Best Multimeter by Job: CAT Rating, True RMS, Counts and 15 HIOKI and KYORITSU Picks

A multimeter measures at least two of current, voltage and resistance, and many digital models add capacitance, temperature or frequency (BobVila). The choice that matters most is not the brand but the meter's measurement category (CAT) for the places you work, then True RMS, the display count and the current ranges. This guide compares 15 digital and analog multimeters from HIOKI and KYORITSU, using the specifications on their product pages. "Not confirmed" means the page does not state the value.

ElectriciansHIOKI DT4252

CAT IV 600 V / CAT III 1000 V, True RMS, 10 A, IP42. Made in Japan.

View DT4252

Compact, voltage onlyHIOKI DT4224

190 g, CAT IV 300 V / CAT III 600 V, True RMS, no current ranges.

View DT4224

High resolutionHIOKI DT4282

60,000 counts, True RMS, 10 A, recording memory. Made in Japan.

View DT4282

True RMS, 1000 VKYORITSU KEW 1020R

6000 counts, backlight, current via an optional clamp sensor. Made in Japan.

View KEW 1020R

Card typeKYORITSU KEW 1019R

135 g, 18 mm thick, True RMS, hard case included.

View KEW 1019R

Pen typeHIOKI 3246-60

80 g pencil tester, CAT IV 300 V / CAT III 600 V, penlight.

View 3246-60

Why look at Japanese multimeters?

We sell Japanese tools, so this guide covers HIOKI and KYORITSU only. Here is what their product pages show, rather than general claims about quality:

• Measurement categories stated on the HIOKI pages. Every HIOKI model here lists its CAT rating and the standards it refers to (EN61010 for safety, EN61326 for EMC). The KYORITSU pages in this guide do not state a CAT rating, so we mark it Not confirmed.
• Dust and water ratings. The HIOKI DT4224, DT4223, DT4252, DT4255 and DT4256 list IP42; the DT4281 and DT4282 list IP40.
• Different tools for different jobs. HIOKI sells voltage-only compact meters, meters with a voltage detector, models that accept a clamp sensor, and 60,000-count models.
• Country of origin. 10 of the 15 models here list Japan (all 9 HIOKI models and the KYORITSU KEW 1020R). The KYORITSU KEW 1009 and 1012K list China; the KEW 1019R, 1021R and 9103 list Thailand.

What we do not claim: that these meters are more accurate or safer than American or European meters. We have not found a test that compares them. These are Japanese-market models; if your workplace requires a specific certification mark (for example UL or CSA), it is Not confirmed on our product pages, so check before you buy. Our guide Will a Japanese-Market Tool Work for You? covers manuals and other points.

The 4 things that decide which multimeter you need

1. Measurement category (CAT) and voltage

Categories describe where the meter can be used safely. Fluke describes CAT II as single-phase receptacle-connected loads, CAT III as three-phase distribution including single-phase commercial lighting, and CAT IV as the utility connection and outdoor conductors. Its advice: choose a tool rated for the highest category you could use it in, at or above the voltage there. For example, Fluke says a 480 V feeder panel calls for at least CAT III 600 V.

2. True RMS or average responding

Average-responding meters measure the average and multiply by a constant, which is accurate only for a pure sine wave (Fluke). Variable frequency drives, LED lighting, computers and chargers distort the waveform, so True RMS gives more accurate readings there. For residential wiring, basic appliance repair and simple DC circuits, Fluke says an average-responding meter is often sufficient.

3. Display count

The count describes the display's resolution: a 4000-count meter reads up to 3999 on a range (KYORITSU KEW 1009 page). A higher count shows one more digit or finer steps on the same range. The HIOKI DT4281 and DT4282 show up to 60,000 counts, ten times the 6000-count models here.

4. Current ranges

Check whether the meter measures current at all, and how much. The HIOKI DT4224 and DT4223 list no current ranges. The DT4281 lists current up to 600 mA. The DT4252, DT4256, DT4282 and KYORITSU KEW 1009 and 1021R list 10 A. For large AC currents, some models accept a clamp sensor; the clamp sensor is not listed in the box contents on these pages.

The 15 multimeters compared

Specs are copied from each product page. The Job column is our recommendation.

Best multimeter by job

Electrical panels and building wiring

• HIOKI DT4252: CAT IV 600 V / CAT III 1000 V, True RMS, 10 A AC and DC, 6000 counts, IP42, drop-proof per the page. A good default for electricians.
• HIOKI DT4256: the same category and 10 A ranges, plus automatic AC/DC voltage detection, a clamp measurement function and a voltage detector.
• HIOKI DT4255: same category, with AC clamp measurement to 1000 A and a voltage detector. The page lists an operating range of −25°C to 65°C.

Voltage checks only: light and simple

• HIOKI DT4224: 190 g on one AAA battery, CAT IV 300 V / CAT III 600 V, True RMS. It has no current ranges, and HIOKI lists a "breaker trip-less" function.
• HIOKI DT4223: same size, weight and category as the DT4224, with automatic AC/DC detection and a voltage detection function; capacitance and diode are not listed on its page.

Electronics and fine readings

• HIOKI DT4282: 60,000 counts, True RMS, 10 A, resistance to 600 MΩ, temperature, recording memory and decibel conversion.
• HIOKI DT4281: also 60,000 counts, with current ranges from 600 µA to 600 mA instead of 10 A, plus a clamp input.

General use

• KYORITSU KEW 1020R: True RMS, 1000 V, 6000 counts with backlight, current via an optional clamp sensor. Made in Japan.
• KYORITSU KEW 1021R: True RMS, 600 V, 10 A AC and DC, 6000 counts, portable case included.
• KYORITSU KEW 1009: 600 V, 10 A, 4000 counts, auto range, runs on two AA batteries. See our KYORITSU 1009 guide.

Pocket and tool belt

• KYORITSU KEW 1019R: a card-type meter, 85 × 126 × 18 mm and 135 g, True RMS, 6299 counts, hard case included.
• HIOKI 3244-60: 60 g and 9.5 mm thick, CAT III 300 V / CAT II 600 V, average responding.
• HIOKI 3246-60: a pen type, 80 g, CAT IV 300 V / CAT III 600 V, with a penlight and backlight.

Analog

The KYORITSU 9103 is an analog needle meter: 600 V AC and DC, DC current to 300 mA, resistance to 300 kΩ. Analog meters do not offer auto-ranging, which is available only on digital models (BobVila).

Using a multimeter safely

• Match the category to the location. Use a meter rated for the highest category and voltage you could meet (Fluke).
• Check independent testing. Fluke advises confirming the meter has been tested by an independent lab. Our product pages list the safety standards (all HIOKI models, and IEC61010-1 for the KYORITSU KEW 1020R and 1021R) but not the testing lab.
• Read the manual first. These are Japanese-market models; the manual language is Not confirmed per product.

FAQ

Related guides

• HIOKI Clamp Meter Buying Guide
• KYORITSU (KEW) Clamp Meter Buying Guide
• HIOKI Insulation Resistance Testers Buyer's Guide
• Japanese Electrician Tools: 8 Brands to Know
• All Japanese electrical testers and meters

Sources

• Fluke, Guide to digital multimeter safety: measurement categories
• Fluke, When do you actually need a True-RMS multimeter?
• BobVila, The Best Multimeters: what they measure, auto-ranging, analog vs digital
• Product specifications: each linked product page in our store (HIOKI, KYORITSU).

Last reviewed: October 2026.