Recommendations for AC/DC voltmeter purchase

[sparrowhawk1]

Sold by Amazon too

[sparrowhawk1]

And this one goes up to 400 amps and got slightly better reviewshttps://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SQ4UETO/ref=psdcmw_14244471_t3_B0721MKXBC

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by sparrowhawk1

https://m.banggood.com/MASTECH-MS210...ign=m-tools-US

This one goes to 600 amps both AC and DC seems to have fairly slim Jaws for getting in tight spaces. Any comments?

I bought one last year. I like it. It seems well made.

[john61ct]

Mastech is generally a good brand.

I trust Amazon reviews **not at all** anymore.

Google with exact model# and see derailed tech reviews with discussions in the specialist forums.

Note the ability to measure surge / startup peaks - often **very** short duration - is something only the Fluke-level $209-400 units can (try to) do.

Real geeks apparently use very expensive ? oscilliscopes ? for that.

[CarinaPDX]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Note the ability to measure surge / startup peaks - often **very** short duration - is something only the Fluke-level $209-400 units can (try to) do.

Real geeks apparently use very expensive ? oscilliscopes ? for that.

For 120VAC I use a Kill-a-Watt (about $20) to record peak voltages and surge currents. For under $200 you could buy a pocket scope that would likely be adequate for boat work - but you would need to know how to use it (not quite as simple as it may seem).


Greg

[john61ct]

Yes, I meant for DC.

But wow if a $20 device can do it for AC, that's amazing, would be very helpful for sizing inverters

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Note the ability to measure surge / startup peaks - often **very** short duration - is something only the Fluke-level $209-400 units can (try to) do.

The Mastech 2109 has peak hold. I've used it to measure peak DC current when a big bilge pump starts up. I don't yet know just how short a peak it will capture, but the meter is certainly faster than a breaker, so it's effective for assessing circuit protection and detecting equipment problems.