Which is better for testing electrical?

[Jag1980]

Which tester woudl be the best for me?

I need a product to test for voltage and what is hot and what is not.
Not very experienced so I need something safe.

Is clamp on style the same accuracy and the same thing as if I was to poke a hole in the wire and test the voltage with a standard Multimeter?




#1 7 Function Digital Multimeter


#2 Clamp-On Digital Multimeter


#3 Computer Safe Automotive Logic Probe

[curtis73]

The clamp part doesn't test voltage, it tests amperage. Testing voltage requires actual contact with the metal probes to the metal conductor.

Its not wise to be poking into wires anyway. Go to the end of the wire, or at a connector. Poking wires means exposed conductors, oxydizing metals, and a good chance of poking your finger.

And, as far as cars are concerned, you don't need to worry much about safety. The worst you'll do is blow a fuse, but 12v can't hurt you. Even if your hands were wet and you grabbed both terminals of a car battery, it wouldn't hurt you.

[Jag1980]

Originally Posted by curtis73

The clamp part doesn't test voltage, it tests amperage. Testing voltage requires actual contact with the metal probes to the metal conductor.
I read here: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95683 I must be miss reading something?
I thought I discovered a tool that I can check all my wires for voltage
I probably would have seen people using it if this was possible with this tester..

Its not wise to be poking into wires anyway. Go to the end of the wire, or at a connector. Poking wires means exposed conductors, oxydizing metals, and a good chance of poking your finger.
I try not to, but some cases it's just so much easier

And, as far as cars are concerned, you don't need to worry much about safety. The worst you'll do is blow a fuse, but 12v can't hurt you. Even if your hands were wet and you grabbed both terminals of a car battery, it wouldn't hurt you.
The safe part I was referring to was damage to electrical components like the ECM and sensors and all other electrical components. I don't have enough experience to know what not to touch with a tester I heard that some things you can damage by hooking up a test light and also probably a volt meter. (not sure about the volt meter)

I got some issues with my car and I'm trying to do as much testing as I can without causing more damage and to make it a little more easier since electrical testing is new to me.