Do you want to measure AC voltage, current, resistance, or continuity but don’t know which meter to use? Ohm meters and multimeters are some of the popular meters on the market. Unfortunately, many people become confused when it comes to measuring different parameters. Therefore, knowing which instrument to use is vital in acquiring accurate outcomes in your electrical work.
If you intend to measure AC voltage, current, and resistance, a multimeter is the best tool to have. But if you only want to measure resistance, an ohmmeter will be the best choice. Besides, an ohmmeter can also be used to measure continuity. On the same note, an advanced multimeter can measure other parameters such as temperature, capacitance, frequency, and even continuity.
Summary of Contents
Differences between ohm meter vs multimeter
| Ohmmeter | Multimeter |
| It can only be used to measure resistance and continuity. | It can measure multiple parameters such as voltage, resistance, and current. An advanced multimeter can measure additional parameters such as frequency, capacitance, and temperature. |
| It’s quite affordable when compared to a multimeter. | A multimeter is very expensive as it comes with a variety of functions and features. |
| This device is less accurate compared to a multimeter. | A multimeter is more accurate; thus, suitable for people who want accurate measurements. |
In this comparison post, we’re going to compare these two so that you can have an easy time picking the right device for your work.
What is an ohmmeter?
An ohmmeter is an electrical device that measures electrical resistance and the electrical circuit’s continuity and components. Resistance is the opposition provided by a substance to the flow of electric current.
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An ohmmeter only measures resistance in ohms. However, if the resistance is extremely low, you will have to use a micro-ohm meter, while if the resistance is too high, you will use the mega-ohm meter to measure the resistance of the circuit.
What is a multimeter?
A multimeter is an electrical device with the ability to measure two or more electrical parameters. A multimeter is typically used to measure three basic electrical characteristics of voltage, resistance, and current. Additionally, it can also be utilized to measure continuity between two points in an electrical circuit.
You can find different multimeter brands, including Fluke, Klein DMM, Craftsman, etc. Typically, a multimeter acts as a voltmeter, ohmmeter, and ohmmeter. In the past, meters could only measure one type of electrical value, so an electrician or technician would carry different electrical instruments. Later on, meters were designed with a rotary switch that allowed users to test multiple parameters from one meter, the multimeter.
Types of ohmmeters
The ohm meter comes in three different types. These include the series type ohmmeter, shunt type ohmmeter, and multi-range type ohm meter. These have been explained further as follows:
Series type ohmmeter
In this type of ohmmeter, the component you want to measure should be connected to the meter in a series. When the measuring component value is zero, there will be a massive flow of current through the meter. In such a case, the shunt resistance can be rectified until the meter specifies the full-load current. For such a current, the needle turns aside in the direction of 0 ohms.
Every time the measuring component is detached from the circuit, the circuit resistance turns into the unlimited flow of current in the circuit. The needle of the meter deflects towards infinity. The meter then shows infinite resistance when there is no current and zero resistance flow when a massive flow of current is through it.
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Every time the measuring component is connected in series with the circuit, the circuit’s resistance is relatively higher, and the meter needle will deflect in the left direction. And if the resistance is small, the needle turns aside in the direction of the right.
Shunt type ohmmeter
This type of ohmmeter is simple to use. It’s typically conducted when the calculating component is linked in parallel with the battery. Besides, this circuit is utilized to calculate the low-value resistance.
In this type of circuit, when the component’s resistance value is zero, the current in the meter will automatically be zero. Likewise, when the component’s resistance becomes massive, the flow of the current via the battery and the needle shows a full-scale diversion in the left direction. This meter doesn’t feature a current on the scale in the left direction and also the infinity spot in the right direction.
Multi-range type ohmmeter
This type of ohm meter comes with a high range. Moreover, it features an adjuster, and the range can be selected by an adjuster based on the need. Note that in this type of ohmmeter, the measuring component is connected with the meter in parallel. Additionally, the resistance magnitude can be determined by the deflection of the needle.
Types of multimeters
The multimeter also comes in different types and models. There are usually two types of multimeters – analog and digital multimeters. An Analog multimeter shows various scales with different values while a digital meter displays the actual value making it easy to read and understand. More information on these two meters is given below.
Analog multimeter
An analog multimeter is based on a microammeter and comes with a needle that moves over a graduated scale. The needle points indicate the reading on the scale. Analog multimeters usually are cheaper than digital multimeters. However, they are slightly challenging to read and interpret. Besides, this type of multimeter should be handled with great care as it can become damaged when dropped accidentally.
It’s also vital to note that analog multimeters are not as accurate as digital Automotive multimeters. Regardless, they are exceptional when determining slow voltage changes, as you can observe the needle moving over the scale. Furthermore, analog testers are outstanding when set as ammeters, as they have low resistance and high sensitivity with scales down to 50 microamperes.
Digital Multimeter
So what is a DMM or digital multimeter? Today, many technicians and electricians are using digital multimeters. These multimeters are available in simple models and advanced models. Instead of featuring a needle and a scale to read results, digital multimeters have a digital meter that provides readings on an LCD screen.
Unlike analog multimeters, digital multimeters such as Fluke 289 or Fluke TRMS 325 are quite expensive. On top of that, DMMs are better than analog in the voltmeter function. Thanks to their higher resistance. Overall, digital multimeters are also straightforward to use and more accurate than analog multimeters.
Bottom line
All in all, if you want to measure resistance, the ohmmeter is the tool for you. But if you’re going to test multiple values, such as voltage, current, temperature, capacitance, or even continuity, the multimeter is the best use for you. Just ensure to get the right instrument for your job and budget.
I hope our Ohm Meter VS Multimeter article clears all your doubts about these two widely used meters.
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