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Accuracy of 3.5 digit multimeters

Gough Lui

Low cost 3.5 digit multimeters are pretty much ubiquitous amongst hobbyists, but how accurate are they? I try to find out, using the Keithley 2110 I was awarded in a RoadTest as a reference source.

 

The full details are in my blog post: Investigation: How Accurate is that 3.5 digit Multimeter? | Gough's Tech Zone

  • in reply to Gough Lui
    Alas, the Fluke 113 specs seem a little disappointing

    I think the 113 is aimed as a electricians meter, and while accuracy is part of a meter's performance, its not he only one.

    Discrimination of DC v AC is another along with speed of obtaining the reading, especially continuity.




    Unfortunately unless you've had exposure to meters like these, some of the other performance items you might not have an idea of, or how they affect your use of the device.


    Mark

  • in reply to mcb1

    Agreed. I suppose my obsession with accuracy is only because that's the easiest objective thing to compare - I don't think the cheap meters really have any outstanding "features" worth noting. Accurate AC measurement gets tricky especially depending on the frequency and shape of the waveform.

     

    Lots of other ranges and their error ratings to consider, along with safety (CAT II, III, IV) voltage ratings, types of probes available, non-contact warnings/measurements, display speed/size/bargraphs, special measurements (harmonic ratio, frequency, distortion) as well as build quality. Lets just say that I have stepped on a DT830 before by accident and that didn't end well.

     

    - Gough