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Digital Multimeter Tester US $2.49 /AU $3.37 Delivered @ AliExpress

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Digital Multimeter Tester US $2.49 /AU $3.37 Delivered @ AliExpress
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altomic on 04/01/2017 - 00:18 aliexpress.com (434 clicks)

DO NOT USE THIS MULTIMETER FOR TESTING MAINS 240V VOLTAGE OR HIGHER

Only an idiot would use one of these cheap multimeters to test across mains voltage.

obviously you wouldn't trust this on mains voltage.

There, I've said it 3 times that this is a stupid piece of equipment to use on 240volts AC (ok, now 4 times).

Perfect for testing the voltage on laptop power bricks, batteries (with globe in series), car battery, etc etc

SAFETY FIRST - don't guess, check the internet or youtube if you have no idea - but an even smarter idea would be not to do it (if you have no idea)

I received mine recently from the last deal (at US$2.73). tested it on several dc laptop power supplies and it gave the exact same reading as my Aus bought multimeter.

does not include a 9V battery. BatteryWorld sells them for 99cents.

FEATURES:
3 1/2 digits, 7segment,0.5"high LCD,Max.reading of 1999
6 Functions,Most popular 19 ranges Digital Multimeter
Voltage DC,Voltage AC, Current DC, Resistance, Diode Check and HFE
Low battery voltage indication
Small and compact design
Overload protection on all ranges
Sampling 2~3 times readings per second.
Diode assembly test / Transistor P-N junction test/Transistor hFE test.
Low cost, pocket size ideal for hobby & DIY users
Color available: Yellow, Black,
Measuring range:
Max AC Current:10A
Max AC Voltage range:1000V <—- but it would be stupid to try voltages this high
Max DC Voltage range:750V <—-I would not try DC voltages this high
Resistance Measurement: 200 Ohm-2000K Ohm range
SPECIFICATIONS:
Diode Check:2.8V/1mA
Battery Check:1.5V, 9V
Power:9V battery (6F22)(not Include in the packaging)
Dimensions:70X126X28 mm

Includes:
1 x DT830B digital multimeter
2 x Test leads
1 x User Manual

WARNING: This item does not carry the required Electrical Safety Certifications for Sale or Supply (and/or installation) in Australia. It may be dangerous to use this device.

I'll just throw into the mix that I did a 1 year circuitry course (many years ago) so I'm not completely ignorant on electronics and hence have no problem suggesting this item/model for basic electronic usage. yes, it's certainly not as accurate as a $500 meter, but if you want to know if your laptop power supply is pumping out 19volts then this is for you.

again I'll stress - don't use this multimeter for mains/ 240AC voltage.

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closed Comments

  • butter on 04/01/2017 - 00:23
    +24

    Hmm, I wonder if it's OK to use it on mains 240Vac?

    • Major Mess on 04/01/2017 - 14:23

      I am pretty sure the probe insulation will hold up for many years. The unit is designed to read mains AC voltage, so why not?

      I actually added one of these for $2 to an order from Thailand ten years ago. I am pretty sure it has been inserted into an AC socket in that time. From memory the buzzer is a joke, and was floating around in the case.

    • brocky2006 on 04/01/2017 - 18:34

      i have 1that look exactly the same from reject shop for $5ish and works fine on 240

  • 51722 on 04/01/2017 - 00:23

    I just want to point out to potential buyers THAT YOU SHOULD NOT USE THIS ON MAINS 240V!!!

  • jv on 04/01/2017 - 00:24
    +5

    DO NOT USE THIS MULTIMETER FOR TESTING MAINS 240V VOLTAGE OR HIGHER

    WHY NOT?

    • Blitzfx on 04/01/2017 - 00:30
      +5

      Because you might hurt it's feelings.

    • cryptos on 04/01/2017 - 00:47
      +3

      Dont worry JV you can safely use it on 220V-239V

    • Russ on 04/01/2017 - 01:08
      +11

      WHY NOT?

      There are good reasons not to use a cheap multimeter for measuring dangerous voltages.

      One of the main reasons is the wires connected to the probes. If the insulation is thin at any point, and that point happens to be touching your skin, the dangerous voltage may decide to zap you, possibly fatally. Compare these probes to the probes that you buy for real 1000V work, and it's like comparing a hang-glider to a Boeing 747. Much thicker insulation, usually applied in two or three layers to ensure uniformity.

      The next one is the banana plugs on the probes. They aren't fully shrouded, only partially shrouded. So if you are making a measurement and one of the banana plugs becomes unplugged, the banana plug could touch you. Zap again, maybe dead again.

      The next one is the material of the probes themselves. It looks to be cheap plastic. I've had similar probes snap when I was pushing them onto a terminal, so the metal probe tip went at right angles, and my fingers went onto the terminals. I was only using it on 12V terminals, so I was safe, but if it was mains voltage I probably wouldn't be typeing this now, I'd be dead.

      On the meter itself, there are a number of deficiencies, of which I'll list a couple.
      - No fuse on the 10A range. I'll leave you to guess what happens if you accidentally leave the probes in the "10A" socket and try to measure the voltage of your car battery. It involves a lot of current flowing, smoke, and things burning. Possibly one of them is you.
      - Almost certainly no HRC fuses. This would take too long to explain properly, the simplified version is that standard glass fuses won't stop the current flowing if the current is too high.

      There are a whole heap of things a multimeter needs to have to get proper certification, and this multimeter doesn't have them. The minimum safety certification you want for measuring mains is CAT III, and this multimeter doesn't have that.

      If you really want to measure your mains voltage, please get a mains power meter, they will show you the mains voltage as well as power. One like in this deal: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/62638

      • Jackson on 04/01/2017 - 01:18
        +1

        Wow, you realise you are responding to JV right?

        • Russ on 04/01/2017 - 01:22
          +3

          I think, in this case, JV is trying to educate everyone. I sometimes perceive JV to be like a debating teacher, saying "argue your point better". Hence the detailed rebuttal.

          Besides, it means I can cut-and-paste the same reply, next time JV asks the same question.

        • BelowSubZero on 04/01/2017 - 09:12

          I guess, JV really wondering why #JVwonderwhy ..

        • scrimshaw on 04/01/2017 - 09:33

          @raymondpx:

          Hashtag JustJVThings

      • Major Mess on 04/01/2017 - 14:30

        You need to get into the habit of inspecting all of your equipment before using in situations where there is danger. The most dangerous situation someone who buys this will be in will be plugging the probes into a socket somewhere. No matter what probe set, the handles are there for a reason, and shoving them into an AC outlet is hardly living on the edge.

        The more likely stuff up will be someone not having the meter on the correct scale before measurement, causing it to fry. Or then spinning the dial and letting the smoke out that way.

  • WatchNerd on 04/01/2017 - 00:30
    +8

    Thanks Op, I have a dodgy power point in my bathroom that I need to test.

    • shapers on 04/01/2017 - 00:40
      +2

      anyone know if this is good enough for mains??

      • butter on 04/01/2017 - 00:47
        +2

        It's all over the OP, must be fine.

  • RedFoxAU on 04/01/2017 - 00:49

    So its good to go across two phases on a three phase outlet then? thats not 240v?

    As its a device promoting itself to do high Voltages and even the OP mentioning how dangerous it is, I hope that this gets taken down. (no offence to OP)
    Someone not familar with tha non CAT rated/non AU approved/may short at any moment - may just pick it up and try use it.

    • mr_fjackson on 04/01/2017 - 01:06
      +1

      It's perfectly safe for Chinese 220 volts it's just Australian 230 volts it can't handle

    • Russ on 04/01/2017 - 01:13

      Phase-to-phase on a three-phase outlet is 415VAC. Substantially higher than 240V mains.

    • Maverick-au on 04/01/2017 - 10:03
      -3

      As its a device promoting itself to do high Voltages and even the OP mentioning how dangerous it is, I hope that this gets taken down. (no offence to OP)

      What bollocks, Australia is the country with the most red tape, rules, laws and other rubbish and we try to protect people this way instead of educating people like other countries and as had been proven time and time again this approach doesn't work. We are one of the most inefficient countries in the world when it comes to almost anything and this is a huge reason why we have no industries left and all we can sell is finite resources for next to nothing.

      Talk about dumbing down the people which is what the government likes as we even allow them to control everything we do even in our own homes.

  • outlander on 04/01/2017 - 01:03
    +10

    First thing I did when I got mine was stick it in the powerpoint

    Now I'm too scared to pull it out! We call it the death corner. Can someone help? I can't live like this much longer, and the multimeter grows stronger with each passing day

    • imnotarobot on 04/01/2017 - 01:10
      +1

      +1! Confirmed safe!

    • Steptoe on 04/01/2017 - 02:04
      +1

      Oooh, Black, Nice. Where from?

      • Russ on 04/01/2017 - 03:03
        +11

        It was yellow when he plugged it in. ;^)

    • mazuko on 04/01/2017 - 10:03

      Nicely done!

  • Jackson on 04/01/2017 - 01:20
    +1

    I have some 1000V rated pliers, if I hold the probes with the pliers then I should be fine to test mains surely? Why else buy those pliers for?

    • Major Mess on 04/01/2017 - 14:42

      I hope you realise you require a pair of pliers for each probe, preferably held by separate workers. Oh, and don't forget your rubber gumboots.

      • Jackson on 04/01/2017 - 19:39

        Yes got both, and gumboots and rubber gloves

  • [Deactivated] on 04/01/2017 - 01:43

    I bought the exact same one from Jaycar for $10.

    • Steptoe on 04/01/2017 - 02:06
      +4

      This is also approved for Australia, so safe for 240V.

      $6.95 at Jaycar

      https://www.jaycar.com.au/mini-digital-multimeter/p/QM1502

      • Russ on 04/01/2017 - 02:59
        +1

        so safe for 240V

        Not really, it's only CAT II, so not safe for plugging into a power point (that requires CAT III rating). I believe CAT II means "okay for measuring voltages in appliances that are plugged in to mains" - and the vast majority of those voltages are much lower than mains voltage.

        References:
        http://www.ni.com/white-paper/5019/en/
        http://martindale-electric.co.uk/measurement_categories.php

        It does appear to be a little safer, because it doesn't say "unfused" on the 10A socket. There isn't enough information to judge much more.

        • Steptoe on 04/01/2017 - 12:10

          Anyway, good for the car glove box.

        • Russ on 05/01/2017 - 14:12
          +1

          @Steptoe:

          If you do keep it in the glovebox, I recommend you take the 9V battery out, and store the battery in a small box or wrapped in a plastic bag. That way if you forget it for years, the battery won't melt down inside the multimeter. Gloveboxes are pretty harsh on batteries, can be a very hot environment.

      • INFIDEL on 04/01/2017 - 08:57
        +1

        For $6.95 that Jaycar meter includes the 9V battery this deal lacks (99c+), local warranty, & no long wait time for postie if Jaycar is close by. I have one as a spare😯

      • Maverick-au on 04/01/2017 - 10:06
        -2

        This is also approved for Australia, so safe for 240V.

        So you assume it's safe? Why? Do you think Jaycar care? Do you think they test each batch?

        The government's mind control is working, if you buy it in a store it's safe no need to have any knowledge that might question it's safety.

  • HsvPete on 04/01/2017 - 02:37

    according to the spec I should be fine to join two in parellel and test 1000v ??

  • Averell on 04/01/2017 - 09:26
    +1

    How to get the price 2.49$? I followed the link and it said 4.98$

    • mazuko on 04/01/2017 - 10:07
      +1

      I think it's on mobile app

  • [Deactivated] on 04/01/2017 - 09:31

    Is this also an amp tester?

    • Major Mess on 04/01/2017 - 14:45

      Should be, within limits. Can't be bothered checking for you.

  • maxell86 on 04/01/2017 - 09:32

    The test leads are short. And the plastic casing comes apart from the base side. Though I got mine from jaycar to test 12v automotive about 5 years ago.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/01/2017 - 09:36
    +1

    Yes, I see $4.98, but you can get it here for $2.85

  • FirstNameLastName on 04/01/2017 - 10:55

    my geek friend swears by the mastec 8239c (or similar) multimeter at aliexpress for about $30.. says the specs equal $200 aussie models.

    don't know if he's truthful with that statement.. and i don't think he does 240v mains.. more switchboard/electronics stuff

    anyone concur with his view of the mastec ?

    • Steptoe on 04/01/2017 - 12:11
      +1

      appears to be spelled MASTECH if you are searching.

    • Major Mess on 04/01/2017 - 14:45

      He is a liar.

      • FirstNameLastName on 04/01/2017 - 17:11
        -1

        yeah don't know if he's actually lying.

        anyway I am reluctant to use cheap direct stuff from china on 240v. i believe someone died a few years back using one a dodgy usb charger.. wonder how many ozbargainers have ozbargained with their lives buying crap with similar defects to save a few bucks?

        • Maverick-au on 04/01/2017 - 21:25
          -1

          anyway I am reluctant to use cheap direct stuff from china on 240v.

          Why? Do you think the retailers test the products? So why pay extra?

          i believe someone died a few years back using one a dodgy usb charger.

          This blows your argument as she purchased it retail in Australia which according to your logic makes it safe.

          wonder how many ozbargainers have ozbargained with their lives buying crap with similar defects to save a few bucks?

          Buying retail doesn't mean safe, educate yourself about electricity and you'll be a lot safer by being able to tell a safe product from an unsafe one.

        • FirstNameLastName on 05/01/2017 - 00:50
          -2

          @Maverick-au:

          Educate yourself about electrical safety approval marks, which yes, means it has been tested and approved before retail sale.

          Yes, only buying 240v with such markings from reputable insured retailers, not some dodgy stall like this poor lady did.

          also, if a reputable retailer 240v does some damage or death, there are repercussions, compensation, investigations etc. good luck tracking down ali and his gang.

        • WatchNerd on 05/01/2017 - 10:44

          @Stitchy: Yeah I believe that lady who died from the cheap usb charger is taking the business to court for compensation.

        • FirstNameLastName on 05/01/2017 - 11:17
          -1

          @28Degrees:

          sorry, don't know if you are making a joke.
          I was speaking generally, but yes, compensation for her two young kids would be a good thing.

        • Maverick-au on 05/01/2017 - 11:27
          -1

          @Stitchy:

          Educate yourself about electrical safety approval marks, which yes, means it has been tested and approved before retail sale.

          Utter rubbish, approval markings are put on products all the time when they haven't been tested or are safe. Your attitude is the reason why there are so many stupid people that can't tell a safe product from an unsafe one

          Yes, only buying 240v with such markings from reputable insured retailers, not some dodgy stall like this poor lady did.

          You mean a mobile phone company (pty ltd) that operated for a long time in the same location, hardly a dodgy stall like you claimed. If this woman was educated she would have thought twice about buying a $4.95 charger and using the charger in an unsafe manner. She was charging the phone whilst using headphones on a phone call and using her notebook at the same time with other factors that came into play. But it's ok as she purchased from a store so it's got to be safe.

          "“The voltage seems to travel up through the faulty charger into her phone and she was wearing earplugs and also operating a laptop which was also plugged into a power point,”

          “So the (electricity) travelled back down through the earphones to the laptop and into the power point,”

          also, if a reputable retailer 240v does some damage or death, there are repercussions, compensation, investigations etc. good luck tracking down ali and his gang.

          Sure there are, everyone will point the finger at someone else and this is another example of the nanny country.

        • Maverick-au on 05/01/2017 - 12:03
          -1

          @Stitchy:

          sorry, don't know if you are making a joke.

          Really….. Is it that hard to tell?

          I was speaking generally, but yes, compensation for her two young kids would be a good thing.

          She was a Filipino national who was studying in Australia, her children are in the Philippines. They sell the same chargers in the Philippines so it should easily happen there under the same circumstances. Compensation is not that clear cut and doesn't bring back a mother.

          Should you hold a phone to your head on a call whilst charging and whilst your head is also grounded via headphones connected to a notebook also charging? Chances of this occurring again? Almost nil.

          Faulty USB chargers have given people a tingle or shock before but due to lack of grounding this is all that happens.

        • FirstNameLastName on 05/01/2017 - 12:10
          -1

          @Maverick-au:
          utter rubbish hey? ok settle down keyboard warrior.. the markings mean it actually has been tested/approved/meets safety standards for sale in australia. that's ACTUALLY WHAT THEY MEAN if they are genuine markings.. find a source that says otherwise and please bestow your education upon the stupid people.

          she was an australian citizen, a young mum. two young children, trained to be a nurse in two countries, with english as her second+ language.. being a nurse, she'd be well aware of the dangers of electricity and its function in the body.

          the deadly, non-approved charger, had a plastic casing that was too thin and 240v arc'd through it at some random time.. you are saying she should be able to determine this would happen.. how exactly? i suppose you fully test every 240v product in every configuration before using it? you test the plastic type and thickness and how it behaves under different scenarios do you?

        • retiredfeline on 05/01/2017 - 12:11

          @28Degrees:

          that lady who died from the cheap usb charger is taking the business to court for compensation.

          That's pretty impressive for somebody who's dead. Ah you mean the family of course.

        • Maverick-au on 05/01/2017 - 12:21
          +1

          @Stitchy:

          utter rubbish hey? ok settle down keyboard warrior.. the markings mean it actually has been tested/approved/meets safety standards for sale in australia. that's ACTUALLY WHAT THEY MEAN if they are genuine markings.. find a source that says otherwise and please bestow your education upon the stupid people.

          You really don't understand do you. How do you tell the difference between a safety marking on a product that has been tested and is a safe product and a safety marking on a product that hasn't been tested and is unsafe?

          she was an australian citizen, a young mum. two young children, trained to be a nurse in two countries, with english as her second+ language.. being a nurse, she'd be well aware of the dangers of electricity and its function in the body.

          Ok explain why a nurse would know about electrical safety and more to the point if she did why she purchased a $4.95 charger and choose to put herself at risk in that manner by using her phone whilst charging from that charger whilst also wearing headphones that were connected to a grounded notebook which she had sitting on her chest and all the devices had exposed metal touching her?

          the deadly, non-approved charger, had a plastic casing that was too thin and 240v arc'd through it at some random time..

          This is not what happened so once again you show you have no idea what happened or indeed how electricity works. How exactly would thin plastic on a charger plugged into a wall socket cause this incident? The charger is the same one sold throughout the world including China and the Philippines. The failure that occurred happened inside the charger and is likely a result of insufficient isolation between the 5V and 230V sides along with other factors that are unknown at this stage.

          you are saying she should be able to determine this would happen.. how exactly? i suppose you fully test every 240v product in every configuration before using it? you test the plastic type and thickness and how it behaves under different scenarios do you?

          Buying a cheap no-name charger was her first mistake. And yes I do test cheaper things that I purchase including pulling them apart, products like Panasonic TVs etc don't need to be tested or any caution exercised when using. Education about how electricity works should occur as this education helps prevent incidents like this from occurring.

        • Major Mess on 09/01/2017 - 19:30
          +1

          @Stitchy: Markings such as CTick, Standards, and even TGA Approvals are simply a promise. The manufacturers states that their factory and process etc. meet certain vague standards. That's it, and a lot don't meet their promise, but nothing happens, so the world moves on. No testing required.

          Check it out. It's how they all work. It's really the "honesty system".

          A QC sticker with a signature is a better sign that someone may have actually checked something.

    • Maverick-au on 05/01/2017 - 12:05

      and i don't think he does 240v mains.. more switchboard/electronics stuff

      What do you think is present at the switchboard? 230V! Sheesh.

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