Digital multimeters have now become an essential tool for any mechanic or technician working with electronic equipment. Far more sophisticated than their analog counterparts of the past, the digital multimeter has evolved into a highly specialized device designed for specific testing situations in both the home and business. Digital multimeters can be small, handheld devices used to check electronic systems in automobiles, or they can appear as advanced benchtop instruments in manufacturing labs or industrial field applications. Red Hill Supply distributes Fluke digital multimeters and carries the full range of engineering designs for both commercial customers and individual end users.
As the name suggests, digital multimeters combine convenience with multifunction. A digital multimeter works by converting signal measurements into a digital readout on an LED. This technology eliminates the parallax errors common in previous analog technology.
Today’s DMMs use specialized test probes that are specially adapted to the test object. Red Hill Supply sells Fluke digital multimeters that use hook clamps, pointed probes, and alligator clips to handle the variety of test surfaces faced by today’s technicians. Test probes are connected to the device via heavy-insulated cables, which ensure both an accurate measurement and safe operation.
Any type of electrical troubleshooting or repair work usually requires a digital multimeter to pinpoint electrical problems and provide various measurements of electrical phenomena. Standard measurement settings for most digital multimeters include current (AMPS), voltage (VOLTS), and resistance (OHMS). Simply put, resistance relates to the ease of electrical flow, voltage relates to the amount of electrical flow, and amperage reflects the power of electricity itself. In addition, a good digital multimeter will accurately measure both AC and DC devices. A car battery generates direct current and needs sufficient voltage for reliable operation. On the other hand, the vehicle’s alternator produces alternating current and may require both amperage and voltage tests. Any work on a vehicle’s radio or stereo system must be resistance tested, as low ohms will cause a speaker to burn out. More advanced digital multimeters designed for commercial and industrial projects offer additional testing options to measure capacitance, frequency, circuit continuity, inductance, and even temperature.