DC voltage max.
The highest DC voltage (see “Voltage type”) that can be effectively measured with this instrument.
Compliance with this parameter is important not only for correct measurements, but also from a safety point of view. Measuring too high voltage can lead to malfunctions of the device, ranging from the operation of emergency protection (and it can take the form of a disposable fuse that requires replacement after operation) and ending with a complete failure and even fire. Therefore, it is impossible to exceed this indicator anyway. Yes, and choosing a device for maximum voltage is worth with a certain margin — at least 10 – 15%: this will give an additional guarantee in case of emergency situations. On the other hand, the margin should not be too large: a high constant voltage threshold can degrade the accuracy of measurements at low voltage, as well as affect the price, dimensions and weight of the device.
Note that most multimeters and other similar devices have several measurement ranges, with different maximum thresholds. So, for a safe measurement of voltage close to the maximum, you need to set the appropriate mode in the settings.
Measurement accuracy (V⁻)
Measurement accuracy provided by the instrument.
Measurement accuracy for multimeters is usually indicated by the smallest error (in percent) that the device is able to provide when measuring direct current. The smaller the number in this paragraph, the higher the accuracy, respectively. At the same time, we emphasize that it is the smallest error (the highest accuracy) that is usually achieved only in a certain measurement range; in other ranges, the accuracy may be lower. For example, if in the range "1 — 10 V" the device gives a maximum deviation of 0.5%, and in the range "10 — 50 V" — 1%, then 0.5% will be indicated in the characteristics. Nevertheless, according to this indicator, it is quite possible to evaluate and compare modern multimeters. So, a device with a lower claimed error, usually, and in general will be more accurate than a model with a similar performance with a larger error.
Data on measurement accuracy in other ranges and modes can be given in the detailed characteristics of the device. However, in fact, this information is required not so often — only for certain specific tasks, where it is fundamentally necessary to know the possible error.
AC voltage max.
The largest alternating voltage (see “Type of voltage”) that can be effectively measured using this model. This parameter is important not only for measurements as such, but also for safe handling of the device: measuring too high voltage will, at best, trigger emergency protection (and it is possible that after that you will have to look for a new fuse to replace the burned one), at worst — to equipment failure or even fire. In addition, for safe measurements, a voltage margin is highly desirable — this is due both to the characteristics of the alternating current and to the possibility of various emergency situations in the network, primarily voltage surges. For example, for 230 V networks, it is desirable to have a device for at least 250 V, and preferably 300 – 310 V; detailed recommendations for other cases can be found in special sources.
Note that most multimeters and other similar devices have several measurement ranges, with different maximum thresholds. So, for a safe measurement of voltage close to the maximum, you need to set the appropriate mode in the settings.
DC minimum
The upper limit of the lower sub-range in which the device can measure direct current (see "Type of current").
The operating ranges of modern multimeters and other measuring instruments are usually divided into subranges. This is done for accuracy and convenience in measurements: the lower the subrange, the smaller values it covers, the higher the measurement accuracy at low current values. The minimum direct current describes exactly the lower range, designed for the weakest current values: for example, if the characteristics in this paragraph indicate 500 μA, this means that the lower subrange allows you to measure currents from 0 to 500 μA.
It is worth choosing according to this indicator taking into account the specifics of the planned application: for example, a device with low rates can be useful for delicate work, such as repairing computers or mobile phones, but for servicing the on-board electrical network of cars, especially old ones, especially high current sensitivity is not required.
Stand
The presence of
a stand in the design of the device.
Such a stand, usually, is a folding plate or frame in the lower part of the case. In the open state, it allows you to install the device at an angle to the surface on which it lies — this position is often more convenient than strictly horizontal.
