Analog multimeters remain in use for offering durability and affordability, in addition to being passive instruments requiring no power supply. However, because of advantages of better accuracy and precision as well as more user-friendly features such as numerical displays and automatic and additional functions, digital counterparts have found wider acceptance.
In general, analog and digital multimeters can measure DC and AC voltage and current, resistance, capacitance and other parameters. Both types can be easily sourced in China, with manufacturers capable of customizing devices according to requirements. But in terms of shipments, the bulk of orders consist of digital variants, according to suppliers interviewed by Global Sources.
In future releases, Chinese companies will ensure further improvements, highlighting compliance with various standards such as IEC 61010-1 CAT III 600V, IEC 61010-031 and IEC61326, Pollution 2. CAT ratings, as devised by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), are an important gauge on the level of safety for different electrical environments and critical in providing user protection from dangerous voltage spikes and shock.
The key components used in manufacturing multimeters are chips, capacitors, resistors, oscillators, fuses, LCDs, probes and cases. Chinese manufacturers usually turn to domestic providers for most inputs. For chips, their main suppliers include overseas and homegrown companies such as Fluke, Intersil and SDIC Micro.
The cost of these production inputs is expected to remain stable. However, due to competition, makers will likely offer lower prices for entry-level multimeters in the coming months, while quotes for high-end units may continue going up amid rising demand.
Analog multimeter
Company: Kilter Electronic Institute Co. Ltd
Kilter’s model YX-360TRD is an analog multimeter with ranges of 2.5 to 1,000VDC, 50µA to 25mA and 0.25A DC, and 2kohms to 200Mohms with ±3 percent full-scale accuracy, and 10 to 1,000VAC with ±4 percent. It can measure 10µF. This device runs on a 1.5V R6 or AA battery.
MOQ: 1,000 units
Lead time: 30 days
Digital multimeter
Company: Kilter Electronic Institute Co. Ltd
This 150g digital multimeter from Kilter, the DT-838, has ranges of 200mV to 1,000VDC, ±(0.5 percent+2 dgt) accuracy; 200 to 750VAC, ±(1.2 percent+10 dgt); 2,000µA to 10A DC, ±(1 percent+2 dgt); 200ohms to 2Mohms, ±(0.8 percent+2 dgt); and -40 to 1,000 C with ±(3 percent+2 dgt). It sources power from a 9V battery. Product size is 126x70x24mm.
MOQ: Negotiable
Lead time: 30 days
Digital multimeter
Company: Qingdao Tlead International Co. Ltd
Qingdao Tlead markets this digital multimeter, the AMT32, with up to 1999 maximum count. The ranges are 200mV to 1,000VDC, ±0.5 percent accuracy; 20 to 750VAC, ±1 percent; 20µA to 20A DC, ±1.8 percent; 200mA to 20A AC, ±2 percent; 200kohms to 200Mohms, ±1 percent; 2nF to 20µF, ±4 percent; 2 to 200kHz, ±3 percent; and -20 to 1,000 C, ±1 percent. The device uses a 9V 6F22 battery.
MOQ: Negotiable
Lead time: 7 days
Analog multimeter
Company: Qingdao Tlead International Co. Ltd
The AMT88 analog multimeter from Qingdao Tlead measures DC and AC voltage and current, resistance, capacitance and frequency. It sources power from two 1.5V AAA batteries. Device dimensions are 179x118x50mm.
MOQ: Negotiable
Lead time: 7 days
Pocket-sized digital multimeter
Company: Zhangzhou Eastern Intelligent Meter Co. Ltd
Zhangzhou Eastern’s EM3082A is a pocket-sized digital multimeter with a 3.5in LCD and 1999 maximum count. It has graduations of 200mV, 2, 20, 200, 300VDC; 2, 20, 200, 300VAC; 20, 200mA; and 200ohms, 2, 20, 200kohms, 2, 20Mohms. This device can handle continuity and diode checking as well.
MOQ: Negotiable
Lead time: 50 days
Digital multimeter with IEC 61010-1 CAT III 300V rating
Company: Zhangzhou Eastern Intelligent Meter Co. Ltd
From Zhangzhou Eastern, the EM3690 is a digital multimeter with a 2000-count display and graduations of 200mV, 2, 20, 200, 300VDC; 200mV, 2, 20, 200, 300VAC; 20, 200mA, 10A; 200ohms, 2, 20, 200kohms, 2, 20Mohms; and 32 to 1,832 F. It can be used for diode and continuity testing. The safety rating is IEC 61010-1 CAT III 300V.
MOQ: 500 units
Lead time: 50 days
