Ralph Mowery wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:37:24 -0800, David Nebenzahl
wrote:

(This isn't to say that it isn't *possible* for a DMM to misread due to
stray capacitance or induced voltages, but it is nowhere near as
terrible a problem as you hear here.)
Depends a lot on the meter.
With a Fluke or Amprobe meter, not very likely to have a problem, but
with a $9.99 (on sale for $4.99) Harbour Fright special and many other
cheap chinese DMMs it's almost a given.

It is just as easy (maybe more so) for the Fluke or other high dollar meter
to read the 'induced' voltage. I use the Fluke meters almost every day at
work and have one at home. Most of the time if I want to get serious with
the power wiring I will get my trusty Simpson 260. When dealing with some
480 volt 3 phase circuits running in conduit, you can pick up lots of odd
voltages that are not really there. For example one circuit would read
around 100 volts on the Fluke , light up a neon bulb tester, shock the fool
out of you, and read about 30 volts on the Simpson. This is with the wires
disconnected at the breaker.

It is not so much the meter, but the person that is using it. YOu have to
know when the meter is 'lying' to you.
Many people can not do that. Especially the people that seldom use a meter.



Sometimes the simplest tools are the best, like the good old Wiggy.

http://www.amazon.com/Klein-69115-So.../dp/B000KII9SM

TDD