LCR meters and impedance meters measure inductance, capacitance, and resistance. These devices take automatic measurements of resistors, capacitors and inductors to test device components in electrical circuits. If you are in the business of building any kind of electronic equipment, from stereos to games to computers, you'll need an LCR meter to perform tests.

There are many online LCR meter suppliers. You can find simple hand-held meters, large bench-top LCR meters and LCR meter bridges at many online electrical test equipment stores. Some high-end multimeters have LCR meters built into them; some LCR meters have very wide frequency ranges; then there are more economical battery-operated meters. Considering the variety of options out there, carefully think about your needs before you buy.

1. Give your engineers hand-held digital LCR meters to reduce user error. This type of meter displays the reading in digits, leaving no room for interpretation.

2. Expand your capabilities by using a multi-frequency LCR meter. These have a greater range than standard, digital hand-held meters.

3. Consider buying low-cost LCR meters that have been refurbished. These items are priced lower than new equipment but work just as effectively.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy each worker a hand-held digital LCR meter

A digital LCR meter displays its readings using digits. This makes for easy reading with no interpretation needed: Simply glance at the display and move on. Many of these meters have a variety of functions and run on battery power; no need for a plug results in greater portability.

I recommend: Check out the measurement ranges of the LCR meters from C&S Sales. If you're on a budget, the economy models at Electronix Express should suit your needs.

Test a greater range with industrial multi-frequency LCR meters

When you need to test a wide range of frequencies, you'll need a multi-frequency LCR meter. These are programmed to test different intervals of frequencies, depending on the application you're working with. Many of them also take other measurements as well.

I recommend: Measure ESR, impedance, reactance and conductance with LCR meters from Valuetronics International. Check out the Instek meters from Tequipment.com.

Find LCR meters that have been refurbished to cut costs

Refurbished meters work just as well as new ones, since they must be brought to OEM standards before they can be sold again. If your company is working with a limited budget, consider buying used meters.

I recommend: Search for used LCR meters from the home page at Alliance Test Equipment; you can also sell back your own used equipment to make some extra money. You can also find refurbished LCR meters as well as other devices at QuadTech.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  An LCR bridge measures the same things as an LCR meter. The terms are used interchangeably. They are both available as hand-held or bench-top devices and have the same functionality.