Description
Compact yet tough, the Amprobe AM-510 autoranging digital multimeter delivers rugged, accurate performance for electrical maintenance applications like rewiring an electrical panel, electrical sockets, and automotive electrical problems. Its CAT III safety rating and ease of use make it ideal for high voltage multimeter applications. Innovative digital multimeter features expedite go/no-go checks, and the built-in flashlight makes it easy to see wires and fuses in the dark. Plus a rubber tilt stand and a probe holder give you a “third-hand” when you need it.
| AM-500 | AM-510 | AM-520 | AM-530 | AM-560 | AM-570 | |||
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| Multimeter Type | Auto-ranging | Com / Res | HVAC | Electrical | Adv. HVAC | Industrial | ||
| F U N C T I O N |
Safety Rating | Safety | CAT III 600V | CAT III 600V | CAT III 600V | CAT III 600V | CAT IV 600V CAT III 1000 |
CAT IV 600V CAT III 1000 |
| Measure voltage in noisy environments | True rms | ■ | ■ | |||||
| Electrical panels, AC outlets | AC Voltage (V) | 600 | 600 | 600 | 600 | 1000 | 1000 | |
| DC systems, auto/marine batteries | DC Voltage (V) | 600 | 600 | 600 | 600 | 1000 | 1000 | |
| AC Current – electrical panels, appliances | AC Current (A) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| DC Current-electronics, DC motors | DC Current (A) | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Specified resistance and continuity | Resistance (MOhms) | 20 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 60 | 60 | |
| Flame sensors | Microamps | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | |
| Diodes in AC to DC converters | Diode Test | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | |
| Fuses, lightbulbs, wire connections | Continuity | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | |
| Household batteries | Battery test | ■ | ■ | |||||
| Motor startup or run capacitors | Capacitance | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ||
| Frequency verification | Frequency | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ||
| Non-contact voltage test | Non-contact voltage | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ||
| Electrical load-time on vs time off | Duty cycle | ■ | ■ | ■ | ||||
| Temp of air vents, fuses, transformers | Temperature inputs | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |||
| F E A T U R E S |
Automatically selects measurement range | Autoranging | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ |
| Manually select measurement range | Manual ranging | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ||
| Voltage on variable frequency drives | Low pass filter | ■ | ■ | |||||
| Detect stray voltages | Low Z | ■ | ||||||
| Dimly lit areas | Built-in flashlight | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ||
| D I S P L A Y |
Meter resolution | LCD Counts | 2,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 | 6,000 | 6,000 |
| Dimly lit areas | Backlight | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ||
| Monitoring fast changing signals | Bar graph | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | |||
| Two relative measurements on one screen | Dual display | ■ | ■ | |||||
| E V E N T S |
Data memory | Data hold | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ |
| Difference between two measurements | Relative reading | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | ||
| Max/min peak measurement | Max/min hold | ■ | ■ | ■ | ■ | |||
| Specialized signal measurements | Peak hold (crest) | ■ | ■ | |||||
txredneck –
RE: Best I’ve had
The AM-510 meter was the very best multi use meter I ever had. Until someone else liked it better than there meter and stold it. I had used it for everthing I ever needed in electrical work.
It’s rugged body construction was perfect for the area and enviroments I was in for depenable use and protection from dropping and in my tool box. I will replace my AM-510 again for the above mentioned reasons. Quality, depenability, relayibility, thats Amprobe, has been and always will be.
Sincerely,
JD
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
genet59 –
Accurate readings
I have used this product and I am very satisfied with it. Easy to use and very versitle. The tone during continuity could be louder, but is good for now. Price is reasonable.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Drzima –
Better than the others
I used many of the others meters while I was going through my journeyman training.this meter was by far the best. Longest lasting, easiest use, very versatile.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Smitty –
Excellent tool
Easy to read display, simple and quick connections. Durable case and leads. Resonable cost.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Sela2010 –
Top Shelf
Actually, I discovered how good this product is by accident. My air conditioning repairman had come to service my compressor, and several weeks later, I discovered this tool in the attic. Coincidentally, as an owner of several apartment units, I had a call for some faulty electrical circuits in several of the units. I decided to give this device a try before returning it to its owner. I was quickly able to assess the situation and replace the faulty GFCI receptacles in a matter of minutes, saving myself several hundred dollars in a service call. It was at that time I decided to purchase one for myself.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Observer –
Outstanding Value
This meter is actually quite accurate and flexible. I own a Fluke 87V and Fluke 179. Both first class instruments of course. I ordered the AM-510 just to have as a “beater” that I didn’t feel like I had to be careful with. Now, I find it works so well I’m going to want to be careful with it. Not that it, let alone the Flukes, are in any way delicate. The AM-510 appears to be very rugged, and accurate. I have two DMM references from voltagestandard.com. One has various 0.1% resistors mounted, and also provides calibrated DC and AC voltages and current sources. The other has five (5) voltage references from about 0.25 VDC to about 10 VDC. All these references are specified for your particular unit to several decimal points. I just got through comparing the “accuracy” between the Flukes and the AM-510 as well as an Extech 22-816 (also a pretty good meter) using these references.
I can’t take the space or time to list all the results here. But a sample of the AM-510 compared to the Fluke 85V (the “best” meter I have, and it is good) are here. I will list the actual reference value first, then the 85V, and finally the AM-510 for a few measurements. 100.060kohm/100.1kohm/100.1kohm. 5.0000vdc/5.000vdc/4.99vdc. 20.000812khz/20.00khz/19.99khz. 0.2500vdc/0.250vdc/0.249vdc. 9.9999vdc/10.0vdc/9.98vdc. These are representative results of 13 different measurements. Not too shabby a performance for the AM-510. And, I might add, the Fluke 85V sells for roughly 10 times the price of the AM-510 on Amazon.
Great, great buy in my opinion. Now, I have no doubt that the Fluke 85V is more rugged, safer, and has more circuitry protections than the AM-510. That said the AM-510 appears to not be fragile by any stretch. On the contrary.
One final comment, regarding AC measurements with the AM-510. It is an “Average Reading” AC meter, whereas the Flukes I have, and the Extech, are “True RMS” AC meters. The reference standards I mentioned have a square wave on the AC settings. True RMS meters will read these correctly, whereas an Averaging meter will only do so with a Sine Wave source. Here is an example of the AC results as above: 4.999vac/5.004vac/5.52vac. The 5.52vac is very close to what an “Average Reading” meter should show with a square wave of about 5vac so this is actually fine, just so long as you recognize what’s going on.
Hard to think of a better bargain than this AM-510 unless you really do need a True RMS AC meter. Deserves 5 stars without a doubt. It has Relative readings which I haven’t tested. It has a battery test feature which I have tested and it is good. It, of course has a diode test function which I have tested and it works right, at least with silicon diodes; haven’t checked with germanium. In addition to AC measurements it has a duty cycle feature that I checked with house current and it works right. On and on. Go ahead and get one, you won’t be sorry IMHO.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Sunshine –
Reasonable multimeter in this price range
After searching for a reasonably priced entry level multimeter, I finally settled for the AM-510. I looked at Klein and Fluke multimeters.
I received the AM-510 and checked most of features and it works as advertised. It is MADE IN CHINA not in USA as some of the reviews mistakenly mentioned. It is reasonable quality for a multimeter in this price range. The customer support is good as well.
I called tech support as well as customer support and I am satisfied with the results.
However, NCV (non contact voltage) detect function is not reliable on outlets and I DO NOT advise anyone to rely on it. However, on a cord or wire, NCV was pretty reliable as far as I can tell. It seems that the unit has to be very close for it to work.
In my opinion. the battery test function (9V & 1.5V) is useless. I am not sure why it occupies 2 slots of the dial setting. I am left to wonder what’s the difference between these and Voltage setting as it gives identical results…It looks like Amprobe uses the same body/knob for all of AM-500 series and had to fill slots with “something” for the low end units.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
DiscmanRICH –
Quality Instrument for A Value Price
The Amprobe AM-510 is a very nice tool. It has an excellent case, with a solid feel, unlike the flimsy plastic on lesser multi-tools. The digital display is very vivid and easy to read. The unit even has a built in flash light, which can be very handy. I am not an electrician or electronics professional. So, needless to say, this meter can do MANY more tests than I am equipped to handle…which is great!
It senses voltage just by placing it near a source, which saves time and is safer.
The fold out back stand is a feature that can permit you to use both hands and still easily see the readings.
When I received my unit, the manual was written on the provided mini disc. My laptop would not recognize the mini disc and I had to take it to FedEx to have them print the manual. I was unable to find the AM-510 Manual on the Amprobe website. They had many manuals listed, but, not this unit.
As for the manual, it does not have enough instructions (for a novice) explaining how to perform all the tests it can accomplish. I wish Amprobe had included a short example (and some diagrams) depicting what this tool can do. To me, the manual was of very little help and I am left with a great tool that I know how to check the voltage of a battery and the voltage in a wall circuit! 🙂
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
SoCalRxMan –
Does all I need affordably
I bought the unit through McMaster-Carr after a couple analogue ampmeters purchased at Home Depot. Those meters were too flimsy. The AM-510 is very rugged. I can do everything maintaining the house requires: testing batteries to continuity to output voltage. The digital display is large and clear with backlighting for low light applications.
The manual is a little scant, but the folks online are courteous and quick to respond to any questions. By the way, the 0.5A/600V fuse is model FP500, and the 10A/600V fuse is model FP400. For prices, contact Amprobe distributors (http://amprobe.com/Amprobe/usen/WhereToBuy/default.htm).
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
tbjohncb –
Great product
I have been using Amprobe for many years both in my work and at home and have always had very good luck with them and would recommend them to anyone.. This meter is easy to use and accurate for testing in home and electronics devices for what I need it for.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
VanLee –
A worthy successor to a classic
I have been a fan of the 5XP for many years. It was a very flexible and dependable meter at a great price, good for novices and experts alike. There were very few features that it didn’t include. The AM-510 has a similarly low price point and it addresses the few short comings of the 5XP. It adds capacitance checking to the slate along with temperature. To get these features before, you had to go up a few levels in the line. Built durable and an inexpensive price, this is a good all around meter for anyone.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Beto15 –
Good all around multimeter
The Amprobe AM-510 is user friendly and covers all my residential needs. I especially like the battery check function.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
ngwpower –
Not a very simple device,
need to have electrical knowledge of all the dodads on the screen. Instructiuons appear to be translated from chinese, not very explicitate
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
alexWV –
Great, until it breaks
It was a nice, accurate, and easy to read meter until the LCD stopped working one day. On one second, then… blank.
The non-contact voltage feature is a bit finnicky, but useful and seems pretty accurate.
Voltage, amperage, and resistance readings are close enough to another meter I compared it with. Nothing I do requires accuracy to three decimal places so it’s good enough.
Easy enough to get a replacement, I assume. I keep forgetting to actually ship the broken one.
✘ No, I do not recommend this product
KDtech –
Best Value
I feel the Amprobe AM Series represents one of the best values in multimeters. The features, quality of construction, and accuracy rival much more costly meters. The AM-510 brings professional quality to any user, novice or pro, at a great price point.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
SilverGems –
Easy to use and you can believe in the results
Excellent Tool for the typical Home owner. Excellent quality and performance. I would recommend that you familiarize yourself with all of the instruments capabilities.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Rrenbro –
This meter will do everything you need for resi and most commercial apps
Everything for resi and most if not all commercial applications
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Henry1984 –
Great product
This is a great tool very dependable nd has always been accurate
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Clyde56 –
Very usefull in my daily tasks
Very easy to use this meter, it is not overly complcated as someother meters.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Janith –
Excellent
excellent product..
best accuracy multimeter..
very quickly measuring the value
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
BillKa –
Nice meter
Well built meter with most functions that you will need for everyday testing. Easy to read display.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
trucksparky –
works well for automotive
use for troubleshooting automotive wiring. I actually prefer to use my Klein.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Oscar –
Wonderful product
Useful for electrical testing at work. Very helpful.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Reno97 –
Great meter for training
This is a great meter for any technician. As an instructor I have very few issues teaching the students how to properly use this meter. I highly recommended this meter to any one.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Zsteurer –
Great product. High quality. Wide array of functions.
The AM-510 is everything I need for my home needs. It has helped me troubleshoot quite a few problems that have come up. For the value especially, this is the perfect multimeter for the home user.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Flyboy88 –
Fantastic piece of equipment
Great features, easy to use. Upgraded from a cheap Sears toy, got as a gift couldnt be happier. Would recomend this to anyone who has wiring. You will need one someday, get it now while yu still have time.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
SteadySteve –
Best on the market
I’ve used this for year’s and it has never let me down. I’ve wired my whole garage and my motorcycle and I have to admit it is always spot on. Keep up the good work
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Nonmouse –
Bang for the buck
Reasonably-priced meter with plenty of features–the no-contact voltage detection is handy. Seems quite durable–it’s been dropped more than once, and still works fine. The only con I have is with the probes–they can be difficult to insert and don’t always make good contact without a little wiggling.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Lerolling –
Great Product outstanding value
Best Meter for the price it has all the features i need and doesn’t break the bank
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
nycwill –
Best value for your money
The design and construction of this multimeter is very thoughtful. The display numbers are not overly large, but are very easy to read. The backlight is the right amount of brightness and very evenly lit. The dial is easily turned, but holds in each place with a solid click. The rubberized skin is attached to the body securely and feels very solid in the hand. The included probes seem solid. Even the hinge that props the multimeter up holds itself in place well.
The main features of this multimeter are:
– 4000 count display
– Great LCD display
– Even, white backlight
– 1.5v and 9v battery tester
– White LED flashlight
– Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) tester
The last 4 items are worth talking about in more detail. Firstly, the white backlight is just the right amount of bright. The really nice thing about this backlight is that you turn it on… And it stays on! Most other multimeters that I’ve seen have a backlight that automatically turns off anywhere between 5 and 25 seconds. Not very helpful when you’re working in a dimly lit situation and you don’t have good lighting, like, oh, in a power outage or perhaps if your generator has shutdown and you’re trying to diagnose something.
And speaking of no light, this multimeter has it’s own white LED flashlight built-in! It’s nothing special, but in a situation where you have no flashlight and you’re down on your hands and knees working on something, it’s certainly nice to have that flashlight button at the ready.
The battery tester leaves a little to be desired, I think. There’s nothing wrong with it, per se. It works just fine. Just dial in 9v or 1.5v depending on whether you’re testing 9v or AA/AAA batteries and test away.
The NCV feature on this unit might be the best extra that a multimeter can have. While it has only an indicator tone (no light), in the tests conducted, it was the best at not raising false positives and yet when within 2 inches of a live power outlet, it would reliably emit an audible tone.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
RichR –
Excellent meter for the homeowner and DIYer.
I bought this meter to replace an older and inaccurate multimeter. I discovered that I made a good choice. The Amprobe has all the features that I wanted and more.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Homeowner –
Solid meter for the homeowner
The AM-510 does everything the average DIY homeowner and auto owner needs. The online owner’s manual explains how to use the various functions. The meter is solidly built and easy to use.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.