So here we are in the New Year and Friday is over. I'd like to try doing something a little bit different. When a thread comes up I will try to offer some type of enlightenment to get us thinking of a better or  different way. Let's raise the bar! So here is a safety thought for meters.

Inexpensive meters have their place. Most of the time when something is not working we just need to know if the power is on or if there is continuity. Heck  often still reach for a test lamp. Accuracy is not a concern for many diagnostic needs.

But there is another consideration, safety. Of course we should be wearing eye protection when working with electricity, especially around batteries. At some point we will use a meter incorrectly either because we don't know what we are doing or we make a mistake. Maybe we are testing for resistance and place the leads across a voltage source instead. For 12 volts this usually is not an issue. Although if use the ammeter function and we connect across  battery there is hope that the fuse will open, and fast enough to prevent some mishap. Also, at some point you know you will try to use the same meter for a 120 volt AC circuit or maybe you are at a campground that even has 240 VAC at the power pole. Even using a meter properly one could be exposed to a high voltage spike or surge that could overcome the insulation capabilities of the meter or leads.

Meter are now also rated for protection levels. Here is some information.
http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/download/asset/1263690_6116_eng_h_w.pdf

As for features of late I have mentioned getting a meter with a clamp on ammeter. Also, having a bar graph display is really helpful when trying to observe a vary condition such as the O2 sensor. Most bar graphs will update multiple times per second, much faster than a numeric display.

Here is a meter I purchased from Amazon back in June. It usually goes for ~$40. It has both AC and DC ammeter capability up to 400 amps and it has a bar graph display. It has a hold function so you can catch a reading such as testing the starter. Even nicer is that this economy meter is rated for Category 3 protection.

MS2108A Auto Range Digital Clamp Meter 400 AC DC Current Hz Tester

This meter is now my travel meter and I'll be getting another one.

Dennis