21 Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Multimeter over Analog Multimeter

In an earlier article, we have learned the comparison between analog and digital multimeters. This comparison covered the basic specifications such as definition, representation, operation, cost, uses, and many more functions.

Now, I am going to explain the advantages and disadvantages of digital multimeter over analog multimeter.

Let’s study,

Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Multimeter

Why digital meters are preferred over analog meters?

Advantages (or Pros) of Digital Multimeter

1. The digital multimeter (DMM) is widely available in compact or small sizes.
2. It is a durable and portable type of instrument that can easily and safely move anywhere.
3. It has high accuracy than the analog multimeter.
4. This instrument has the ability to provide automatic calibration.
5. It has an auto-polarity function. So, users don’t require the test leads and probes to detect the polarities.
6. The user can easily measure the AC and DC quantities with the help of this meter.
7. There is less chance to get errors in a digital instrument while measuring or reading the connected electrical devices. Thus, it is sometimes called a ‘Smart Meter’ or ‘Advanced Meter’.
8. This multimeter helps to measure the various parameters such as current, resistance, voltage, etc.
9. Also, it is used for testing continuity, batteries, household wiring, electric motors, capacitors, diodes, transistors and etc.
10. And in an advanced digital multimeter, the frequency can be measured.
11. This instrument gets results in the form of numerical values or discrete signals . So, users can easily read and understand.
12. The digital meter has an LCD display to show a direct reading or output.
13. It does not contain moving parts so less maintenance is required.
14. In some digital meters, data hold and range hold functions are available.
15. There could be less errors as compared to the analog meter.
16. The energy-saving function has inbuilt in the advanced multimeter due to automatic switching (i.e. power off function).

Disadvantages (or Cons) of Digital Multimeter

17. The digital multimeter does not show or give continuous movement like as an analog meter.
18. The sensitivity of this multimeter is very less.
19. The cost of the digital multimeter is very high as compared to the analog multimeter.
20. The digital meter has some voltage limitations. So increasing the limit makes the chance to get damaged the meter.
21. The external power source (i.e. cell or battery) is needed to display the result on a digital multimeter. Otherwise, the multimeter does not show the result in low power or without power. So, the user needs to properly check while using it.

These are the 21 pros and cons of digital multimeter (DMM) over the analog multimeter.

Hopefully, you have understood and cleared all the basic points. If you have queries or points to add, write the comment below.

Read some related articles:

• Electrical and electronic measuring instruments
• Classification of measuring instruments
• Ammeter vs Voltmeter
• Instruments of substation
• Capacitor vs Battery
• Resistance vs Impedance
• Active vs Reactive Powers
• Anode vs Cathode
• Synchronous motor vs Induction motor

Thanks for Reading!

Dipali Chaudhari

I have completed master in Electrical Power System. I work and write technical tutorials on the PLC, MATLAB programming, and Electrical on DipsLab.com portal.

Sharing my knowledge on this blog makes me happy.  And sometimes I delve in Python programming.