What Is the Difference Between a Multimeter and a Voltage Tester?
Multimeters and voltage testers are standard tools used for electrical testing that have distinct features and functionalities. A multimeter measures the value of voltage, resistance, and current, while a voltage tester detects the presence of voltage. A multimeter can be used as a trailer tester because it provides detailed measurements of voltage and current in a circuit. Here’s the difference between a multimeter and a voltage tester:
Multimeter
A multimeter is an electrical testing tool used for measuring several electrical values including resistance, voltage, and current. Advanced multimeters are used to measure more technical parameters such as transistor gain, capacitance, and diode forward voltage. This device may also be used to diagnose and troubleshoot faulty appliances because it detects electrical defects.
This tool measures electrical values by checking the difference in electrical resistance between two points within a circuit. A multimeter can either be digital or analog. Digital multimeters have a digital display in the form of an LCD that shows the exact value of the measurement. Digital multimeters automatically set the range of measurement. Analog multimeters consist of a pointer rotating along a scale to show the measurement value.
Voltage Tester
A voltage tester detects the electrical field generated by the voltage in the circuit’s conductors to check if they are electrically energized. It indicates the presence of electrical potential in the circuit by either lighting up or beeping. A voltage tester provides a quick and safe way of detecting electrical voltage.
The person holding the voltage tester serves as the ground reference during electrical testing. A voltage detector relies on detecting the presence of AC voltage cycles and current flows. These cycles are absent in DC circuits, which makes the voltage tester unsuitable for detecting DC voltages and currents.
The Differences
A multimeter and a voltage tester differ in terms of their measurement capabilities. These tools also differ in terms of the functionality, working principle, and the level of safety. Here are the ways in which the two tools differ from each other:
Functionality
A multimeter gives exact measurements of the current, voltage, and resistance of a circuit. Multimeters also measure the values of other electrical parameters in the circuit, including the continuity. A multimeter measures both DC and AC voltages and currents, making it suitable for use as a trailer tester. The voltage tester can only effectively detect AC voltages and currents. This makes it unsuitable for testing trailer circuits, which are mostly DC.
Range
You can easily adjust the text ranges of the multimeter to get precise measurements at different voltage levels. While voltage testers come in several voltage ranges, each device has a fixed test range. The wider
range of a multimeter’s measurement capabilities also makes it suitable for more testing tasks than a voltage tester.
Working Principle
A multimeter measures the electrical parameters by injecting a small current into the circuit. It then reads the voltage drop between the two points of the circuit and uses it to calculate resistance. This resistance value is then used to calculate the desired electrical value. A voltage tester uses capacitive coupling to detect the presence of an electrical field around a conductor or electrical outlet.
Safety
Using a multimeter requires direct contact with the circuit, which exposes you to a risk of electric shock. With proper handling, users can minimize any risks. A voltage tester eliminates the risk of electric shock because it can be used without making contact with the circuit.
Choosing Between the Testers
You will need a multimeter when you want to get precise measurements of electrical values such as resistance, voltage, and current. A voltage tester will help you when you want to check if a circuit or outlet is energized or working. While a multimeter can replace a voltage detector, the voltage tester can only partially replace the multimeter.
Use Your Multimeter as a Trailer Tester Today
A voltage tester differs from a multimeter in terms of functionality, working principle, safety, and range. The ability of a multimeter to measure both DC and AC voltages and currents allows users to apply it as a trailer tester. Use your multimeter as a trailer tester today to diagnose and troubleshoot your truck’s electrical circuits.
