All digital multimeter articles
The history of the multimeter
Who invented the multimeter? From galvanometers and voltmeters to digital multimeters with thermal imaging and wireless functionality. Fluke multimeter model history.
What is a digital multimeter?
A digital multimeter (DMM) is a test tool used to measure two or more electrical values—principally voltage (volts), current (amps) and resistance (ohms).
How to Test Diodes with a Digital Multimeter
Steps for using a multimeter in the Diode Test mode.
MythBusters’ Adam Savage’s favorite tools
Fluke multimeters tested by Adam Savage. Trusted tool recommendation for budget multimeter review.
How to measure current with a clamp accessory
How to measure current with a digital multimeter plus clamp accessory.
Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter vs Fluke 87V MAX Multimeter
Compare IP rating, battery life and other features. What is the difference between the Fluke 87V MAX and the 87V digital multimeter?
Five reasons you need a multimeter with a built-in thermal imager
If you’re an electrician or technician who is responsible for keeping industrial systems and processes up and running safely, efficiently, and cost effectively you know that the quicker you can find a problem, the quicker you can fix it.
Case study: Inside a Wind Energy Tower Tech Community
As the wind energy industry evolves, so does the wind technician community. Learn how a unique wind tech community shares troubleshooting and solutions online.
How a few good test tools saved motor replacements at a pulp and paper company
Few things are as disposable as paper towels. But the next time you nonchalantly toss away (or compost) a paper towel, keep in mind that there's a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Measuring a rectifier with no load
The 189 was the first Fluke handheld DMM that offered two ways to measure AC volts. In the Vac function, the measurement was essentially the same as most Fluke DMMs, but the 189 also allows you to measure ac volts while in the Vdc function.
Troubleshooting with a multimeter thermal camera
The latest technology available combines a digital multimeter with a thermal imager and adds wireless capabilities so measurements can be taken from a safe distance, saved and even stored in secure data centers for later analysis.
How TwistGuard multimeter test leads keep you safe
Fluke TwistGuard™ Test Leads:safer, tougher, more versatile
Case study: Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter helps keep 1950s motors and generators running into the 21st century
MetalTech produces steel sheets. Maintenance technicians use the Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter to troubleshoot and maintain the equipment.
Solid ground: Increasing parallel conductor ampacity
The most popular reason for paralleling conductors is to provide higher ampacity than a single conductor can provide. "In a typical building design, the largest conductors are usually 500 kcmil or 600 kcmil". "And many electrical contractors will actually object to 600 kcmil. If ampacity above 400 A is necessary, using parallel conductors is the only reasonable solution.
Back to basics: Pre-emptive troubleshooting and testing of class 2 and 3 alarm circuits
HSI Security Systems installs, maintains and monitors electronic life-safety systems throughout Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington. We're an electrical contractor that specializes in low voltage systems and rudimentary electrical controls.
Under-utilized functions: How to use fast/peak min/max on your DMM
Understand how to use under-utilized functions on your DMM such as Fast/Peak and Min/Max.
Tough Fluke tools
Read harrowing true stories about extreme testing experiences with Fluke tools.
Testing your test leads
Checking your test leads to make sure they are in good condition and rated for the job at hand is the best insurance for accuracy and safety
Case study: Wind park engineer goes sky high to troubleshoot
A Canadian engineer keeps wind farm in New Brunswick up and running by using a Fluke multimeter.
VFD troubleshooting at a water-quality plant
A Florida county water utilities department uses Fluke tools to measure VFD output filtering, Min/Max frequency, phase-to-phase voltage imbalances and motor insultation resistance checks.
Troubleshooting robotic equipment
Troubleshooting robotic equipment with the Fluke 175 True RMS Digital Multimeter at Briggs & Stratton plant; manufactures small engines for generators, pumps, pressure washers
How robust is your handheld meter?
In the world of handheld digital multimeters, maintenance professionals are being deluged with new models, new manufacturers, new functionality, claims about ruggedness, claims about water- and dust-resistance - the list goes on and on.
Fluke 289/FVF helps to develop high-voltage sources
Founded in 1997, LIFETECH S.R.O. develops, designs and distributes equipment for water and air treatment and purification. The company also services its equipment, as well as equipment made by other manufacturers. Lifetech has about twenty employees overall, with five in the Development Department.
Fixing food processing problems with onsite, onscreen DMM trending
Making sure that equipment delivers peak performance at all times requires ongoing troubleshooting on the part of maintenance technicians. Depending on the size and scope of the facility, operations will change over and produce many different products and packages in varying size runs.
Facts about true-rms measurement
Expert Chuck Newcombe compares digital multimeters of yesterday with today's DMMs with true-rms ac measurement capability. Get the facts about the subtle points you should know when making rms measurements.
Troubleshooting with the Fluke 116 Multimeter
Read success stories from ONSITE PC Assitance owner Robert Johns. Working on mostly low voltage equipment for home offices and small-to-medium business, Johns uses the Fluke 116 to measure for low voltage, auto-ranging and min/max temperature.
Event recording (or logging) with a Fluke 287/289 digital multimeter
The application note explains what kind of logging these meters can perform, how to use the recording feature, and the information that can be provided to you. This note also discusses how FlukeView Forms PC software is used to increase the power of the Recording feature.
Dual impedance digital multimeters
Find out what dual impedance and voltage detection are and why it's good to have them built into your multimeter. Find out about impedance basics, ghost voltages, non-contact voltage detection and the absence or presence of voltage testing.
Choosing the correct fuse for your tester
Find out what the hidden dangers of making voltage and current measurements with a tester that does not have the fuse protection that was designed into the tester - dangers than can cause serious burns, and possibly even death.
Case study: Fluke DMMs in Antarctica
Astronomers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia have been working in Antarctica's interior since 1996. In collaboration with astronomers from France, Italy and the United States, they're seeking the perfect location for the next generation of deep-space telescopes.
Clamp Meters vs Multimeters
A digital multimeter is essentially a voltage-measuring tool with some current abilities. A clamp meter is basically a current-measuring tool with some voltage abilities. They are distinctly different instruments, each with its own advantages.