Quote Originally Posted by cyberdan View Post
I will be buying a multi meter today at Harbor Freight. I found one on feeBay and started to order then remembered there is a new Harbor Freight in town. It is a dollar cheaper and I do not have to wait one week.

Harbor Freight also has both tools you recommended for $4.99 each. But I think the multimeter can be used many different ways.

I am pretty sure my greenhouse/workshop is wired correctly even though I did all the wiring my self. (two on/off switches and 4 plug outlet all connected to a heavy duty extension cord I plug into an outside box on my home) Never had any problems. But I will also take inside and test in my office.

This is my personal meter, I'm not going to give a course on how I use it but will give a few examples.



Say I had a refrigerator that the compressor will not start, I can separate the incoming power cord or use the line splitter shown below the meter, Now that the meter is clamped onto the power cord.

Once the fridge is turned trace the incoming power, to the thermostat, check thermostat fro continuity, test for power to compressor start relay, test compressor for start up amp draw.

My meter tests both AC and DC current, if the meter was clamped onto the trucks battery positive side then when you engage the starter the amperage showing on the meter will indicate if the starter is on good or bad health.

For instance worn armature bushings will cause the armature to rub against the field core causing excessive amps to be drawn.