10A
- Accuracy on DC voltage: 0.2%
- Diode and continuity tests
- Measure duty cycle and frequency
- Wide temperature range in °F and °C
- Low impedance to reduce ghosting
- Auto/manual ranging
- Auto/manual hold
- Backlit display with analog bar graph
- Max/Min & relative modes
- 600V CAT-IV rating
What’s Included in The Package
- The multimeter unit
- Batteries (2xAAA)
- Alligator clip adapters
- Thermocouple
- Nylon carry case
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- A decent set of features
- Auto-ranging and auto-range overdrive
- Includes a temperature probe
- Bright backlit display with large screen
- Max/min and low impedance modes
- Includes alligator clips and carry case
- Solid, rugged, and durable build
Cons:
- Relatively low battery life
- Stock leads could be better
- Not true RMS
Our Verdict
The Klein MM6000 is a very versatile DMM and comes with various features like temperature measurement, micro-amps ranging, relative mode, low-impedance mode, and more. Also, you get an excellent screen in the MM6000.
It is, however, not a true RMS digital multimeter, so it’s not as accurate as other true RMS multimeters in this list. However, it is still a pretty decent multimeter especially considering its price tag. A great alternative for those with a limited budget but want a multimeter with top-end features.
#7 – Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter
Another one by Fluke, the Fluke 115 is a compact, portable, and relatively affordable digital multimeter that also features almost all standard testing functionalities. Fluke 115 not the cheapest multimeter from Fluke, but it is pretty accurate, durable, and versatile.
Key Features
- Size: 6.6 in. (168mm) x 3.3 in. (84mm) x 1.8 in. (46mm)
- Weight: 1.3 lbs (590g)
- True RMS measurement
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Diode tester
- Reads 10A continuous load (20A surge for 30 seconds)
- Auto-ranging
- Large backlit LCD screen for poor lighting conditions
- Check voltage, current, resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance
- MIN/MAX/AVG
- CAT III 600V safety rated
What’s Included In The Package
- The multimeter unit
- 4mm silicone probe leads
- Fluke rubber holster
- 9v battery
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Rugged, solid build quality, very durable
- Very accurate (DC volts: ±0.5%)
- True RMS measurement
- Large screen
- Auto-ranging
- Track signal fluctuations
- Supports one-handed operation
- Auto power-off
- Smooth, responsive bar graph display
- Good continuity tester
Cons:
- Lacks milliamp/micro-amp measurement range
- Not very good display resolution
Our Verdict
The Fluke 115 is a great all-around multimeter for beginners and those with a limited budget, but is also a decent supplemental multimeter if you want something portable.
It doesn’t feature a milliamp/micro-amp reading, and you need to press down the hold button or you’ll lose the current reading. However, it’s a top performer and made our list of the best multimeters for electricians.
#8 – Klein Tools MM700 Multimeter
The Klein Tools MM700 Multimeter is a fairly affordable meter especially if you consider the Klein brand and its reputation for quality. This makes the MM700 a solid choice for both amateurs and professionals, and is the reason it made our list of the best multimeters for electricians.
Key Features
- Size: 7 in. (178mm) x 3.5 in. (89mm) x 2.1 in. (53mm)
- Weight: 14.6oz (414g)
- True RMS for better AC accuracy
- Auto / manual ranging
- Measures AC/DC voltage to 1000V
- Measures AC/DC current to 10A
- Resistance to 40M?
- Capacitance, frequency and duty cycle
- Low Impedance (LoZ) mode
- Handy temperature input
- Continuity and diode tests
- CAT-IV 600V rating
What’s Included in The Package
- The multimeter unit
- Probe leads
- 2x AAA batteries
- Thermocouple
- Alligator clips
- Carry case
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely durable build
- Great price for a Klein brand
- Very accurate test results
- Can measure temperature input and micro-amps
- Bright back-lit screen
- Alligator clips included
- MAX/MIN and manual ranging mode
Cons:
- Fairly slow on continuity/ranging measurements
- Not ideal to measure currents
Our Verdict
Even with its attractive price tag, the Klein MM700 is very versatile and can test anything from three-phase power circuits (CAT-IV) to solar units to temperatures.
The MM700 is very effective at measuring amperage, capacitance, temperature, with a low-impedance mode. The battery is very good and also easy to change. Also, considering its price, the display is bright and clear with a pretty good backlight.
Overall, the MM700 is a great value for money, although it’s not as fast/responsive as the more expensive options on this list. This makes the Klein MM700 one of the best multimeters for electricians.
#9 – Amprobe AM-570 Digital Multimeter
The Amprobe AM-570 offers a great balance between usability and features. It is rated CAT-III (1,000V) and CAT-IV (600V) so considering its very attractive price tag, it’s rugged enough to be used in an industrial environment making it one of the best multimeters for electricians.
Key Features
- Size: 7.2 in. (182mm) x 3.5 in. (90mm) x 1.8 in. (45mm)
- Weight: 12.5oz (354g)
- True-RMS for AC accuracy
- Measures frequency and capacitance
- Non-contact voltage sensor
- Low pass filter for variable frequency drives
- Low impedance mode
- MIN/MAX mode for fluctuations
- Measures AC / DC volts (to 1000V)
- Measures AC / DC amps, milliamps and micro-amps
- Measures resistance, continuity + diode checks
- Peak hold, records voltage / current surge
- Data hold display lock
- Auto power-off to conserve battery
- LED flashlight
- Auto and manual ranging
- Backlit dual-display
- Analog-style bar graph
- Safety rated to CAT-IV 600V, CAT-III 1000V
What’s Included in The Package
- The multimeter unit
- Probe leads
- 2 Type-K thermocouples
- 9v battery
- Velcro strap
- Carry case
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price and great overall value
- Decent overall accuracy
- Rugged and very durable
- CAT-IV / CAT-III rated (600V/1000V)
- A wide range of features including low impedance and low-pass filter
- Voltage detection
- Dual temperature probes
- Dual display, both feature bar graph and backlit
- Built-in LED flashlight
- Useful case (for probes, leads, velcro strap, manual)
Cons:
- Slow auto-ranging
- Short detector range
- Slower response time overall compared to more expensive multimeters
Our Verdict
The AM-570 can measure 1000AC and DC voltage with 10 Amperes of AC and DC current. Also, a really great feature considering its price is the fact that the AM-570 can read micro-amps and milliamps, which is rare in multimeters in this price range. It has a very good resistance of up to 60 megohms, capacitance to 60mF, and frequency to 60MHz, all are very decent.
It’s not as accurate a meter as its Fluke counterparts (although it’s still really good) and it can’t stand really high current levels. If you are looking for an affordable multimeter that is also well-rounded, the Amprobe AM-570 might just be the thing you are looking for.
#10 – Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter
For the last one in this list, we get another one by Fluke: the Fluke 101 Basic Digital Multimeter. The Fluke 101 can be considered an entry-level Fluke multimeter, and at the moment, the Fluke 101 is Fluke’s most compact and lightest multimeter. The Fluke 101 rounds out our list of the best multimeters for electricians.
Key Features
- Size: 5.1 in. (130mm) x 2.6 in. (65mm) x 1.1 in. (27mm)
- Weight: 5.6oz (160g)
- Small and lightweight, single-handed use
- Rugged, durable design
- Safety rated to CATIII, 600 V
- Diode/continuity test with buzzer feature
- DC volts accuracy: 0.5%
- Data hold
- Auto power-off
What’s Included in The Package
- The multimeter unit
- TL75 test leads
- 2x AAA batteries
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact and light
- Durable, sturdy build quality
- Reliable and accurate
- Test most ranges
- Frequency and capacitance ranges
- Separate voltage output ranges
- Useful hold function
- Pretty decent TL75 leads for its price
Cons:
- Slow auto-ranging
- The display is not backlit
- Probes connect on the bottom of the unit, can disrupt handling
Our Verdict
The Fluke 101 is also one of the most durable digital multimeters available on the market today. Functionality-wise, the Fluke 101 can measure most ranges quite accurately and can handle transient spikes pretty well (which is rare in portable multimeters). Overall, it has pretty decent usability and a good rugged build quality.
Some minor downsides, there is no back-light on the display and the response time isn’t the fastest. However, considering its very attractive price, a great pick if you are looking for a good quality, low-cost, portable multimeter.
Best Multimeters for Electricians – Final Words
The top 10 best multimeters for electricians that we have shared above are our top recommendations for your next multimeter purchase. While we’ve ranked them in a list 1 through 10, every mulitmeter in this list are ideally suited for electricians, engineers, electronics hobbyists, students, and other professionals in related fields.
Our number one pick here goes to the Fluke 87-V for its versatility, rich set of features, price, and excellent functionality. All models presented in our list are great multimeters with their own advantages and disadvantages.
We hope you’ve gathered enough information from this comprehensive buying guide, and can make a more informed purchasing decision with what we’ve shared.
If you enjoyed this article, consider checking out some of my other comprehensive buying guides below:
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- Best Oscilloscopes Under $500: Expert Reviews
- Best Desktops for Programming (PLC, CAD, OOP)
- Best Laptops For PLC Programming
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