A multimeter is the must have tool for a heating, ventilation and air-con technician, whether residential or commercial. HVAC meters are pretty much the same as standard digital multimeters, albeit with the inclusion of a micro-amps range (to troubleshoot flame sensors), a temperature input, and capacitance.
Input ranges are typically wider on your average HVAC meter. As a result, they are usually a bit more expensive than the next meter down in a given series that doesn’t have their range or functionality.
In the following mini-reviews, we have detailed what we think are the best HVAC multimeters on the market. It’s not so easy to pick out the best of the best, since there are many variables; not least price and brand – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
HVAC Multimeter Reviews
Fluke 116
Fluke’s 116 multimeter is part of their lower budget 110 series. These compact multimeters are in fact Chinese-made (albeit under Fluke), but are decent nonetheless. There are five in the series, with the 116 itself aimed at HVAC electricians. While quite basic, it is easy to use and has most of what you’d need to diagnose typical faults, including temperature, micro-amps and capacitance.
Also onboard is voltage, millivolts, resistance, continuity and an Auto-V / LoZ mode. This can pick up AC or DC voltage and at a low impedance – minimizing the chance of seeing ghost voltages in a given circuit. The 116 is also True RMS-responding; able to properly gauge variable speed outputs.
The backlit display is good, although is not as sharp as an American-made Fluke. It comes with a CAT-III rating and a basic DC voltage accuracy of ±(0.5%+2). Best of all, the price is attractive compared with most other Flukes.
Price: $$$
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Klein Tools MM6000
This is the toughest HVAC meter in this line-up. It has wider ranges and higher CAT ratings than the Fluke and is also more accurate. The MM6000 is one for the HVAC pro, with all the main HVAC ranges, and is equally good at general purpose and higher energy electrical work.
It is True RMS and has Max/Min, as well as an auto hold feature. The 6000-count display is pretty impressive and comes with a fast-acting bar graph. Along with the Klein MM6000 being very durable and having good input protection, it also offers fast continuity and auto ranging. Battery life isn’t so great, however, and it is quite pricey.
Price: $$$
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Amprobe AM-560
The AM-560 is a dual temperature HVAC multimeter from big American brand Amprobe. It has a nice display, complete with analog-style bar graph, and also boasts decent functionality for the price. Unlike the Fluke 116, you can measure amperage and milliamps with the AM-560, as well as micro-amps. Voltage is to 1000V, AC and DC, and there is a decent capacitance range.
The temperature scale is also wide and it measures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. It boasts a low impedance mode, along with Max/Min, Relative and Range modes. In addition is a non-contact voltage sensor for safely detecting voltage in a system. Other attributes include frequency, millivolts and resistance ranges.
Full size and ruggedly built, it has a higher rating than the Fluke (to CAT-IV), the same accuracy and is one of the best HVAC multimeters. The negatives include average RMS only and a sluggish continuity checker.
Price: $$+
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Amprobe AM-520
The slightly less accurate, and cheaper, AM-520 belongs to the same series as the 560. It doesn’t have as wide a capacitance range or the level of voltage or resistance inputs, but is nevertheless very capable. You also get micro-amps (down to 400µA) and temperature (up to 1832°F).
It has several other useful features, to include a voltage sensor, dedicated battery tester and even an LED flashlight. The large display is also backlit and has the same type bar graph as the 560. Despite the lower price, it also has Min/Max and relative modes, as well as a screen hold function. Frequency and resistance can also be measured, and continuity and diode checks performed.
Price: $+
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Extech EX363
The compact EX363 is a quality, mid-range priced HVAC multimeter. As well as having the basics for HVAC – micro-amps, temperature – it is also True RMS. Extech is a good American brand, noted for producing solid, quality devices with nice displays. The screen is particularly nice on this one.
It does much of what the others do, aside from measure amperage, and includes a peak hold feature and low impedance. There is also voltage detection. As with many of the others, the auto-range mode can be a bit slow, though this tends to be the issue for most meters barring the higher end Flukes.
Price: $$+
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Extech EX505
The EX505 is slightly cheaper than the EX363, but in many ways is superior in some of its range scales. Amperage, voltage, resistance, capacitance, frequency and temperature are all wider. In addition, it is watertight (IP67-rated) and is a true RMS multimeter. Current can be measured to 20A in bursts.
The screen does not have the resolution of the EX363, but it is large and backlit. The lack of Min/Max lets the EX505 down a bit. There is a relative mode and auto- and manual-ranging, however, along with a display hold.
Price: $$+
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Conclusion
This is a selection of some of the best HVAC multimeters on the market. You don’t necessarily have to go with a dedicated HVAC meter. Any DMM that has micro-amps, a good capacitance range and one that measures temperature will do the trick, such as the Fluke 87V all-rounder.
It is worth sticking with the main brands though – like Fluke, Klein, Amprobe and Extech – since these tend to offer solid products where features, safety and accuracy are well considered.
You can’t really go wrong with Fluke. Although the 116 is Chinese made, as are the Amprobes, they are still good quality. The AM-560 is the best HVAC multimeter from Amprobe, while both Extechs are decent. If you really need strength, features and speed, the Klein Tools MM6000 probably wins the day. It is pricey, but is a good alternative to Flukes in general.
All of these models featured ship with temperature probes, leads and batteries (installed). You also get hanging straps with the Amprobes and Extechs.
Further reading:
Best multimeters
Best multimeter brands
More on HVAC