The Surpeer is a budget level multimeter with a good deal of measurement criteria. Aside from its cheap price and many features, its main claim to fame is its 20,000-count screen. An auto-ranging meter, the Surpeer AV4 is best for basic troubleshooting work on houses, RVs and so on.
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Main Features
- Measures AC/DC voltage/current
- Measures resistance, capacitance and frequency
- Performs continuity and diode tests
- Temperature input with probe
- Voltage sensor
- True RMS
- 20,000-count backlit display
- Auto power-down
- Auto ranging/manual ranging
- Dimensions: 7.2″ (183mm) x 3.5″ (89mm) x 1.8″ (46mm)
- Weight: 11.4oz (323g)
Comes With
- Test lead probes
- Temperature probe
- 9V battery
- User manual
In-depth Review of the Surpeer Multimeter
You can measure everything from micro-amps and millivolts to capacitance and temperature with the Surpeer Multimeter AV4. It also includes a volt alert function for picking up voltage remotely. With this, you just hold up the end of the meter to a known voltage source, such as a socket outlet or cord, and it should pick it up.
Along with being an auto ranging multimeter (you can also select manual ranging), it is True RMS, which would appeal to those looking for higher accuracy of AC signals. The display is an impressive 4 1/2 digit, which is in the realm of some of higher powered meters.
The screen is very clear and comes with inch-high digits, plus is backlit, while the meter itself is, overall, well made. It can handle most general purposed electrical tasks, though is without a proper level of input protection, and is thus not recommended for industrial situations.
Taking temperature: To measure temperature, one simply plugs in the included thermocouple probe. All of the functions are explained in the accompanying instruction booklet, which is good for inexperienced users.
On the downside, it isn’t as accurate as you’d think despite the high resolution display. The voltage detector is a bit hit-and-miss, but, whatever the device, most of these in-built detectors are anyway. More pressingly, diode test voltage is a bit low for testing LEDs.
Build Quality
This unit seems to be quite solid, if built with plastics that err to the flimsy side. It is way above something cheap ‘n nasty that you might find on the bottom shelf of a dusty hardware store. Most importantly, the dial is nice to work with, having a definite click, and the body is grippy and easy to hold.
Other pluses on the design side include a tilting bail for working on the bench and a hook on the rear for hanging up. Minuses might be the indifferent battery compartment (where batteries fit either way) and the inferior build quality of the jack sockets.
Display: The display is especially impressive on the face of it, with its large, clear digits. Resolution is up to 20,000 counts, which is 4 1/2 digits. You also get a bright backlight, albeit which stays on for only around five seconds. Refresh rate of the test sampling is roughly three times a second.
Protection
The circuit board is well built and comes with HRC fuses. These are the type that, in the event of a catastrophic overload, won’t explode and cause harm to the user or meter. There is also a PTC resistor on board, although there are no MOVs, which are used to better protect against high transient voltages. The Surpeer Multimeter is supposed to be CAT-IV rated, but input protection is a little lacking taking it out of the realms of testing switch gear and industry works.
Functions and Performance
While the Surpeer Multimeter AV4 is clearly a decent meter with many functions, as with any budget multimeter, it tends to suffer a bit on speed with continuity tests and when auto-ranging. Measurements can take seconds and are liable to fluctuate a bit.
Functions include auto power-off, which will automatically turn the meter off when not in use to save battery power. There is also data screen hold to keep results on the display, along with a peak hold function. The REL (relative) button will let you compare a result from a previous reading.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Nice, large display
- Looks and feels good
- Features and functions of more expensive devices
- True RMS
- Voltage detection
- Okay accuracy for price
- Good test leads
CONS
- Annoying beep when dial is turned
- Continuity/ranging labored
- Short backlight timing
- Not a known brand
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a nice looking, budget meter away from the higher prices of the main brands, the Surpeer Multimeter AV4 is definitely worth a look. It measures most of what high end devices will measure and has the resolution of a top end meter several times the price. Despite this, accuracy can be an issue and it suffers a bit on auto-ranging/continuity speed. Good for troubleshooting domestic and commercial wring systems despite this.
Alternatives: The Proster VC99 is a similar price range and feature-set, albeit without the high resolution. For the ultimate in resolution and reliability, the Fluke 87V is pretty much unbeatable but you’ll need deeper pockets.