Uploaded July 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The foolproof multimeter. A good candidate for those wanting to find their "my first multimeter". Measures voltage up to 600V, resistance to 400,000 (400K) ohms, has an audible continuity test, non contact voltage detection capability and a flashlight. Costs about $45 (USD). Identical to the CEM DT-946. Doesn't make current tests.
0:00 - 12:17 Unboxing, Overview, Operating Modes
12:18 - True RMS Capability Test
13:17 - Initial Backlighting and Flashlight Comments
13:30 - Resistance Accuracy and Autoranging Tests
16:13 - Resistance Measurement Mode to DC Voltage Measurement Switchover Point Test
17:35 - DC Precision Voltage Reference Tests (10, 7.5, 5, 2.5 volts DC)
18:03 - DC Voltage "Symmetry" Tests (reverse polarity)
18:20 - AC Voltage Tests (automatic changeover from resistance measurement mode, 0-150VAC test)
19:57 - Flashlight Tests
21:09 - Non-Contact Voltage Detection Test
22:31 - Waterproofing Test
25:25 - Looking Inside
30:27 - Final Thoughts
Pros: TRMS multimeter, fully automatic mode selection that works, waterproof, has a flashlight and it floats. Accepts other test leads than its own while remaining waterproof. Accurate. Autoranges very well. Should meet its claimed safety specifications. It really seems to be "screw up proof". Based on the DTM0660L, so it should be quite hackable if you so desire (backlight on time, operating modes, number of counts).
There are unused indicators in the display, mostly relating to current tests. A great many of Southwire's meters have a Bluetooth icon in their display (used in the higher end models that are actually so equipped). This one doesn't, probably because there is no Bluetooth capable variant of it.
Cons:
No manual range selection control, it's rather fiddly to place the test leads in the holster, limited resistance testing capability, performs only three types of tests, auto power off timer cannot be defeated, overactive NCV up until you actually want to use it, then it seems to hardly be sensitive at all. Inconsistent backlight operation, no stand, not able to be stood up on end while making tests (at least not easily), "autohold" function rather than a simple display hold mode. Slight asymmetry (.1 V) on DC voltage symmetry tests. Cannot perform current tests.
The foolproof multimeter. A good candidate for those wanting to find their "my first multimeter". Measures voltage up to 600V, resistance to 400,000 (400K) ohms, has an audible continuity test, non contact voltage detection capability and a flashlight. Costs about $45 (USD). Identical to the CEM DT-946. Doesn't make current tests.
0:00 - 12:17 Unboxing, Overview, Operating Modes
12:18 - True RMS Capability Test
13:17 - Initial Backlighting and Flashlight Comments
13:30 - Resistance Accuracy and Autoranging Tests
16:13 - Resistance Measurement Mode to DC Voltage Measurement Switchover Point Test
17:35 - DC Precision Voltage Reference Tests (10, 7.5, 5, 2.5 volts DC)
18:03 - DC Voltage "Symmetry" Tests (reverse polarity)
18:20 - AC Voltage Tests (automatic changeover from resistance measurement mode, 0-150VAC test)
19:57 - Flashlight Tests
21:09 - Non-Contact Voltage Detection Test
22:31 - Waterproofing Test
25:25 - Looking Inside
30:27 - Final Thoughts
Pros: TRMS multimeter, fully automatic mode selection that works, waterproof, has a flashlight and it floats. Accepts other test leads than its own while remaining waterproof. Accurate. Autoranges very well. Should meet its claimed safety specifications. It really seems to be "screw up proof". Based on the DTM0660L, so it should be quite hackable if you so desire (backlight on time, operating modes, number of counts).
There are unused indicators in the display, mostly relating to current tests. A great many of Southwire's meters have a Bluetooth icon in their display (used in the higher end models that are actually so equipped). This one doesn't, probably because there is no Bluetooth capable variant of it.
Cons:
No manual range selection control, it's rather fiddly to place the test leads in the holster, limited resistance testing capability, performs only three types of tests, auto power off timer cannot be defeated, overactive NCV up until you actually want to use it, then it seems to hardly be sensitive at all. Inconsistent backlight operation, no stand, not able to be stood up on end while making tests (at least not easily), "autohold" function rather than a simple display hold mode. Slight asymmetry (.1 V) on DC voltage symmetry tests. Cannot perform current tests.
