Multimeters

You can buy a digital multimeter online from RS Malaysia with same-day delivery for orders placed Monday to Friday before 4:00 pm and delivery to Malaysia in 2 to 4 working days.

Multimeters are devices that measure multiple electrical values, including voltage (volts), current (amps), and resistance (ohms). They are considered an essential tool for diagnosing issues, testing circuits, and ensuring electrical safety in electrical components and circuits. Multimeters are available in various types tailored to specific needs, and which to buy depends on your needs. Basic models work well for beginners, while advanced, precision multimeters are ideal for professionals who require a broader range of measurement capabilities.

Our comprehensive range of multimeters for sale has been chosen for their high-quality components and accuracy, sourced from leading brands in the industry.

Browse our range online today, which includes multimeters from brands such as Fluke, Keysight Technologies, UNI-T, Megger, Extech, and our own RS PRO, to find your ideal multimeter solution.

For more information to guide your purchase, check out our digital multimeters guide.

What Is a multimeter?

A multimeter is a versatile electrical test instrument used to measure and troubleshoot a wide range of electrical parameters. It combines the functions of a voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter in a single unit, allowing users to measure AC and DC voltage, AC and DC current, resistance, and continuity. Many models also test diodes, capacitance, frequency, and temperature.

Multimeters are available in both analogue and digital formats, although digital multimeters (DMMs) are now the most common due to their improved accuracy, clear numerical readout, ease of use, and wider range of measurement functions. Many DMMs offer True RMS measurement, which gives accurate readings on non-sinusoidal AC waveforms such as those drawn by electronic loads and switch-mode power supplies.

Depending on the model, and its safety (CAT) rating, a multimeter can be used for electrical installation, maintenance, fault-finding, electronics testing, and equipment servicing across residential, commercial, industrial, and automotive applications. The CAT rating (CAT II to CAT IV) defines the electrical environments a meter is designed to be used in safely.

Handheld Multimeter

Handheld digital multimeters are the most widely used type of multimeter. Their portable design makes them suitable for field work, maintenance tasks, and everyday electrical testing.

A handheld multimeter can typically measure multiple electrical parameters using a single device, reducing the need to carry several test instruments. Modern models often include features such as:

• Auto-ranging measurement
• True RMS readings
• Data hold functions
• Backlit displays
• Non-contact voltage detection (NCV)
• Temperature measurement
• Bluetooth or wireless connectivity on selected models

Their compact design, versatility, and ease of use make handheld multimeters a practical choice for electricians, maintenance engineers, technicians, and installers. You can find a wide range of handheld multimeters from RS Malaysia.

What Are the Main Types of Multimeters?

• Analogue Multimeters: Use a moving needle and scale to display measurements. They are relatively simple to operate but generally offer fewer functions and lower measurement precision than digital models.
• Digital Multimeters (DMMs): Display readings on an LCD or LED screen and are the most commonly used type today. They provide improved accuracy, easier readability, and often include a wider range of measurement and diagnostic functions.
• Bench Multimeters: Designed for laboratories, workshops, production environments, and test benches. They typically provide higher accuracy, greater measurement resolution, and advanced analysis capabilities compared with portable models.
• Clamp Multimeters: Combine the functionality of a digital multimeter with a current clamp. They allow current measurements to be taken without disconnecting conductors, making them particularly useful for electrical maintenance and power system troubleshooting.

What Is the Difference Between an Analogue and a Digital Multimeter?

The primary difference lies in how measurements are displayed.

• Analogue multimeters use a moving needle and graduated scale.
• Digital multimeters display readings numerically on an electronic screen.

Digital multimeters are generally preferred because they provide:

• Higher accuracy
• Greater measurement resolution
• Easier-to-read displays
• Additional testing functions
• Better reliability for modern electrical systems

Although analogue multimeters are still used in some specialist applications, digital multimeters have become the industry standard for most testing and troubleshooting tasks.

Checks Performed by Multimeters

Depending on the model, multimeters can perform a range of electrical measurements and diagnostic checks, including:

• AC or DC voltage measurement
• Resistance measurement
• Continuity testing of electrical components
• AC or DC current measurement
• Diode testing
• Capacitance measurement
• Frequency measurement
• Temperature measurement

Many advanced multimeters also include:

• True RMS voltage and current measurement
• Auto-ranging functionality
• Data logging capabilities
• Min/Max recording functions
• Non-contact voltage detection (NCV)

Typical Applications of Multimeters

Multimeters are used across a wide range of industries and applications where electrical measurement, troubleshooting, and maintenance are required. Common applications include:

• Electrical Installation and Maintenance: Testing voltage, continuity, verifying that circuits are de-energised before work begins, and checking circuit conditions during installation, inspection, and repair work.
• Industrial Automation: Diagnosing faults in motor circuits, control panels, PLC input/output wiring, drive supplies, and control circuits, and automation equipment, including checking 24 V DC control voltages and sensor signals.
• Electronics Testing: Measuring voltage, current, resistance, and component values and basic function (such as resistors, diodes, and capacitors) during product development, manufacturing, and repair.
• Building Services and Facilities Management: Checking supply voltages, control circuits, and sensor signals in lighting systems, HVAC equipment, power distribution systems, and backup power installations.
• Automotive Diagnostics: Testing batteries, charging systems, alternators, sensors, and electrical circuits in vehicles.
• Telecommunications and Networking: Verifying DC power supplies and battery backup, and checking cable continuity in communication equipment, and network infrastructure installations.
• Education and Laboratories: Supporting electrical training, experimentation, research, and technical education.

Why Choose RS Malaysia for Multimeters?

Our product range is easy to browse and supported by technical information to ensure you choose the right solution for your needs.

Shop the latest high-quality multimeters, multimeter accessories and complementary devices, such as megohmmeters and oscilloscopes, stocked locally in Malaysia with same-day delivery from our global warehouse when you order Monday to Friday before 4:00 pm. For full delivery terms, visit the RS Malaysia delivery page for all options, exclusions and fees.

RS Malaysia is a trusted online distributor of test and measurement equipment, supplying industrial multimeters to engineers, procurement teams and maintenance teams. Teams can order multiple units online from RS Malaysia in one order, choosing across the brands listed on this page.

RS offers 750,000+ products from 2,500+ suppliers, including the RS PRO own-brand range.

Free delivery available for qualifying online orders.