Vector VEC008 Digital LCD Voltmeter, 12 Volt

by Vector

Product Features

• DIGITAL LCD VOLTMETER 12V

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0002ISEQW
• Item model number: VEC008
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,090 in Automotive (See Top 100 in Automotive)

Product Description

This Portable Voltage Meter plugs into your vehicle's cigarette lighter and measures the voltage output of your car. The easy-to-read, lighted digital display shows the exact battery voltage withing 0.1 volts. The backlight allows for use in low light or darkness. The voltage meter is designed for all vehicles and can read from 0 - 24 volts. The high/medium/low voltage indicator lights show the battery's overall condition. Don't get caught without any power in your vehicle! Avoid getting stranded with this easy-to-use voltage meter. By Vector.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's OK, With Some Usage Advice, March 20, 2010

By 

J H Murphy "Hank Murphy" (Agoura, California USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vector VEC008 Digital LCD Voltmeter, 12 Volt (Misc.)

I've had one for a couple of years now.

Pros: Could not be easier to use. The Red-Yellow-Green LEDs give an instant check on your voltage. The backlight makes it possible to check voltage at night while driving -- so you can see the effect those KC HiLiTES 631 Daylighter - 6 In Black 130w Long Range Off Road Light System (Pair) you just installed are having on your charging system.

Cons: Accuracy may or may not be appropriate for all possible uses. It's good enough for basic automotive uses IMHO. The convenient LEDs don't go off, and the display is a little lame: when your system has 12V or higher, all three are on, not just the green LED. The backlighting is not very bright. The convenient adjustable display is susceptible to popping off if one applies too much pressure to it. It is not an instant reading -- you have to wait for a couple of seconds before the voltage value appears.

Let me address a couple of issues from other reviews. Regarding the ability to read voltages while starting the car -- I think this depends upon how your lighter outlet is wired. Recent Ford F150s have an additional power outlet which is not switched during starting, for example. So I am able to read voltages...if this is really important, consider running a separate lighter outlet direct from your battery if you are automotively handy. But I would not categorize this as a defect of the unit.

Second, several posts have complained about the unit being fragile. I don't agree with that description. The VEC008 Achilles heel is the flexible housing, which can be disconnected with a little pressure. This is probably better than having it just break, and it's an easy repair. Just take a #0 Phillips screwdriver (like the Klein Tool 604-3 No.0 Phillips-Tip Miniature Screwdriver with 3-Inch Round Shank), undo two screws, and it's easy to re-assemble. Hint: Do not lose the screws.

Regarding accuracy...this is not a Fluke multimeter. If one is really serious about this, i.e. if you run a lot of accessories off your lighter socket, then a fixed voltage gauge like the Auto Meter 6391 Cobalt Digital Voltmeter Gauge is probably something you should consider, especially if you find yourself needing jump starts!

So...having some way of measuring voltage in your car is a good idea, and I can generally recommend the VEC008. It is not without drawbacks, so I will give it three stars.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great item - I use it in my airplane, December 23, 2005

By 

Gene A. Roberts (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Vector VEC008 Digital LCD Voltmeter, 12 Volt (Misc.)

Experiencing dificulties in my airplane related to variable voltage I purchased this voltmeter and plugged it in. It works great and lets me know exactly what the voltage is, as in the alternator gets turned off and I start to use battery power, this gauge lets me know exactly when that happens. Excellent piece of equipment. It is not robust, being made of plastic but works great for what it is!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 12/24 Volt LCD Voltage Meter, November 26, 2006

By 

U. geerken "medical type" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vector VEC008 Digital LCD Voltmeter, 12 Volt (Misc.)

i've had one for 6-7 years now and only use it sporadically when helping people who need a jump to start their cars. (find it helpful for diagnostic purposes but that's out of the scope of practice for joe handyman) it's back lit and easy to read. cheaply built and not very sturdy, but what do you want for the price? occasionally it "jams" and won't show a reading. it needs to be unplugged and plugged back in again. not accurate for voltages lower than 7.0 or for the range 15-21 volts, but for 12 or 24 volt systems, will accurately indicate with numbers and 3 led sequential lights the amount of juice being fed in.