If you’re into electrical hobbies, vehicle or home maintenance and the like, you can’t go much wrong with this useful little device. The Equus 3320 has a lot going for it, able as it is to test all required ranges, such as voltage, current and resistance. Small enough for most tool-bags and cheap enough for most pockets, it comes with a great battery test feature and big display.
Appeals most to: First timers, car enthusiasts and even journeymen looking for a cheap and reliable backup.
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Ships With
- Holster
- Test leads
- AA batteries
- Instruction booklet (Equus 3320 manual)
Main Features & Functions
- Big display
- Auto-scaling
- User-friendly interface
- Can measure current
- Color-coded, pre-loaded battery check
- Auto power-off
- UL certification
- Protective rubber holster
- Dimensions: 5.5″ x 3.5″ x 1.25″
- Weight: 6.3oz
The Equus 3320 in More Detail
First off, the Equus 3320 is easy to use as it is an auto-ranging multimeter with a user-friendly display & dial. You can test most things with it, including voltage up to 600V (both AC and DC), amps, resistance and diodes. The battery tester is especially handy, making it particularly conducive to checking vehicle electrics since it pre-loads circuits.
While you can get by testing most auto circuitry (DC amperage scale is to 10A), the AC amperage capacity is a bit limiting. You can only measure 20mA to 200mA on AC, so it’s only really useful for testing low energy mains circuitry in that respect. That said, most won’t need to test current so it’s not entirely a deal breaker.
Regards testing higher DC amps, just bear in mind that you can only do so for short periods and will then need to let the unit cool down. The resistance range is fairly generous, from 200Ω up to 20MΩ, with meter impedance at 10MΩ. You don’t get capacitance, however, and the display is also not backlit.
Battery test: Great for checking everything from standard cells to car batteries, you get a pre-load to stress the battery and better gauge the overall status for holding charge. Settings: 12V, 9V, 6V, 1.5V. LEDs denote charge status: GREEN: good, YELLOW: weak, RED: replace. No LED = less than 10% charge and thus no good.
SPECS
| RANGE | ACCURACY | RESOLUTION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC voltage | 5 ranges (200mV / 600V) | ±(0.8%+5) | 100mV @ 200V |
| DC current | 4 ranges (20mA / 10A) | ±(1-2%+5) | 100µA @ 200mA |
| AC voltage | 4 ranges (2V / 600V) | ±(1.2%+5) | 10mV @ 20V |
| AC current | 2 ranges (20mA / 200mA) | ±(1.5%+5) | 10µA @ 20mA |
| Battery test | ±(5%+5) | ||
| Resistance | 6 ranges (200Ω / 20MΩ) | ±(1.0%+5) | 10Ω @ 20kΩ |
| Diode test | 2V | 1mV | |
Functions and Performance
Seasoned users may find it a tad slow when settling on a reading and when checking for continuity, but for DIY stuff and knocking around the yard, the Equus 3320 is a decent buy. An auto-off feature saves battery life by shutting it down after around 15 minutes of non-use. This can be a life-saver in the field – forgetting to turn off a tester after use is default for many and will quickly flatten the batteries of those that don’t enjoy this feature.
Build Quality
The holster has rubber corners, but you don’t get the quality of higher end multimeters and of course shouldn’t expect it. The Equus 3320 is quite light and clearly not a super-sturdy meter, but is not meant for industry or similarly heavy working environments.
It’s a fairly cute looking device in any case, with standout lead holders on the side and a high contrast facade where all the dial functions are clearly labeled. There’s also a stand for bench work, and a cord hook for hands-free working under cars etc.
Display: You don’t get a high-res screen on the 3320 – 3 1/2 digit (2000 count) – but it is okay for measuring general circuitry. The main plus is its large size, though it’s not backlit. Units are clearly displayed, along with standard measurement readings and warnings such as over-range and low battery.
Safety Ratings
The 3320 is fused, albeit the lower current circuitry, which is shared with main test criteria. The higher, 10A jack is not fused, which is probably where Equus can keep the costing down. In short; the circuitry and protection is not there for higher energy monitoring of current, which is fine for lighter work.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Auto ranging
- Big display
- Useful battery tester
- User-friendly interface
- Great price
CONS
- AC amps range low
- No capacitance
- No screen hold
- Display unlit
Conclusion
The Equus 3320 is probably one of the best buy multimeters for those into the auto world looking to test low energy circuitry and save money at the same time. A starter meter, it can also of course test higher voltages and has current ranges as well as a cool battery check feature. For greater current range and features, have a look at the Equus 3340.
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