Digital multimeters have now become an essential tool for any mechanic or technician working with electronic equipment. Far more sophisticated than their analogue counterparts of the past, the digital multimeter has evolved into highly specialized device engineered for specific testing situations in both private and commercial arenas. Digital multimeters may be small, hand-held devices used to check electronic systems on automobiles, or they may appear as advanced bench instruments in manufacturing labs or industrial field applications. Red Hill Supply distributes digital multimeters by Fluke and carries the full spectrum of engineering designs for both commercial clients and individual end users.

As their name suggests, digital multimeters combine convenience with multifunction. A digital multimeter works by converting signal measurements into a digital display on an LED. This technology eliminates the parallax errors common in previous analog technology.

Today’s DMM’s utilize specialized test probes adapted specifically to the test subject. Red Hill Supply distributes Fluke digital multimeters that employee hook clips, pointed probes, and crocodile clips to accommodate the multiplicity of test surfaces today’s technician encounters. Test probes connect to the unit through thickly insulated leads that ensure both accurate measurement and safe operation.

Any type of electrical troubleshooting or repair work normally requires a digital multimeter to pinpoint electrical problems and to provide various measurements of electrical phenomenon. Standard measurement settings for most digital multimeters include current (AMPS), voltage (VOLTS), and resistance (OHMS). In simple layman’s terms, resistance refers to the ease of electrical flow, voltage references the amount of electrical flow, and amperage reflects the power of electricity itself. Additionally, a good digital multimeter will accurately measure both AC and DC devices. A car battery produces DC and requires adequate voltage for reliable operation. On the other hand, the vehicle alternator produces AC and may call for testing amperage as well as voltage. Any work on a vehicle’s radio or stereo system requires testing resistance, as insufficient Ohms will cause a speaker to blow out. More advanced digital multimeters engineered for commercial and industrial projects offer additional test options measuring capacitance, frequency, circuit continuity, inductance, and even temperature.