It’s counter-intuitive as hell... USE CHEAP-O Batteries to power your multimeter!

Why “good” batteries leak more often 😤

Alkaline chemistry = ticking time bomb

Energizer (and Duracell) alkalines are high-energy, high-pressure cells. Over time:

• Zinc slowly corrodes inside

• Hydrogen gas builds up

• Pressure rises

• Eventually… pop → electrolyte leak

  
  

That can happen even years before the expiry date, especially in low-drain devices like multimeters.

Expensive alkaline batteries are leaking and causing damage inside the multimeter, while the generic ones remain intact.

Why Battery Choice Matters for Your Multimeter!

Low-drain devices are WORST for alkalines

Multimeters draw almost nothing when off.

That’s bad because:

• Alkalines want to be discharged

• Sitting idle accelerates internal corrosion

• The battery basically rots from the inside

  
  

Ironically, cheap batteries often leak less because they’re lower energy and lower pressure.

Brand batteries are sealed tighter

Sounds good, right? Nope.

• Higher internal pressure

• Thinner vent seals (to save space & cost)

• When they fail, they fail violently

No-name batteries:

• Lower chemical purity

• Lower energy density

• Less pressure → fewer leaks

Temperature swings = silent killer

If your multimeter lived in:

• A garage

• Basement

• Work van

• Cold → warm cycles

That expands/contracts the battery and kills seals early, regardless of shelf date.

QUICK FIX - Yup, it's Clean Up Time!

• Apply clear vinegar bath followed by some IPA onto the affected housing area. Quick dry then scrub with wire brush, apply second round of IPA and let dry. Voila!

Have you had expensive batteries leak in your multimeter?

• YES!! All the time!
• NEVER! I Should buy a lotto ticket!
• Sometimes!
• Rarely, maybe once or twice.

See All Options

Why your no-name batteries survived 🫠

They’re often:

• Lower capacity

• Less aggressive chemistry

• Thicker casing

• Sloppier tolerances (ironically helpful here)

So they age more slowly and vent less.

What leaked inside your multimeter (important) ⚠️

Energizer alkalines leak potassium hydroxide (not acid):

• Highly corrosive

• Eats copper traces

• Turns metal green/white and crusty

  
  

The brutal truth (hot take 🔥)

Alkaline batteries should NEVER be left in test equipment long-term.

What pros actually use:

• Lithium AA (Energizer Ultimate Lithium) → do not leak

• NiMH rechargeables (Eneloop, IKEA LADDA) → extremely low leak risk

• Or… remove batteries when not in use (boring but safest)

Rule of thumb for test gear

When You Consider Battery Chemistry ...CHEAP Alkaline are better than Expensive name brand batteries like Energizer and Duracell.

• CHEAP Alkaline batteries are common and affordable, offering good performance for most multimeters and as stated provide the best assurance against leakae in multimeters and test gear.

• Lithium batteries The absolute best! They last longer and perform better in extreme temperatures but may cost more.

• Rechargeable batteries can save money over time but require a compatible charger and may have slightly lower voltage.

Environmental Considerations

Even better news...Some CHEAP-O brands now offer batteries with reduced toxic materials and better recycling programs. Choosing these options helps reduce environmental impact while keeping costs low.

How to Choose the Right CHEAP-O Battery for Your Multimeter

Check Your Multimeter’s Battery Requirements

Start by consulting your multimeter’s manual or the battery compartment label. Note the battery type, voltage, and size. Using the correct specifications ensures compatibility and prevents damage.

Look for Trusted CHEAP-O Brands

Not all budget batteries are created equal. Look for CHEAP-O brands with positive user reviews and consistent manufacturing standards. Avoid extremely cheap batteries from unknown sources, as they may leak or fail prematurely.

Test Battery Performance

If possible, test new CHEAP-O batteries with a battery tester or your multimeter before relying on them for critical measurements. This helps ensure they deliver the expected voltage.

Tips to Maximize Battery Life in Your Multimeter

Turn Off the Multimeter When Not in Use

Leaving your multimeter on drains the battery quickly. Always switch it off after measurements to extend battery life.

Use Auto Power-Off Features

Many modern multimeters include an auto power-off function that shuts the device down after a period of inactivity. Enable this feature if available.

Store Batteries Properly

Keep spare CHEAP-O batteries in a cool, dry place away from metal objects to prevent corrosion or short circuits.

Replace Batteries Promptly

Don’t wait for your multimeter to show low battery warnings before changing batteries. Replacing them proactively avoids inaccurate readings.

Rechargeable Lithium batteries. A great choice!

Real-World Examples of CHEAP-O Battery Use in Multimeters

Example 1: DIY Electronics Hobbyist

A hobbyist working on Arduino projects found that using CHEAP-O alkaline AA batteries in their handheld multimeter provided reliable readings for months. The low cost allowed frequent replacements without worry, supporting ongoing experimentation.

Example 2: Field Technician

A field technician tested various CHEAP-O 9V batteries in their multimeter during outdoor repairs. They discovered that certain brands maintained voltage better in cold weather, ensuring accurate diagnostics even in challenging conditions.

Example 3: Educational Settings

Schools and training centers often use CHEAP-O batteries in multimeters for student labs. This approach keeps costs down while providing consistent performance for learning exercises.

When to Avoid CHEAP-O Batteries

While CHEAP-O batteries work well in many cases, some situations require premium batteries:

• High-precision measurements where even minor voltage fluctuations affect results

• Long-term storage of multimeters without use, where battery leakage risk is higher

• Extreme environmental conditions such as very high or low temperatures

  
  

In these cases, investing in higher-quality Lithium batteries may be justified. KeepOnTesting!