Multimeter battery drain, auto-off not working on cheap meter
Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2026 2:00 pm
Customer brings PHP 800 multimeter. "Battery dies in 2 weeks even when not used."
Diagnosis: auto-off feature broken. Meter idles, drawing ~3mA continuously. 9V battery (500 mAh): 167 hours = ~7 days continuous, faster with high-load measurements.
Fixes:
Lesson: PHP 800 multimeter has hidden cost: battery replacement schedule. PHP 2000 meter usually has lower idle current. Total ownership cost over 5 years: similar.
My take on cheap meters: fine for occasional use. For daily, save for better.
Diagnosis: auto-off feature broken. Meter idles, drawing ~3mA continuously. 9V battery (500 mAh): 167 hours = ~7 days continuous, faster with high-load measurements.
Fixes:
- Pull battery between uses (annoying)
- Switch meter to "off" position (some cheap meters do not actually disconnect)
- Replace meter, upgrade is overdue
Lesson: PHP 800 multimeter has hidden cost: battery replacement schedule. PHP 2000 meter usually has lower idle current. Total ownership cost over 5 years: similar.
My take on cheap meters: fine for occasional use. For daily, save for better.