Hand held multimeters are specifically designed to be used while holding, i.e, can be operated with one hand.Īnalog multimeters have multiple scales on the dial, a moving needle and many manual settings on the function switch. Bench top models can also be portable by use of handles and wheels. Analog multimeters are generally bench top or hand held. An analog multimeter displays these values via a dial, typically a moving pointer or needle. When searching for analog multimeters it is important to consider the measurement range for whichever value is being measured. A current clamp is a sensor that clamps around the wire. Analog multimeters that measure current may have a current clamp built-in or configured as a probe. Specific measurements made by analog multimeters include DC voltage, AC voltage, DC current, AC current, frequency range for AC currents, and decibel measurement. Advanced analog multimeters come with more features such as capacitor, diode and IC testing modes. Analog multimeters can be used to find electronic and electrical short circuit problems. The basic functionality of an analog multimeter will include measurement of electrical potential in volts, resistance in ohms, and current in amps. Most modern multimeters are digital and traditional analog multimters are becoming obsolete. More expensive digital multimeters can equal or better this performance. Used as an ammeter, nalog multimeters have a very low resistance and is very sensitive. On the other hand, it is easier to follow a slowly changing voltage by watching the needle on an anlaogue display.

Used as a voltmeter, a digital meter is usually better because its resistance is much higher, 1 M or 10 M, compared to 200 for a analog multimeter on a similar range.

Switched range analog multimeters are very cheap but are difficult for beginners to read accurately, especially on resistance scales. Analog multimeters are electrical test instruments which are used to measure voltage, current, resistance, frequency and signal power.Īnalog multimeters use a needle along a scale.

Analog multimeter tester