Tip of the Week: Invest in a Brand Name Digital Multimeter

Oct. 10, 2016
Brand names may cost more, but are more likely to have the necessary safety features.

Nearly every electrician regularly uses a digital multimeter (DMM), whether working in construction or maintenance. Given the capabilities of this instrument, it’s no wonder.

Yet, you must be careful when selecting a DMM, and then you must be careful when using one. Not everyone’s idea of “careful” is the same, so let’s look at some specifics.

First, try to remember the adage, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” If you want a good meter, you’re going to pay a “good meter price” for it.

Consider what happened when an electrical maintenance manager got a great deal on 10 new DMMs for the electrical maintenance crew. The box arrived, and he called the crew to come get their new DMMs. It was like receiving a lump of coal for Christmas, because the meters clearly were not up to industrial safety standards. The first thing they noticed was the input jacks were not recessed. Think about why that would be hazardous.

If you buy a brand name meter, it will have all of the industry standard safety features. The manufacturers list those features on their websites and in other places.

Also, consider this. If a “cheap meter” manufacturer cares so little about how safe its meters are, what does that say about how accurate they are or how durable they are? Although it may not seem that way at first blush, you will save money by investing in a brand name DMM. One with the safety features needed to help you come home after work.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

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