Uni-T UT196 Solar Pro Multi-Meter

[@TheElectriciansToolChannel]

I like the Uni-T it proves to be a very capable user friendly multimeter. Nice video TP.

[@three-phase562]

Thanks TETC, I think the UT196 would get the job done too.

[@jonfreeman9682]

This is so cool. So it's designed specifically for solar panels to check high voltage DC.

[@three-phase562]

Yes, it allows you to read the higher voltages, would be on quite large solar or battery installations. A lot of the grid tied battery systems we have are over 1000V. Can also measure the output voltage on a 1000V insulation tester, that usually just goes above voltage range of a standard multimeter. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@AK-IT]

Nice 100 turn coil. Where can I get one? Also, why is the amp clamp AC only, would be nice to have DC as well especially with that selectable 100mV/A.

[@three-phase562]

The first clamp table I made up myself. The second clamp table with the three multiturn coils came from Transmille. I have no idea, why Uni-T made the clamp function AC only, especially as it is aimed at the solar market. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@vincentjinal9167]

Is this multimeter as good as fluke 87v?

[@three-phase562]

Depends exactly what you want from the multimeter. The UT196, won't be as accurate or rugged as the Fluke 87V. If you are in need of calibration, then there will be no problems with the Fluke, you could get the UT196 checked, but you may not be able to have it adjusted and technical support from Uni-T will likely be minimal. On the other hand if you want to measure above 1000V, then the UT196 will be more user friendly than the 87V and more cost effective, if you are looking to buy new.

[@celodominic8704]

Whats the peak function for? And could possibly use min/max function for peak? Cheers

[@three-phase562]

Going by memory as I don't have the unit with me. The min/max is a continuous recording function and displays the current reading on the main screen with the selected min/max on the smaller secondary display. The peak is a hold function, displaying the maximum or minimum, but there is no specification for it in the manual. Whilst you can use it for an inrush current measurement, the current measurement function is AC only. You would have to measure a DC inrush current using the voltage function and convert.

[@ramschannelreviews]

Thanks for sharing. It runs on 9V battery, right? Does it have auto-hold? Some qualities I appreciate were: auto AC/DC voltage detection, separate mV, and high CAT ratings. If that external AC clamp function allows for 1mV/A output (conversion) ratio, it will be an ideal partner for UNI-T's own, low cost CS06A, as well as the Fluke i400e, AC accessory clamps. UNI-T seem to design their DMMs to have standardized look, which I think is good. My UT191T looks similar. Price to performance ratio will be quite subjective depending on one's needs or market location. My Hioki DT4256 cost lower than the UT196.

[@three-phase562]

Yes it runs on one standard PP3 9V battery. There is no auto-hold feature, just manual operation of the hold button to hold and then to release the reading. Yes the AC clamp function should work with any clamp adapter that matches the output ratios. Very hard to quantify the value of the unit as there are so many different factors and individual choices available. Its not a bad meter but there are probably a lot of options out there unless you specifically want to measure above 1000V. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@danielelise7348]

Hmm,yeah,not Uni-t's finest work,but a usable multimeter none the less.Other than slightly higher working voltage, there's really nothing that sets it apart from the rest as a "solar" meter,not sure about the price tag either,but nevermind,can't win them all.Great review all the same,this is why you do them,after all.🤔👍

[@three-phase562]

It is quite a mediocre meter really. There are a few manufacturers that have brought out multimeters capable of reading 1500V to 2000V and marketed them for solar installations, but that is the only extra functionality. You would have thought that they would have at least added in DC current measurement as well if they are aiming it at solar. I guess with it being their ruggedised design and aimed at professional use, they have upped the price. In the UK it would be a reasonable price, but if you didn't need the higher D|C volt measurement capability, there would be plenty of better priced instruments out there. Thanks for watching and commenting. 👍👍

[@inothome]

Not a bad meter, could be worse. I've never seen anyone test meter leads with an insulation tester before.... but me. lol I like testing everything insulating with a "megger". I don't go grabbing it with my hands when energized though. As far as NCV, in my experience I never really have good luck with any of them. I do find however if there is no load or the hot and neutral are run together, like in an extension cord, it cancels out the EMF and hard to get a reliable reading. Higher loads and individual wires work much better, as theoretically it should. But just NCV in general, I never have good luck and of course, never use one to test for dead. Except in the substations on high voltage, where you can't physically put a leaded meter on and you have to use a non-contact tester.

[@three-phase562]

Probably typical of high voltage test engineers, who tend to think of an insulating medium as just a bad conductor. I try and simulate what would happen if the test leads get trapped, but I should probably have an insulated glove on when I do it. I don't actually use NCV mode on a meter out in the field. I do have a Kewtech Volt Stick, but they are all a bit hit and miss in operation really. I tried it against a distribution board as well and it operated in much the same way. Thanks for watching and commenting.