Hello everyone,
Before I get roasted, yes, I know...a plumbing mistake can get you wet, an electrical mistake can get you dead.
Having said that, please give me your opinions on which test meter might suit me best. I manage a facility that includes greenhouses (fans, unit heaters, controllers), walk in coolers, general building circuits(I mostly work on 24v, 120v).
I am not an electrician or HVAC tech. I do basic troubleshooting and replace components within my capability (diagnosed/replaced a bad 24v transformer on Modine heater recently). I probably won't do "fine electronics" (circuit boards,etc.)or high voltage. I usually call the experts before I get in over my head! I probably will use this thing less than a dozen times/year.
A local HVAC supplier highly recommended a UEI DL250 clamp on- very popular at the local tech school and with HVAC techs.
Here are my questions:
When is true RMS important?
Clamp on vs. hand held for my needs? Especially - clamp ons seem much less accurate is this an issue?
I am really in love with the Extech clamp on 38389 at this site. The TK32 kit with line splitter and non contact volt sensor seems ideal for me. However, while this meter does "everything", it's accuracy (ie.- ac amps 3.5%) bothers me vs. hand helds at less than 1%. Is Extech junk? Only rated Cat II @ 600.
Please give me suggestions for less than $150 to suit my needs. I am familiar with popular brands (Fluke, Meterman,GreenLee, etc.)
Thank you all!
