Multi meters-how much to spend for fault finding?

[mylocalplumber]

Hi,

Going on a baxi course soon and will be learning how to correctly use multi meter.

Dont mind spending if I have to but do I have to spend £60-70 on one or will a cheap £20 one do the trick. I had one in the shed but think the rain got to it..it all looks ok but think it might need calibration. Is this easily done?

 

[Howsie]

Get a cheap couple first as you'll probably blow them up.

Have a search on here, been a couple of threads about this.

 

[Whyme]

Ive had a digital maester one that cost about £30 odd quid for years does everything i need for fault finding etc.

 

[lame plumber]

got a wickes special with nice big writing £19, and then bought another when first went wrong giving 440v readings on a gas valve!!
but then I changed the battery on the first and it started working correctly again now any issues and I get the other one out to make sure. remember tho always have some spare batteries, doh

 

[dasgas]

Try to get one with temp diff on to measure flow and return:yesnod:

 

[Ray Stafford]

I don't use mine for fault finding on boilers, but for ordinary use, its worth paying a couple of quid for a continuity buzzer. Sometimes saves you going cross-eyed.

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

mylocalplumber, can you please give me some feedback on the baxi course as im considering going on a few soon

Cheers Pal

 

[mylocalplumber]

Thanks for all responses. Had a eureka moment when I realised I'd seen a multi meter in the shed left by previous owner. Is a Rish Multi 16s so not sure if any good but it's working..has TRMS which I've heard is good. Will leave feedback regarding baxi course.

 

[ndsmith]

I went on a baxi day the other week, the trainer stressed to me splashing out on a good multimeter. He recommended a Fluke to me as it lasts for years.

 

[snoopy8888]

fluke 116 is ideal for heating engineer, with temperature and micro amp.

 

[jase158]

any cheaper ones? that do everything we need? I have got basic one but want one that does differential temps, water temps i.e. aswell as the basics and auto ranging as can never remember which one to put it on.

 

[jase158]

something like this, but with diff temps on it.

Also is there a pouch you can buy for these or does it come with the multi meter?

 

[REDSAW]

i have a 'socket and see' auto ranging of fleabay, with temp clamps etc cost about £30.
some others have had issues with theres but mine still good after a year or two!!

the tpi found in partscenter looks interesting as it only has an on button the rest is done for you!.

 

[lame plumber]

Digital Multimeter - Electrical Accessories - Electrical -Tools, Electrical & Plumbing - Wickes £21

 

[stevetheplumber]

try to afford an auto ranging one draper do one for around 50 pounds