Description
The Amprobe AM-530 autoranging digital multimeter is the multimeter of choice for professional electrical contractors. The AM-530 is a True-rms digital multimeter so it accurately measures voltage on systems affected by harmonics. With its full menu of digital multimeter features, you can use it to: measure and verify the presence of voltage before connecting new equipment or performing repairs; run new wiring; check continuity of electrical connections; identify blown fuses; troubleshoot motors or check transformers. The CAT III 600 V safety rating provides an extra measure of safety for high voltage multimeter applications. Its built-in flashlight helps you see wire colors in the dark and “third hand” probe holder gives you an extra 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) | ■ | ■ | |||||
netzener –
Very attractive full-featured meter at a great price
Strengths:
• All the features you would ever need for general electrical/electronic work
• Very professional appearance and almost perfect build quality
• Large and uncluttered LCD display with manual backlight
• Built-in LED flashlight
Weaknesses:
• Auto-Ranging measurements were slower than expected
• The VoltSense feature doesn’t work
• Narrow vertical LCD viewing angle under indoor lighting
• Fold-out meter stand isn’t very rugged
Full review:
The overall appearance, build quality, and features of the AM-530 are excellent for a full size multi-meter in the $60-$80 price range. The meter enclosure is very solid with no gaps in any front, side, or back seams. I can twist the case, squeeze it, and bang it around without causing strange bends, pops, or cracks. This meter will hold up well in the tool box and it looks very professional. The AM-530 is light enough at 13.5oz to be carried on the belt or held for extended periods of time. The sides of the meter are rubberized and provide a textured hand grip that makes it easy and comfortable to hold when taking measurements indoors or out. The rubber coating picks up grease and dirt from your hands a little but is easily cleaned with a damp cloth. The case includes two probe clips integral to the back cover that grip the probes firmly with no slipping. There is also a fold-out meter stand for propping the meter up on the workbench. I was a disappointed with the fold-out meter stand. It’s very thin and the hinge is not very strong so I suspect it will not last under regular use. The stand is part of the battery cover and if it’s missing, changing the battery may be a little harder. The battery cover is removed with a single screw that does not have a retaining clip so be careful you don’t lose the screw when changing the battery.
The LCD display on the AM-530 is very crisp. All the function indicators have plenty of space and are arranged logically on the LCD. The 4-Digit numeric display is large with nicely spaced digits and thin segments that make numbers look sharp and professional. An analog bar graph is provided along the bottom of the display to make amplitude varying signals easier to observe. The digit and bar graph segments are fast and stable. Overall I like the display on the AM-530. The manual backlight feature is a nice touch when working in dim light. The backlight is so good in both low and normal indoor light that I wish it could be switched on for longer than 25 seconds at a time. Under bright light conditions the LCD display is excellent for all reasonable viewing angles. Indoors the viewing angle of the LCD display is shallow in the upper vertical axis. The display is sharp when viewed straight on and almost 45 degrees below the perpendicular, but fades out completely around 20 degrees above the perpendicular and is worse when the backlight is on. Indoor horizontal viewing angle is very good beyond 45 degrees left and right. Considering the professional appearance, rugged construction, and features the AM-530 provides for around $60-$80, I think a small compromise in indoor LCD viewing angle is completely acceptable.
The AM-530 provides all the measurement functions anyone would ever need for general electrical or electronic installation and troubleshooting. True RMS Auto-ranging AC/DC Voltage, Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, and Temperature measurements are all present and they all work as expected. The function selector is perfect on the AM-530 offering a positive click action with just the right amount of resistance. The Min, Max, and Hold options are very nice and easy to use. I did not find the Relative (Delta) function to be all that useful but it is there if you need it. The AM-530 includes a DC micro amp function that is supposed to be used for testing furnace flame sensors. However, in my opinion the smallest micro amp range offered (0-400 micro amps) is too large for an accurate reading. Most flame sensors generate only 2-5 micro amps when operating properly. Given the range, resolution, and accuracy of the AM-530’s micro amps scale, flame sensor measurements could be off by as much as 16%. Although this is probably accurate enough for most pass/fail troubleshooting, I would have preferred a 0-40 micro amps scale with better than 1.5% accuracy to make sure that borderline flame sensor problems could be detected. The only disappointment with the AM-530 is that measurements take 2 seconds to auto-range and lock onto the display after the probes are applied to the test point. This is twice as long as the less capable Amprobe AM-60. When using manual ranges the AM-530 can lock onto a measurement in less than a second. For most general purpose troubleshooting work this will not be a problem but I liked the fast response of the AM-60 and was hoping the AM-530 would be just as responsive if not more so.
The VoltSense function in the AM-530 is not reliable. I was unable to get VoltSense to detect live AC on outlets, switches, plug wires, extension cords, florescent lamps, etc. most of the time. If you really need a non-contact voltage function, I would strongly recommend one of the clamp multi-meters like the ACDC-50NAV. VoltSense works flawlessly on the Amprobe clamp meters.
The thermocouple temperature probe included with the AM-530 is nice to have for most point contact measurements and is very responsive to changes in temperature. However the probe included with the AM-530 isn’t very rugged and the junction is unsheathed. If you expect to take a lot of temperature measurements in anything other than dry environments I would recommend purchasing a more suitable probe.
The AM-530 includes an LED flashlight with a push-on/push-off switch that also works as a momentary switch when not fully depressed. It’s a great help when working in low light or cramped locations and eliminates having to carry a small flashlight with you on the jobsite. The LED only comes on when the meter is powered on so you won’t accidentally ruin the battery if the switch is accidentally depressed.
The AM-530 comes with a good set of test probes. They have a sealed strain relief on each end, insulated tips, and a solid barrel with an integral guard ring. The Amprobe logo embossed on the probe barrel is a nice touch and contributes to the overall professional appearance the AM-530.
A zippered black nylon canvas carrying case is included with the AM-530. The outside of the case is water repellent and the inside provides a probe divider, an elastic retaining strap for the meter, and a pocket for the manual. Everything fits perfectly in the case which also has a nylon carrying strap. I like the red Amprobe lettering on the outside front of the case which is a nice touch. Padding in the case is minimal and I would have preferred a felt interior to the fine weave nylon used inside the case, but it is really nice to have any case at all for a meter in this price range.
The AM-530 is a very professional looking instrument that offers a lot of features for the price. For the electrician, engineer, or student that isn’t concerned about measurement response time or a non-contact voltage indicator, the AM-530 is an excellent multi-meter.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Ivan747 –
Solid built, well thought design
Let’s get started.
***Construction:
First of all, when you open the package, you get a feel for how robust this meter is compared to other multimeters in the same price range. It doesn’t have a removable holster, but the red rubber around it protects it and doesn’t feel sticky to the hand. The tilting bail is very wide and the meter doesn’t slide around when lying on the bench. There are hooks to put your leads on the back of the multimeter.
The range switch feels very solid and won’t get stuck in the middle of two positions. One great thing about the range switch is that the off position is the first position. Some multimeters save the first position for a low impedance mode or a non-contact voltage probe and off is in the second position. This is annoying because you have to make sure you put the meter in the off position and not in the low impedance mode. This meter put the non-contact voltage detector before the A positions.
The battery door design is great. You remove one screw and the battery comes loose. The tilting bail is stuck to the battery door. The screw hole isn’t a metal threaded insert and can wear off with use. Let’s hope the plastic holding the screw doesn’t wear off.
One thing I don’t like is that they combined AC and DC volts in a single function, but they kept ºC and ºF in separate positions. It doesn’t make sense. The V position defaults to AC. It is and electricians multimeter, after all. I hope their Industrial version defaults to DC, but that is unlikely.
There are 4 input jacks, which is good (makes it harder to blow the mA range fuse by accident). The meter wasn’t wide enough to place the jacks in a line and keep the standard 0.75” separation so they placed the V and A jacks slightly upwards as you can see in the picture. Something that’s missing is an alert to tell you your probes are on the current jack when you are measuring voltage.
***Let’s talk about features.
The specs of this multimeter are quite basic, but again, this is an electricians multimeter. 0.8% DC accuracy. Using True-RMS, most measurements have 1% accuracy ±3 digits. Display update rate is OK. The bargraph display makes up for it. It is really fast and catches transients with accuracy before the display can respond.
The non-contact voltage detector is excellent compared to the competition. The competitor doesn’t have as much sensitivity. The competition uses a separate button for this function, and it works even with the meter off. It can be activated inside your toolbox and drain your batteries. This one has a range switch position for it.
Amprobe decided to include something novel in this meter, a torch. This mini-torch consists of a 5mm LED in the front of the unit. It is not very bright and won’t light up a room, but the main use is to identify wire colors and read labels in dark rooms. It is slightly blue, but I have no problems identifying resistor color codes.
The diode range can only measure diodes with up to 2V drop and I see a problem there. This multimeter uses a 9V battery, not 2 AAs. You can easily get 4V for the diode range. The use of white LEDs for lighting applications is increasing and these LEDs have a voltage drop of 3V typically. People working with these installations will need another tool to test their LEDs.
The temperature function has 0.1ºC resolution and that is fantastic. You can see even the slightest changes in temperature.
***Accessories
The unit I have came with a soft case. Put the meter and the probes in the case and store it in your toolbox to keep it organized. Speaking of probes, these probes are CAT IV rated and the updated regulations require these probes to have just a tiny part of exposed metal, about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen. I will keep some traditional probes around.
The manual has improved a lot from the last Amprobe product I owned. Seems like they listened to a vey popular multimeter shootout video. My last Amprobe meter was featured there. The manual has diagrams describing how to measure different properties as well as having different languages. It even shows a method to test the fuses without opening the unit!
Overall, it is a great multimeter for the price.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Geonos09 –
Very diverse and user friendly functions.
For being in the upper mid-range of multi-meters this device is well worth the price. Exceptional design, well thought out and versatile functions. The ability to test capacitance as well as most any other reading makes it great for HVAC work as well as line voltage, resistance, amp draw etc. One of the best meters in it’s price range I have found. So much so I have specified it as the meter for 65 apartment community maintenance shops.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
William001 –
Rather Disappointed
I am rather disappointed with my AM-530 because it is actually very slow in obtaining steady final readings and shortly after purchase it became faulty with intermittently no display visible. I persisted with it for awhile because the fault was intermittent in nature but it failed totally after just a couple of months with eventually no readout visible at all.
I then contacted Amprobe Support online about the fault issue and was subsequently contacted by Fluke warranty support from Washington USA who were very good to deal with and who immediately instituted the nescessary process to replace my faulty meter under warranty.
Overall I am quite happy with the build quality, the operating features and the price of the meter but the slowness of obtaining final steady test readings and the faulty display issue has unfortunately soured the ownership experience for me.
William
from Australia
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Doc030559 –
Great Value and Easy to Use
I purchased this meter for general electrical and HVAC maintenance work. I have found the meter to be a great value and easy to use. The quality is very good (as has been my experience with all Amprobe tools) and it possesses all the basic functions needed general maintenance. I am hoping Amprobe will market an inexpensive amp-clamp attachment for this meter in the future.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
ALLTEC –
My history with AMPROBE goes back many years
When I worked at TV-18 in Milwaukee, WI, I would BORROW the company”s AMPROBE DIGITAL CLAMP-ON meter. Then somebody borrowed it and NEVER RETURNED IT!
DENNIS HOYER
AUDIO TRANSFORMERS
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
texasdave198080911 –
Very Good
This is being used for school work and I can easily see me using it for other areas. The one concern is it is very easy to blow the MA fuse if not careful. Other than that it does everything I want to include an easy read screen.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
rledford11 –
GREAT!!
he multimeter has a solid feel. The selector switch has well defined detents and the case does not spin if using it on a flat surface. The bail is fine and you can use all of the buttons without difficulty in the upright position except for the 400k Ohm input impedance button. The screen is big and easy to read; the decimal point is always easy to spot. There are two type-k temperature probes that can be attached for simultaneous readings. Past Amprobe multimeters have had an annoying beep when turning the selector switch; thankfully this function has been eliminated. There is also a non-contact voltage sensor function with an audible alarm (a visual warning would have also been good considering that this may be used in noisy environments).
Amprobe has been in the electronic test equipment business for many years and made their name with current clamps. They are now owned by the Danaher Corporation which also owns Fluke (both headquartered in Everett, WA). Amprobe markets its products mostly to electricians and HVAC professionals.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Geoknows13 –
The meter meets all requirements needed for maintenance of community facilities
Working in the multi-family dwelling maintenance field for nearly 25 years, rarely have I found a tool that covers most needs of facility maintenance personnel. Troubleshooting electrical problems with the AM530 is relatively easy and precise. I have used the AM530 “True RMS” in every area of the facilities found at most communities from HVAC, to troubleshooting pool pump and aerator motors. The many features the meter offers are useful and combine functions found in multiple tools. Making the meter versatile whether used to trouble-shoot 5 HP pool pump motors to measuring flame signal from a spark or hot plate ignition furnace system, it’s got it all. With the alligator clip leads accessory TL35B telephone troubleshooting DC voltage checks are simplified and accurate. Many other features make it the ideal tool for technicians in the facilities management field. A great meter at a reasonable price.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Naznaz –
Accurate
I am tired of buying meters that are not accurate but this one proven to be accurate time after time
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
OldCrow –
Great Product except one small thing
I really like using this multimeter. It is great for both school and work. The only issue I have is that it does not come with extra 500mA/1000V fuses, which would be nice especially since they are hard to get in many areas. You can adjust the decimal setting to compensate though.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
kons –
Outstanding Tool
Excellent precise, durable and reliable tool at reasonable price.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
RGarvin –
Novice user
This unit is very easy for a novice to use. Great product.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Ohzza –
Well worth the money, Extremely pleased with my purchase.
Extremely full featured, nearly perfect for its price-point. Got it for both hobbyist tinkering and occasional handyman work and everything I could ask from a meter is possible and easy to handle with the AM-530.
A few quirks keep it from being 5/5, but they’re far from dealbreakers. First the lag on the continuity can be a little annoying. The second is the layout, I mainly work in DC so to check voltage I have to set it to Voltage and then select AC every time, which seems odd because all of the Current measuring defaults to DC. I’d much rather have two positions on the dial for Voltage and have Fahrenheit and Celsius consolidated into one dial position.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
ace2016 –
Excellent layout and easy to use!!!
This meter is excellent to use as a teaching tool. I instruct an electrical course and I make a firm statement to buy a quality meter for to the students. This meter is an excellent choice for the budgets of the students.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Freshcut –
Very easy to use and very convenient
I purchased the Am-350 and first things first it is a great multimeter for small projects to everyday use witch I use it for at work and the true rms feature is a very useful in my everyday work I encounter if you an electrican like me I truly recommend this product by amprobe
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Justin81 –
Very nice multimeter
I use this meter daily and I have to say it is every bit as good as fluke meters plus I really like the true rms as well thanks for a good quality product that assists me in my job!
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Ty12345 –
Upgrade from our yellow meters
I work in an aviation manufacturing facility and we recently upgraded from a well known yellow brand to these Ampro meters. The learning curve was virtually non existent and they work as well or better. I find that the auto ranging is much more consistent than our old meters as well.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Tony –
Exceleent Product for the price.
Excellent product for the price. Features and build quality are great. Being a Fluke company sealed the deal and I’m happy with my purchase.
Allen83 –
Great meter
I love this meter have had it for six months now. All around a great meter will definitely buy more products
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Nocable –
Good meter
Wish metel part of probes was a bit longer but other then that vary good meter
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Jlouden151 –
Use at work Daily
I use this meter on the daily at my work. I build pcbs that require precise calibration and testing and this meter covers alot of the tests i need to perform quickly and accurately. The reading i get are as precise as reading taken with fluke and tektronics ocilliscopes and it in real time. I would recommend this to any professional in the field i work in.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Steve1987 –
Best meter in its class!
This meter is great so far. The build quality is good and has a lot of features that you would normally have to pay more for. From what i can tell, it is also very accurate. Highly recommend for electricians or just homeowners who want a great meter.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.
Alberdelos –
Strong & Enough Accurate
Great ratio cost / value. Robust on the field. Ease to use. All xtra functions are very useful.
✔ Yes, I recommend this product.