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out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★★★☆
Initial Impression.......GREAT Value!!!
I received my UT201 yesterday so this is an initial "impression" review with some limited testing of the features. My background is an IBEW inside wireman (electrician) of approximately 13 years, mostly commercial/industrial though with some residential. I've had multiple voltage testers and multi-meters over the years. The last 6-7 years I've been using mostly Fluke testers and meters, my primary being a Fluke T5-600.
I purchased the Etekcity UT201 since I wanted an inexpensive True-RMS CLAMP meter for (the occasional) metering of wires too big to fit in the slot/jaws of my T5-600. The UT201 had, for the most part, very positive reviews on Amazon and the price could not be beat for its feature set. The 400A max is adequate for the vast majority of time I would need to check bigger wire.
Anyways, out of the box, the UT201 seems to be of impressive "heft" and quality for its price. The display and markings are clear and easy to read. The two leads (black and red cables with probes) are a good length. The thickness of, and insulation on, the leads, though not up to the level of the Fluke or other more expensive testers/meters I have used, seems quite good for the price point. I would not be uncomfortable in using the meter in applications up to its rated max of 600V. Some reviews I read stated the meter other purchasers had received did NOT include a case. Mine did and the case is appropriately sized and of a decent grade material.
I tested the voltage and amperage measurements of the UT201 against my Fluke T5-600. I tested the current (amps) draw of my Shop-Vac, a quartz halogen light and hairdryer (on high heat). The amps measured were virtually the same between the Fluke and UT201. I mean plus/minus 0.1 amps, which is negligible. Voltage was check at several different 120V receptacles around my house. Again the readings were virtually identical, plus/minus 0.2 volts. The only other feature I have had the opportunity to "check" is continuity. Just crossing the lead/probe tips indicated continuity (as it should), though the contact of the lead tips did not seem as "sensitive" as other meters/testers I have used. Perhaps due to the newness of the leads or type of metal used, not sure. I wouldn't deduct a star for this, maybe 1/2 a star if that was an option. Though long term it may not even turn out to be an issue.
Other reviewers had "complained" about the lack of auto-ranging and auto shut-off. At this price point I do not expect auto-ranging. My unit DOES have an auto shut-off feature built in (around 15 min. of non-use) and I believe it actually beeped when it shut-off (though I was in another room at the time). User instructions were included. They were relatively clear and I believe they would be relatively easy for a new or novice user to follow. There was no UL listing on the device or in the instructions that I could find.
In summary, my initial impressions of my new UT201 are very positive. I can't comment on the durability or long-term accuracy, since I only received it yesterday. It is for that reason that, as of now, I will only give it a 4-star rating. Based on what I see and my limited testing, I would definitely recommend the UT-201 to someone looking for a (very) reasonably priced, full-featured, clamp-on multimeter. If during the course of time and usage I have any significantly negative experiences with the unit I will try to update this review.
November 2015 · Industrial and Scientific · verified purchase