Test Meter Pro

  • Best Multimeters
  • Reviews
    • Agilent
    • Amprobe
    • Brymen
    • Craftsman
    • Etekcity
    • Extech
    • Fieldpiece
    • Fluke
    • Gossen
    • Greenlee
    • INNOVA
    • Klein Tools
    • Mastech
    • TekPower
    • Uni Trend
  • Brands
    • Agilent
    • Amprobe
    • Brymen
    • Etekcity
    • Extech
    • Fieldpiece
    • Fluke
    • Gossen
    • Greenlee
    • INNOVA
    • Klein Tools
    • Mastech
    • Tekpower
    • UNI-T
  • Articles
  • About Us
  • Contact

Extech MN16A Review

The Extech MN16A is a better (auto ranging) version of the MN24 of the same brand. A simpler to use device to measure everything from voltage and current to continuity, capacitance and temperature, it is a compact meter that can be used around the home as well as at work. Aside from its small size, main features are a large display, auto & manual ranging and ability to measure temperature and micro-amps.

>>>See Here For Current Pricing

Extech MN16A Multimeter

Key Features

  • Large LCD display
  • Auto ranging
  • Temperature input (to 1400°F)
  • Auto power off
  • CAT III-600V
  • Size: 5.43″ (138mm) x 2.83″ (72mm) x 1.5″ (38mm)
  • Weight: 5.6oz (159g)

What’s Included?

  • Batteries – x2 AAA
  • Temperature probe – Type K
  • Test leads
  • Rubber holster

Extech MN16A multimeter manual – online pdf from Extech

Complete Review of the Extech MN16A

This is a fairly standard meter that has the measurement criteria needed for most tasks. You can test voltage to 600V, current to 10A (periodically), resistance up to 40MΩ) and temperature to 1400°F. Other test scales include capacitance, frequency and duty cycle as well as continuity.

Note: When measuring higher current values – on the 10A input – be aware that you should only do so for a few seconds at a time. Circuit board components and architecture cannot cater to sustained high amperage, as is the case with many cheaper multimeters.

The MN16A has a clear dial with all the main ranges and measurements come via a clear screen. A range of buttons let users select the various modes and functions, freeze the display, and switch the range from auto to manual.

Positives include Extech reliability, the low price, and micro-amps feature. The rating is CAT-III and it has auto power-off and low battery features. There are a few negatives, such as the lack of lead holders, the hard back (which sees it slide around), the scratchy beeper and tardy auto ranging.

SPECS
Range accuracy resolution
DC volts4V / 600V±(1.2%+2)0.001V-1V
AC volts400mV / 600V ±(1.5%+3) @ 40-400V0.1mV-1V
DC amps400µA / 10A±(1.5%+3) @ 4000µA-400mA0.1µA-0.01A
AC amps400µA / 10A±(1.8%+5) @ 4000µA-400mA0.1µA-0.01A
Resistance400Ω / 40MΩ±(1.2%+2) @ 40kΩ-4MΩ0.1Ω-0.01MΩ
Capacitance40nF / 100µF±(3.0%+5) @ 400nF-40µF0.01nF-0.1µF
Duty cycle0.1 to 99.9%±(1.2%+2)0.1%
Frequency5Hz / 5MHz±(1.5%+5) @ 5-50Hz0.001Hz-0.001MHz
Temperature °F -4 to 1400°F ±(3.0%+9°F)1.0°F
Temperature °C -20 to 750°C ±(3.0%+5°C)1.0°C

Build Quality

Extech multimeters are typically well built, although the MN16A is not as strong as some of the more established meters. It has a kick stand on the rear to let you perform hands-free tests, yet there are no probe holders built into it. There can also be an issue with the batteries falling out of position. Battery / fuse replacement is via a couple of screws on the reverse.

Display: The easy to read LCD display is a standout feature of the Extech MN16A. It is clear and measures to 4000 counts. Refresh rate is twice per second. There is no backlight or bar graph.

Functions

The Extech MN16A can also manual range, for those who require tighter results, though this won’t work on frequency or capacitance. Note: Auto-ranging is default.

The auto power-down mode prevents the meter from using up vital battery power when not in use. After around 30 minutes, it will power off automatically. This can be disabled.

Other features include a screen lock and a relative mode. The latter allows for the referencing against a previously stored value.

Protection

The Extech MN16A is rated to category III at 600V. With this rating, you can safely test mains voltage directly, including distribution boards, circuit breakers, motors and switches etc. Fuses are of the ceramic type and are rated at 500mA for the main input and 10A for the (high) current input. Always use this type of fuse as opposed to the cheap, glass type which do not offer rupture protection.

Pros and Cons

PROS
  • Easy to use
  • Big display
  • Compact
  • Auto / manual ranging
  • Measures temperature
  • Measures micro-amps
CONS
  • Lower build than some Extechs
  • No backlight
  • Slips around a bit

Conclusion

A good light use meter for electricians and DIYers, the Extech MN16A is an okay device with useful features. It measures temperature and micro-amps, though pros will want something more responsive.

Alternatively, the legendary EX330 is probably worth shelling out a little bit more for the added quality and peace of mind.

Featured Reviews

  • Fluke 116 Review

    Fluke 116 Review

    November 26, 2016
  • Fluke 374 FC

    Fluke 374 FC

    January 29, 2022
  • BK Precision 2709B

    BK Precision 2709B

    March 31, 2020
  • Amprobe AM-560 Review

    Amprobe AM-560 Review

    December 27, 2016
  • Fluke 179 Review

    Fluke 179 Review

    December 9, 2016

HELP & HOW TO ARTICLES

Best Cheap Multimeter

February 23, 2017

Parasitic Draw Test with a Multimeter

November 10, 2016

Best Multimeters

November 2, 2016

How to use a Multimeter to Test a Car Battery

November 9, 2016

see more article posts...

PAGES

  • About Us
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2016-2022 Test Meter Pro · All Rights Reserved