Handheld DMMs cling to magnetic surfaces

Whereas most design engineers don't wear hard hats on the job, those who sometimes work in tight spaces—for example, when they troubleshoot equipment in crowded racks—will like a standard feature of a new Wavetek Meterman handheld-DMM line. Mainly targeting hard-hat workers, such as electricians and plant-maintenance people, the XR series includes a Magne-Grip holster, which lets you attach a meter to flat, vertical, magnetic surfaces—even surfaces that are relatively smooth (Picture). All you have to do is slap the magnet against the surface; the operation takes less than half a second. (In a quick test, the magnet held the meter in place better on a drawer front covered with matte-finish paint than on a vertical galvanized-steel sheet. The sheet was too smooth, and the meter slowly slid down.)

The series comprises five models with suggested prices of $59.95 to $149.95 and resolutions of ±2000 to ±10,000 counts. The three higher-priced units make true-rms ac measurements, and the top-of-the line unit measures true rms ac plus dc. All units have 10A-maximum ac and dc current ranges. Maximum basic dc error is as low as 0.1% of reading. Three units accept temperature probes.

Wavetek Meterman Test Tools, 1-877-596-2680, www.metermantesttools.com.