Simpson 260 vs 270 Analog Multimeters


 


Comparison of the Simpson 260 vs 270 Series Analog Multimeters:

 
Discussion and specification comparison between the Simpson 260-8 and their 270-5 model series. When a digital multimeter won't do the job, consider an analog multimeter. Analog multimeters are best for monitoring fluctuating trends and rates. And the best and most popular on the market are the Simspon 260 and 270 Series multimeters, or as Simpson calls them VOM's (Volt-Ohm-Meter).

Simpson 260 Series (260-8) is the General Purpose model with 36 measurement ranges covering AC and DC voltage and current.

Simpson 270 Series (270-5) is the higher accuracy version of the 260. The Simpson 270 has better than 30% improvement in voltage and resistance measurements as compared to the Simpson 260

NOTE: The suffix -8 or -5 indicates the current version level
Simpson_260_vs_270
 
 Feature / Model 260-8 270-5
Accuracy    
    DC Voltage 2% Full Scale 1.25% Full Scale to 50 V range, 1.75% all higher ranges
    AC Voltage 3% Full Scale 2% of full scale all ranges except 1000 V which is 3%
    DC Current 1.5% Full Scale 50 uA
2% all other ranges
0.75% F.S. for 50 uA (77°F)
1.25% F.S. other ranges (77°F)
Accuracy worsens upon deviation from 77°F ambient
1.25% F.S. 50 uA (67-87°F)
1.75% F.S. all other ranges (67-87°F)
    AC Current Use Current Clamp Accessory 00545 Not Available*
    Resistance 2.5° of arc Rx 1
2.0° all other ranges
1.5° of arc Rx 1
1° all other ranges
P Option for additional
relay overload protection
Yes, available option. Order model 260-8P or 260-8PRT Not Available in the 270 Series
RT Option for Roll-Top Case Yes, available option. Order model 260-8RT or 260-8PRT Yes, available option. Order model 270-5RT
*The AC Current Clamp Accessory #00545 is not to be used with the 270. It will lead
to significant errors. If it must be used, order the 260 series model.
If you already own a 270, contact the factory for assistance

For the Full Details of the differences please see below:
(click the ? for explanations of specification terms)
 
ModelSimpson 260-8Simpson 260-8RTSimpson 270-5Simpson 270-5RT
ProductUL 260-8 ... VOM, GENERAL PURPOSEUL 260-8RT . VOM, ROLL TOP CASEUL 270-5 ... VOM, HIGH ACCURACYUL 270-5RT . VOM, HI ACC, ROLL TOP
Rating(4)(1)(4)(7)
Price
In Stock

Multimeters

StyleHand-HeldHand-HeldHand-HeldHand-Held
Measures AC VYesYesYesYes
Measures DC VYesYesYesYes
Measures DC AYesYesYesYes
True RMSNoNoNoNo
Maximum Voltage AC1000 V1000 V1000 V1000 V
Maximum Voltage DC1000 V1000 V1000 V1000 V
Maximum Current DC10 A10 A10 A10 A
Basic Accuracy V DC± 2%± 2%± 1.75%± 1.75%
BacklightNoNoNoNo
Manual/AutorangingManualManualManualManual
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