Electrical test meters report electrical circuit properties, such as voltage, resistance, capacitance, and continuity. Available in handheld or benchtop models, they detect electrical problems in equipment, wiring, and power supplies. A variety of probes, clamps, or leads connect the meter to a circuit or device. Single-function meters, such as battery testers and voltage testers, measure one property of a circuit; multimeters measure multiple properties. Electrical test meters display information either in analog form using a needle that moves on a calibrated scale, or in digital form using digits or a graphic representation on an LED screen. Meter choice includes the electrical properties to be measured and the anticipated range of results, and should have a rating that is higher than the maximum value of the anticipated range. An electrical test meter has multiple settings that correspond to potential ranges of values for the properties it can measure. A manual ranging meter requires the operator to flip through different settings until the correct range is reached. An autoranging meter cycles through range settings automatically until it reaches the correct range.
Fluke Corporation manufactures electrical testing tools and software for industrial and commercial applications. The company, founded in 1948, is headquartered in Everett, WA.