Mastech MS2108 True-RMS AC/DC Clamp Meter with Inrush Current Measurement

I purchased this meter to use in less than perfect conditions. Because I also own and use a Fluke and a Greenlee for various jobs, I have a little experience with which to evaluate this meter. For the last year or so I have had several occasions to use a clamp meter under a house and inside a large wet vat/container. I really did not want to expose my Fluke to those conditions, so after some thought I decided to take a chance on a less expensive alternative. I chose the Mastech MS2108 for two reasons. First, my Fluke does not have a way to measure Inrush current and the Mastech does. Second, The Mastech is a "true RMS" meter. With both of these parameters met, I was amazed at the price for this meter. Amazed, and a little sceptical as well. Well, I shouldn't have been sceptical, but I am still amazed.!!This meter is very well thought out, and apparently well made. I have been using it almost continuously since purchase, and it has showed no signs of a fault anywhere inside of its usage parameters. That doesn't mean that that it won't fail at some point. It might in fact fail tomorrow, but until it does I am going to consider it a fine instrument and a tremendous value.The clamp opens smoothly, but holds firmly in use. The plastic body appears to be well made and solid with all screen printing and settings plain and legible. All switches are firm and positive and there are no misnamed or misapplied designations. Everything works on this meter exactly like I expected it to. I checked this meter against my Fluke with common measurements and they were within tiny fractions of each other....well within the margin for error that I would allow on any instrument. So, if this meter is inaccurate, so is my Fluke.There are a couple of things that I wonder about though (not worry about..). I can't understand why the rotary switch has two "off" positions.?? Maybe convenience..?? I don't know, but I am not going to worry about it. The second thing is why the A/C and D/C voltage settings are combined on one switch setting, causing you to have to push a select button to toggle between them....and therefore the always present possibility of making a mistake..??? It would seem that one of the "off" positions could have been used instead for one of the Voltage measurement positions..??? Anyway, that's all I can say about this meter that could have been done a little differently.So five stars for a meter that performs like a champ....With INRUSH for around $80.00.!!!!! That's unheard of.... :-)

While I don't like reviews without product, I feel I must make an exception. Sinometer has produced two models the MS2108 and MS2108A. While they seem very similar in name, in features one is worth half the price (and lo and behold the later model is the cheaper one). For that I take away a star. When I get the MS2108, I'll fill in the rest of the details. If the MS2108A I recieved is any indication, I expect a great find.MASTECH Professional MS2108A 4000 AC DC Current Clamp Meter LCD BacklightMastech MS2108A Handheld Digital Clamp Meter 3999 Counts DC1000V AC750V 400A 40M Ohm 4000Uf Diameter 26mmI have now had this for a while now and it's time to give my complete thoughts. I can say the meter performs as expected for DIY. It isn't perfect, but if I wanted perfection I would have gone to Greenlee or Fluke or something like that. My bigger issue with the meter is that is only CE marked. After having spent some more time researching test leads I can say it would be forced off my buy list for not taking the time to get independent certification from UL CSA or TUV.Please read the comments before writing your own. I have had a chance to hold both the MS2108 and MS2108A. It is what it says it is. Somewhat illogically the 2108 is the true RMS meter and the one I kept. If they want 5 stars they'll discontinue or relabel the MS2108A and spend the time to get a proper certification.

If it happens to work for you then it is a great value. However, on mine the selector dial does not work when selecting the continuity setting. Unfortunately I did not realize this until just now (over a year of owning it). I had bought it to use as a clamp meter, and that functionality was fine. Today I tried to use the continuity function and it just won't select properly. If I apply downward pressure on the dial in just the right way it works, but only as long as I keep pressing it down.I opened it up to see if I could fix the internal contact points, but I was unable to fix it. After trying to position them to make better contact, one of the springy copper things broke. So it is going in the garbage and I'll buy a different product that is more reliable. Very frustrating experience.