Hioki & Simpson Digital Multimeter Suppliers in Sydney & Melbourne

Digital Multimeter comes in various types, and qualities and can be used for a range of voltages, currents, resistance, impedance, and applications. Some digital multimeters have different advanced measuring kits and features that make them expensive compared to simple digital multimeters. The price of a digital multimeter can vary from $50 to $500.

A digital multimeter can serve different purposes and can be used for different applications. So the safety guidelines mentioned here are mostly general so you should also refer to the user manual of your equipment to eliminate any prospective dangers.

• Do not overload your digital multimeter. Never apply or measure any current or voltage that exceeds the specified limit of your digital multimeter and also familiarize yourself with the important circuit symbols.
• Do not use a digital multimeter if the measuring leads are damaged. Furthermore, never use a digital multimeter without a protective case to eliminate the chances of electric shock.
• When the digital multimeter is connected to an active circuit, do not touch the unused ports.
• Keep the range at maximum values if you are unaware of the range of measured values or select auto-ranging if available.
• Cut off the circuit and never measure the resistance on a live circuit.
• When the digital multimeter is not in use, turn it off to minimize battery drainage.

A good quality digital multimeter can serve you for years if it is maintained properly. A digital multimeter should always be kept dry. Make sure that the temperature of the surroundings falls within the range of a digital multimeter as extreme temperatures can shorten the life of the meter and can also affect its accuracy.

Generally, a digital multimeter does not require thorough cleaning as they are used in a dry state. But, clean your digital multimeter occasionally with a damp cloth without using any detergent, cleaning agent, or chemicals, and do not immerse it in any liquid. Do not let the water go inside your digital multimeter as it can cause a short circuit.

The battery and fuse of a digital multimeter are consumable parts and need replacement after a certain amount of time.

• Battery Replacement: The battery of a digital multimeter should be replaced when the sign of an empty battery appears on the display screen of the meter. The battery is usually under a screwed cover and must always be replaced when the multimeter is in the off state. After the replacement, refasten the screws.
• Fuse Replacement: A fuse in an important part of a multimeter that keeps it from internal damage. If your digital multimeter is not measuring current, then its fuse must have been blown away and need replacement. Turn off your digital multimeter and disconnect it from the circuit to replace its fuse. The fuse should be compatible with your meter. Refer to the user manual of the meter to determine the fuse’s specifications.

Along with the quality of its manufacturing, the accuracy of a digital multimeter also depends upon the temperature and relative humidity of the environment where it is being used. The accuracy of a digital multimeter also varies with the variable being measured i.e. current, dc voltage, ac voltage, resistance, capacitance, and frequency. The overall accuracy of a multimeter can vary from ±0.5% to ±10% with the change in the variable being measured.

Digital multimeters are more accurate than analog ones. The maximum possible accuracy with an analog multimeter is ±3% whereas a digital multimeter can reach an accuracy of ±0.5%.