The BSIDE ZT302 multimeter is a fairly basic, midsize budget multimeter for hobbyists and for domestic use in general. It measures many ranges, to include volts, amps, millivolts, micro-amps, resistance and continuity, and it features a large, backlit LCD display. In general, this is a good value meter albeit with low level leads.
Key Features
Fairly compact, easy to handle
Large 4-digit display (9999 counts)
Display is backlit
Measures AC/DC current & voltage
Measures micro-amps
Measures resistance
Continuity and duty tests
Kickstand
Battery type: AAA x2
Size: 6.3″ x 3″ x 1.38″
Weight: 114g
What’s Included?
Test leads
Alligator clips
User manual
Note: batteries not included
Review of the BSIDE ZT302
The BSIDE ZT302 is the older version of the ZT101 multimeter, coming with a nicer display and better accuracy. Folks might also compare this with the Aneng 8008, albeit offering more features and jack inputs.
Touted as a pocket multimeter, the BSIDE ZT302 can read voltage (including millivolts), current (including micro-amps), resistance and capacitance. It will also measure frequency and can perform continuity and diode tests.
This is an auto-ranging multimeter, so it will automatically find and display the correct scale for the test range being measured. A range button will let you switch to manual ranging, which experienced hands might prefer.
There’s a nice screen on the ZT302, which has a backlight and is easily read. A handy kickstand affords convenient reading on the bench.
Some of the other features of the BSIDE ZT302:
- MAX/MIN mode – record high, low values
- Relative mode – zeroing, saved value comparison
- Hold – freezes the display
- True RMS – better measure square waves
NOTE: Although this multimeter is often touted as being fit for mains work, please bear in mind that it does not possess the appropriate level of input protection for this type of usage. Certainly avoid three phase testing and the like.
SPECS
| Range | accuracy | |
|---|---|---|
| AC voltage | 9.999mV / 750V | ±(1.0%+3) |
| DC voltage | 999.9mV / 999.9V | ±(0.5%+3) |
| AC current | 999.9mA / 9.999A | ±(1.2%+3) |
| AC micro-amps | 99.99µA / 999.9µA | ±(1.0%+3) |
| DC current | 999.9mA / 9.999A | ±(1.0%+3) |
| DC micro-amps | 99.99µA / 999.9µA | ±(0.8%+3) |
| Resistance | 99.99Ω / 9.999MΩ | ±(0.5%+3) @999.9KΩ |
| Capacitance | 9.999nF / 9.999mF | ±(2.0%+5) @999.9µF |
| Frequency | 99.99Hz to 9.999MHz | ±(0.1%+2) |
| Duty cycle | 1% to 99% | ±(0.1%+2) |
Design and Build
For the money, the BSIDE ZT302 has a fairly sleek-looking interface and quality of build. It’s not going to win any design or drop-test awards for 30 bucks, but you do get a neat tilting bale (kickstand) and a set of leads. These come with safety covers for the tips, which sadly don’t extend the CAT rating. Users can access the batteries and fuses via four screws.
The display is fairly large and bright and updates three times a second. It comes with a basic backlight. Resolution is 4 digits, or to 9999 counts.
Functions and Performance
The BSIDE ZT302 has an auto power-off function, which will turn off the power after 15 minutes of inactivity. The meter only runs on a couple of AAA batteries so doesn’t offer high capacity, and as such saves power by reducing idle-run time.
Protection
The category rating is said to be CAT-III at 600v to-ground voltage, which would give a decent level of protection. However, the input protection of the circuit board and quality of the fuses would suggest this might be a bit ambitious. A CAT-III rating would make it good for testing mains voltage securely, but the above would suggest this is not so. A multimeter should be able to safely absorb voltage when leads are incorrectly plugged.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- All common test ranges
- Nice display
- Auto and manual ranging
- Max/Min mode
- Uses AAA batteries
CONS
- Not for mains work
- Low CAT rating
- Ranges a bit narrow
Conclusion
Those looking for a basic, cheapish multimeter for low level testing might look to the BSIDE ZT302. You get most ranges with okay scales and a clear backlit display that shows resolution to 4 digits. Along with having most test ranges you’d need, it has various modes, including Min/Max and Relative. While compact and easy to use price, it has limited protection and is for low power testing only.