This compact, True RMS multimeter is an electrician’s tool – Extech is a good American brand and the EX360 is more strongly built than lower end devices. Features include a nice backlit screen, voltage detector, low impedance mode and a basic DC accuracy of 0.5%. You can also measure frequency and capacitance with the Extech EX360.
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Key Features
- True RMS response, for AC accuracy
- Basic DC accuracy of ±0.5%
- Backlit display with bar graph
- AC/DC voltage to 1000V
- Resistance to 40MΩ
- Capacitance 1nF to 10mF
- Frequency to 100kHz
- Continuity and diode tests
- LoZ low impedance function
- Voltage detector (80V-1000V)
- Smart hold and peak hold
- Relative (zero) mode
- Automatic power-off
- CAT-IV safety rating
- Weight: 8.8oz (50g)
- Size: 6.1″ (156mm) x 2.9″ (74mm) x 1.7″ (44mm)
What’s Included?
- Meter and leads
- 9V battery
- Holster with magnet
- Quick start guide and CD
extech ex360 manual download (available in several languages)
In-depth Review of the Extech EX360
The EX360 can perform basic as well as more advanced test measurements and suits a wide range of electrical tasks, including in industry. As it is a True RMS meter, you can accurately gauge AC readings of irregular waveforms, such as those put out by variable speed motor drives.
It can manual range as well as auto range. Auto ranging works okay, although is slow on resistance. Switching to manual ranging in this instance will speed up the response time. The continuity checker comes with a beeper.
The EX360 is small and lightweight enough to be operated with one hand and it has a clear, backlit screen.
Modes
Voltage detector: With this function, you can pick up AC voltage in wires and sockets just by holding the meter near the source. It has two modes; high and low. High is from 80V to 1000V, low 160V to 1000V. An LED lights up in the presence of voltage.
Data hold: The EX360 has a ‘smart’ hold function, which freezes the display and updates it when it changes.
LoZ (low impedance): Switches to a lower internal resistance to help eliminate any ghost voltages induced in a given circuit from neighboring voltages.
Relative: This mode will let you compare a stored reading with one you are measuring. It also removes the resistance in the test leads to improve accuracy. Peak hold is also on this function.
METER SPECS
| RANGE | ACCURACY | RESOLUTION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC voltage | 600mV / 1000V | ±(1.0%+3) | 0.1mV-1V |
| DC voltage | 6V / 1000V | ±(0.5%+2) | 0.001V-1V |
| DC millivolts | 600mV | ±(0.5%+5) | 0.1mV |
| Resistance | 600Ω / 40MΩ | ±(0.9%+2) @ 6kΩ-6MΩ | 0.1Ω-0.1MΩ |
| Continuity | 600Ω | ±(0.9%+5) | 0.1Ω |
| Low impedance | 600V / 1000V | ±(2.0%+3) | 0.1V-1V |
| Capacitance | 1000µF / 10mF | ±(1.9%+2) | 0.001µF-0.01mF |
| Diode test | 1.5V | ±(0.9%+2) | 0.001V |
| Frequency | 100Hz / 100kHz | ±(0.1%+2) | 0.01Hz-0.01kHz |
Build Quality
Extech builds sturdy meters and the EX360 is solid and comes with a removable rubber boot/holster. A tilting bail is built into the holster, which also has a magnet for attaching to control panel boards.
The meter is drop tested to four feet and it has a heavy-duty dial selector switch. It also comes with an impressive pair of test leads, which are made of silicone and are pliable. Changing the battery unfortunately requires disassembly.
Ratings: Input protection is good, with a PTC and MOVs, together with blast shields built into it to improve safety. Category ratings: CAT-III to 1000V and CAT-IV to 600V. There is no fuse on the EX360 as there’s no amperage input.
Screen
The display is 6000-count with digits that are smaller than most. It is sharp and easy to read despite this, can be read at an angle and comes equipped with a 60-segment bar graph. The meter updates at around three times a second. The backlight on the Extech EX360 is a handy feature and it stays on for a decent amount of time.
Function and Performance
Although not color-coded, the labeling is straightforward and easy enough to follow for DIYers. It is quite intuitive to use and has just the two banana jack inputs due to the lack of amperage ranges. The dial switch doesn’t have its off position at the end of the arc, however, which might annoy some.
Battery life is around 200 hours, which will be reduced if you use the backlight a lot. There is also a power-down feature that kicks in after 20 minutes of non-use. This can be disabled. The EX360 performs okay and is pretty accurate, although the auto ranging can be slow.
Pros and Cons
POSITIVES
- Good design/build quality
- Nice backlit display/bar graph
- Voltage detection
- Good input protection
- High category rating
NEGATIVES
- No amps
- Voltage detection hi mode not very sensitive
- Diode checker puts out low voltage (~1.5V)
- Slow auto range on resistance
- Hassle changing the battery
Roundup
The Extech EX360 review has a decent electrician’s meter, with good build quality and features. It is not great for electronic work, however, due to lack of milliamps/micro-amps ranges, while electricians wanting to measure amperage should look elsewhere.
Alternatives: The EX365 has amperage ranges, as does the popular (and cheaper) EX330. For a similar sized Fluke, the 114 is close, albeit is more expensive and doesn’t have capacitance or frequency. The Fluke 115 has these, however, as well as amperage inputs.