Digital multimeters are an electrician's best friend. They are gadgets used to measure voltage, current and resistance of a circuit of an electronic device or an in-home circuit. A digital multimeter, or DMM, produces highly accurate numerical readings and displays them on a LED screen. An analogue multimeter, on the other hand, display readings using a pointer that deflects on the printed dial screen. This may produce inaccurate readings resulting from human error. There are different types of DMMs and they function differently.
Fluke Digital Multimeter
Fluke digital multimeters carry out various calibration functions. They measure electric current, voltage and resistance across different components. Depending on the element that needs to be measured, the correct task can be selected on the selector knob. A Fluke DMM comes with a large display screen, making it very easy to note the readings. More innovative DMMs also come with features that measure temperature, frequency, pressure, humidity and duty cycle. The voltage, current or resistance reading is taken when the two leads are connected to the device being measured.
The Clamp Digitial Multimeter
A digital clamp multimeter is a testing tool used to measure electrical flow. The clamp part of the device is used for measuring amperage that is surging through an insulated cable. Normally, most digital clamp multimeters don't possess the ability to measure electrical resistance. They typically measure current flow through the clamp portion and the volts using the probes. The clamp DMM's main purpose is to read amperage through the cable and the circuit's voltage. The power consumption, or Watts, can be calibrated by multiplying the amps and the volts readings.
DMMs For Various Voltage Outputs
When measuring AC or DC current across a circuit or a component, make sure that the digital multimeter matches its voltage level. More than damaging your electric gauging tool, you will put your own life in danger. There have been reports of injuries and deaths relating to the use of a wrong type of multimeters: smaller ones have been used to read installation circuits with high voltage. It is imperative that only experts handle multimeters to test electrical current and voltage.
DMMs are given the following rates:-
A. Category I - for testing electronic devices
B. Category II - for testing appliance and domestic loads
C. Category III - for small-sized industrial circuits
D. Category IV - for testing power lines and feeds of residential and commercial electrical mains
Digital multimeters can be an intimidating tool to use. But if you are knowledgeable in the field of electricity and handle it with precaution, you will realise that DMMs are the most useful appliances around. They help keep electrical devices, circuits and entire houses in check. By choosing the right type of DMM, you can keep yourself, your family and your home safe from electrical hazards.
For more information about multimeters please visit at http://www.products4testing.co.uk.
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