The Greenlee DM-210A is a very capable multimeter with great build quality, features, and input protection. It hails from well known Taiwanese brand Brymen (Greenlee rebadged it) and is a step up from the slightly less expensive Greenlee DM200A. The difference is the addition of temperature and capacitance.
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Key Features
- Auto/manual ranging
- Non-contact voltage detection
- Large display with 6000 counts
- Backlit + bar graph
- Data recording capability (needs cable)
- Measures temperature and capacitance
- Measures micro-amps
- Auto power off
- Solid input protection
- Relative and Max/Min modes
What’s Included?
- Batteries (x2 AAA)
- Test leads
- Temperature probe
- Instruction booklet
Online Greenlee DM-210A manual
Review of the Greenlee DM-210A
You can measure everything with the DM-210A, from millivolts up to 1000V, micro-amps to 8A, resistance to 60MΩ, and frequency to 50kHz. This meter also comes with a capacitance range, which the cheaper DM200A does not have. It will check larger capacitors up to 3000µF, though bearing in mind these will take longer to check.
The temperature range is a welcome addition to the previous meter and has wide ranges in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. You also get standard test features, to include an excellent continuity tester (with strong beeper) and a diode check. There is also a non contact voltage sensor that can pick up live AC current from 10-1000V.
Other features of the DM-210A include a large display with analog style bar graph, an auto power down function, and a warning function if you plug into the wrong jack when testing for current. This works between the amp and micro-amp ranges.
Data logging: Those interested in the data collection features of the Greenlee DM-210A have a capable device for monitoring signal changes over predetermined time ranges. These can be communicated to a PC. Note: you’ll need to buy an RS232/USB cable and software as an optional extra.
ACCURACY
| RANGE | ACCURACY | |
|---|---|---|
| AC voltage | 60mV / 1000V | ±(1.0%+5) @ 50-400Hz |
| DC voltage | 6V / 1000V | ±(0.2%+3) |
| DC millivolts | 60mV / 600mV | ±(0.4%+5) |
| AC current | 60mA / 8A | ±(1.8%+6) @ 8A |
| DC current | 60mA / 8A | ±(0.5%+3) @ 600mA |
| AC micro-amps | 600µA / 6000µA | ±(1.0%+3) @ 50-400Hz |
| DC micro-amps | 600µA / 6000µA | ±(0.5%+3) @ 6000µA |
| Resistance | 600Ω / 60MΩ | ±(0.5%+4) @ 600Ω-600kΩ |
| Frequency | 10Hz-50kHz | ±(0.3%+2) |
| Diode test | 1.5V | ±(1.0%+3) |
| Capacitance | 60nF / 3000µF | ±~(2.0%) |
| Temperature °F | -58°F to 1832°F | ±(0.3% + 6.0°F) |
| Temperature °C | -50°C to 1000°C | ±(0.3% + 3.0°C) |
Build Quality
Being from Brymen stock, the Greenlee DM-210A is a solid unit, especially for the price. It feels as sturdy as a Fluke and has a quality build both inside and out. Some would say it matches ‘comparable’ Flukes in everything but name, and certainly the Chinese-built 110 series.
It is distinctive with a tough, green, rubber protective case. There is a sturdy kickstand tucked into the back, together with probe holders, and it is fairly adept at taking knocks and sustaining drops. The rotary switch feels stiff, the jack entry sockets tight and the leads are of the bendy, silicone type. In addition, the electronic components are of high quality.
Display: It is backlit and has a resolution/count of 6000, or 3 5/6 digit. With this, you could get up 59.99 on the screen, for example. Sample rate is quite rapid, showing fast signal changes well, while the bar graph picks up minute changes very quickly.
Function and Performance
The Greenlee DM-210A is powered by two AAA batteries; an advantage over power-hungry meters with expensive 9V batteries. An automatic power-off mode kicks in after around 30m of non-use. This is a great battery-saver that can also be disabled. Continuity and auto-ranging are both respectably quick; certainly at this price point.
Safety Protection
Along with a sturdy case, the Greenlee DM-210A multimeter has good internals featuring quality components. Fuses are high rupture capacity type, 600mA and 8A. You also get large resistors, MOVs and isolation slots. The safety category rating for the DM-210A is CAT-III @ 600V and CAT-IV @ 300V.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Accurate and fast
- Good backlit display
- Solid build and electronic protection
- Brymen brand
CONS
There are few, but if one were to nitpick, you could baulk at having to buy a data cable
Conclusion
If money were no issue, we’d probably all have Flukes. But if you are conscious of your wallet, then the next best thing would surely be a Brymen. The DM-210A is half the cost of a comparable Fluke, such as the 115, and is a great device with good features, functions and display.
Alternatives: The next model up by Greenlee is the DM-510A, though only really necessary if you need True RMS accuracy. The UNI-T 61E is also very popular but lacks input protection. The Fluke 116 or 117 are similar, but double the money.