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How to test multimeter accuracy

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  • Feb 28th, 2020 1:42 pm
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Feb 27th, 2020 7:20 pm
hightech [OP]
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Feb 27th, 2020 7:20 pm

How to test multimeter accuracy

I have a multimeter and wanted to see how accurate it is. I remember years ago there used to be these kits that you can set up that would be configured to different volts/ohms, etc. This way you can connect the leads of the multimeter to this board that was set to a specific voltage and see how far you were from it.

Would anyone know where these kits are available? Ideally, these kits should be reasonably accurate or else it is adding to the variance as well.

Thanks
8 replies
Feb 27th, 2020 7:47 pm
toalan
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Feb 27th, 2020 7:47 pm

Get a multimeter that you trust, measure the voltage across a battery, then compare the readings with the multimeter you do not trust.
I workout to get big so I can pickup bricks and ****.
Feb 27th, 2020 8:51 pm
hightech [OP]
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Feb 27th, 2020 8:51 pm

toalan wrote: ↑ Get a multimeter that you trust, measure the voltage across a battery, then compare the readings with the multimeter you do not trust.
I just wanted to see how accurate my meter was before buying a second one.
Feb 28th, 2020 1:58 am
craftsman
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Feb 28th, 2020 1:58 am

For DC voltage, you can buy voltage reference ICs which are basically voltage regulators where the voltage outputted is within a tight tolerance.

For resistance, you can buy precision value resistors that are accurate within 0.01%.
Feb 28th, 2020 12:35 pm
Gutty96
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Feb 28th, 2020 12:35 pm

What are you measuring with it you are concerned about having a tight tolerance on it?

Could look into having a local lab calibrate it, and give a certification, but a multimeter runs $85 for a certification at the lab I use. Although we use multimeters $500-$2000 and have ISO to consider.
Feb 28th, 2020 1:42 pm
hightech [OP]
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Dec 23, 2003
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Feb 28th, 2020 1:42 pm

Gutty96 wrote: ↑ What are you measuring with it you are concerned about having a tight tolerance on it?

Could look into having a local lab calibrate it, and give a certification, but a multimeter runs $85 for a certification at the lab I use. Although we use multimeters $500-$2000 and have ISO to consider.
I don't use the meter for mission critical stuff. Just testing batteries and other things around the house (non AC). I currently have this meter from 1999.

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/please-s ... s-2356529/

I just wonder if it would be better to just get a Fluke 107, Greenlee DM-200A or EEVblog Brymen BM235 Multimeter. If I am going to upgrade my current MM, I figure getting something more accurate is ideal.
Feb 28th, 2020 1:42 pm
craftsman
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Feb 28th, 2020 1:42 pm

hightech wrote: ↑ Would you know from where?
Any local electronic component supply store in Toronto should have something similar. Since I'm in Vancouver, I can't help you there.

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