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The Heritage Issue
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The Heritage Issue
Apr-May 2025
The Panel Decides: Multimeters Tool Review
Before you splash out on a new multimeter, let our panel of expert tradies test them out and give you the pros and cons of each one!
In this Article:
Multimeters for electricians, put to the test
Our panel use them and rate them
Read this before you buy!
The Tools
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KLEIN TOOLS –TRMS Auto-Ranging Slim Digital Multimeter, 600V, Temp Multimeter (MM450) |
CABAC –5 in 1 Auto Range Digital Multimeter (T8229) |
WATTMASTER –Professional Digital Multimeter (WATEL-911) |
| RRP $133.33 | RRP $180.00 | RRP $79.86 |
| THE LOWDOWN:
This auto-ranging slim multimeter measures AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current and resistance. It can also measure temperature, capacitance, frequency, duty cycle, and test diodes and continuity. It features a large, high-visibility, reverse contrast display that automatically optimises viewing in dark or bright ambient light. The size of a phone, this multimeter fits into most pockets and features high-quality leads with sockets on the side identified by indicator light. |
THE LOWDOWN:
This multimeter includes all standard capabilities, plus lux, humidity, instant temp/thermocouple temp, and decibels. Features include audible and visual socket correct lead input indication, data hold and relative measurement, and temperature measurement with Type-K thermocouple. |
THE LOWDOWN:
A compact digital multimeter with double moulded housing and over-sized high-contrast 2000 count LCD display. It measures voltage, current, resistance, continuity and temperature. It comes complete in a carry case with test leads, battery and a Type-K temperature probe. |
The Panel
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| Blake Hoile
from Hoile Electrical Experience: 13 years |
Dave Bristow
from Bristow Squared Electrical Experience: 25 years |
Gary Kidd
from Guardian Electrical Experience: 40 years |
The Verdict
KLEIN TOOLS – TRMS Auto-Ranging Slim Digital Multimeter, 600V, Temp Multimeter
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“This product instantly felt quality…” – Dave |
| Blake:
Clear choice The clear screen stands out the most, and it also shows the battery life. It’s a good-sized meter and has a case that can mount to your belt. I don’t really like how the leads plug into the side though, as it makes it bulky, but at this RRP, it’s great value for money. |
Dave:
Quality product This product instantly felt quality – good design with side ridges to improve grip, and great visibility on a large screen. The light-up plug entries were a bonus, but I do think that for this price, a magnetic holder should be included. |
Gary:
Making a case The display screen was nice and big and easy to read, and the meter was very easy to use. Nice and slim, and comes with a case to keep extra leads in. The LED alert on the side for the leads was also a good feature, but it doesn’t have a backstand. If it did, it might have been my top pick. |
| VERDICT: It’s a winner
RATING: 9/10 *TOP PICK*
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VERDICT: My choice
RATING: 9/10 *TOP PICK*
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VERDICT: Close, but no cigar!
RATING: 8/10
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CABAC – 5 in 1 Auto Range Digital Multimeter
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“It’s the most expensive, but has the extra features!” – Gary |
| Blake:
Expensive and bulky As a tester, it has every option you could ask for. I like the clips for the probes to sit into, however, the screen display isn’t great. I just didn’t find it to be a practical meter to use on-site as it’s too big and bulky, and not worth the price. |
Dave:
A sound choice I liked the addition of the lux testing and the light-up plug entries. However, the kickstand definitely needs improving, and I would have liked a bigger screen for a unit this large. It’s a decent tester overall, but the size lost it for me and I also think it’s too expensive. |
Gary:
You get what you pay for! I liked the chunky feel and the extra features like the lux, sound, and humidity settings and it was the only one with a pull-out stand. The incorrect lead warning audio and visual feature was very good. A magnetic strap would have been a good addition. It’s the most expensive, but has the extra features. |
| VERDICT: Pricey
RATING: 7/10
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VERDICT: Decent overall
RATING: 7/10
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VERDICT: Top of the pops
RATING: 9/10 *TOP PICK*
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WATTMASTER – Professional Digital Multimeter
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“It’s a nice, small meter at a very good price.” – Blake |
| Blake:
For the apprentice It’s a nice, small meter at a very good price – great for an apprentice. It would have been good if you could combine the AC and DC voltage, so you only need to select the volts. |
Dave:
Back up at best This had a large clear screen for visibility and good soft rubber for grip. It was the smallest of the three tested and it did feel like a toy. This is more suited to a home handyman than a tradesperson. Perhaps it would be good as a backup unit. |
Gary:
DIYer’s choice An easy-to-use, compact meter. Good display, with a case to keep the meter and leads in. It was the easiest to keep in a tool bag, as it took up less room. This was the cheapest meter, and it felt it. It would be a good DIY-er’s meter. |
| VERDICT: Good value
RATING: 8/10
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VERDICT: Not for me
RATING: 5/10
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VERDICT: One for home
RATING: 6/10
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Find the latest multimeters at your local Gemcell Member branch
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