# B&K Precision 388B Handheld Digital Multimeter

# B&K Precision 388B Handheld Digital Multimeter

## Key Features At A Glance

-   CAT III 1000 V on all models, with CAT IV 600 V added on the 392 and 393
-   AC/DC voltage and current measurement across the series; all current ranges fused
-   True RMS reading on the 391A, 392, and 393 models
-   Resistance, capacitance, frequency, diode check, and audible continuity functions
-   Temperature measurement via thermocouple probe on the 390A, 392, and 393
-   Display resolution spanning 4,000-count up to 60,000-count across the series
-   USB interface with PC software on the 390A and 393
-   Ruggedized double injection molded case, auto power off, and three-year warranty

The Test Bench Series from B&K Precision is a line of handheld digital multimeters built around high performance at a value price, offering more measurement features for the dollar. Beyond voltage and current, the meters measure capacitance, frequency, and temperature, and add component test, diode test, and logic indicator capabilities. A double injection molded case provides improved grip and protection across the range, and a chart distinguishes which meter best fits a given need.

A digital multimeter is the most universal instrument on an electronics bench, consolidating voltage, current, resistance, and continuity checks into a single handheld tool for circuit verification and troubleshooting. Within the Test Bench Series, that core role is extended with diode check, audible continuity, and logic indication, supporting both general electrical measurement and component-level testing.

ValueTronics stocks and holds its own inventory in a 20,000 square foot secure warehouse at 1675 Cambridge Drive in Elgin, Illinois.

## Compare Other Models in This Series

The Test Bench Series groups several handheld digital multimeters that share a common ruggedized platform while differing in resolution, accuracy, and measurement functions, so a buyer can select the meter that best fits the application. All models measure AC/DC voltage and current and carry a CAT III 1000 V rating, with the 392 and 393 adding CAT IV 600 V.

Across the series the meters combine core electrical measurement with capacitance, frequency, temperature, diode test, and component or logic testing on the models equipped for each, all housed in a double injection molded case for improved grip and protection.

Each model in the series links to its own dedicated product page with new pricing matched to that unit. Compare the models below to identify the resolution, accuracy, and feature set that fits your measurement needs before selecting a specific new meter.

The models separate primarily by display resolution and accuracy: the 392 and 393 offer a 60,000-count display with 0.08% basic DC accuracy and True RMS, the 391A a 20,000-count display with 0.05% accuracy and True RMS, while the 390A, 389A, and 388B use 4,000-count displays at 0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5% basic DC accuracy respectively.

Feature availability also varies by model — capacitance, temperature, relative mode, and min/max hold appear on some models but not others, USB is available on the 390A and 393, the 388B adds transistor (hFE) test, and the 391A and 388B include a logic probe. See the comparison table for the exact function set of each model.

Model

Display Count

Basic DC Accuracy

True RMS

**388B**

4000, 3 3/4

±(0.5% rdg + 1 dgt)

No

392

60000, 4 5/6

±(0.08% rdg + 5 dgt)

Yes

393

60000, 4 5/6

±(0.08% rdg + 5 dgt)

Yes

391A

20000, 4 1/2

±(0.05% + 3 dgt)

Yes

Additional differences in specifications beyond the few shown above are not listed here — see each model's full specifications below.

## Accessories Supplied

-   9 V battery
-   Test leads
-   Instruction manual

## Product Core & Specifications

Specification

Value

Voltage

DC Ranges

400 mV, 4 V, 40 V, 400 V, 1000 V

AC Ranges

400 mV, 4 V, 40 V, 400 V, 750 V

Resolution

100 µV, 1 mV, 10 mV, 100 mV, 1 V

Basic DC Accuracy

±(0.5% rdg + 1 dgt)

Overload Protection

1200 VDC or AC rms; 500 VDC/AC rms 15 sec on 200 mV range

Input Impedance

10 MΩ

Current

Ranges

400 mA, 4 mA, 40 mA, 400 mA, 2 A, 20 A\*

Resolution

100 nA, 1 µA, 10 µA, 100 µA, 1 mA, 10 mA

DC Accuracy

400 µA - 400 mA: ±(1% rdg + 1 dgt); 2 A: ±(1.5% rdg + 1 dgt); 20 A: ±(3% rdg + 3 dgt)

AC Accuracy

400 µA - 400 mA: ±(1.5% rdg + 1 dgt); 2 A: ±(2% rdg + 4 dgt); 20 A: ±(3.5% rdg + 4 dgt)

Input Protection

µA/mA input: 2 A/600 V fast blow ceramic fuse; 20 A input: 20 A/600 V fast blow ceramic fuse

Max. Burden Voltage

600 mV (900 mV on 2 A, 20 A ranges)

Resistance

Ranges

400 Ω, 4 kΩ, 40 kΩ, 400 kΩ, 4 MΩ, 40 MΩ

Resolution

100 mΩ, 1 Ω, 10 Ω, 100 Ω, 1 kΩ, 10 kΩ

Accuracy

400 Ω: ±(1% rdg + 4 dgt); 4 kΩ to 4 MΩ: ±(0.8% rdg + 4 dgt); 40 MΩ: ±(2% rdg + 5 dgt)

Open Circuit Voltage

0.6 VDC typ. (3.2 VDC on 400 Ω range)

Overload Protection

500 VDC or 500 AC rms

Diode Test

Diode Test

Tested at 1 mA, 3.2 VDC max. typical; ±(1.5% rdg + 3 dgt) accuracy

Transistor Test (hFE)

Transistor Test (hFE)

hFE range: 0 - 1000, hFE base current: 10 µADC

Capacitance

Ranges

4 nF, 40 nF, 400 nF, 4 µF, 40 µF

Resolution

0.1 pF, 1 pF, 10 pF, 100 pF, 1 nF

Accuracy

±(3% rdg + 4 dgt)

Test Voltage

<3.5 V

Overload Protection

500 VDC or AC rms

Frequency

Ranges

4 kHz, 40 kHz, 400 kHz, 4 MHz

Resolution

1 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz, 10 kHz

Accuracy

±(0.1% + 2 dgt)

Sensitivity

250 mVrms min. on 10 Hz to 1 MHz; 500 mVrms min. on 1 MHz to 4 MHz

Minimum Pulse Width

\>2 µs

Overload Protection

500 VDC or 500 AC rms

Logic Test

Logic Threshold

Hi: 2.8±0.8 V, Lo: 0.8 ± 0.5 V

Frequency Response

20 MHz

Pulse Width

25 ns

Pulse Limits

\>20% and <80%

Indication

40 ms beep at logic 1 (Hi)

Overload Protection

500 V DC or 500 AC rms

General

Display

4000 count, 3 3/4 digit LCD

Polarity

Automatic, positive implied, negative polarity indication

Operating Temperature

32° to 122° (0° to 50°C), 0 to 70% R.H.

Dimensions (HxWxD)

7.8 x 3.5 x 1.57" (198 x 90 x 40 mm)

Warranty

Three-Year Warranty

> **Important:** 20 A current input: 10 A continuous, 20 A for 30 seconds maximum.

> **Important:** The 20 A current range (marked \*) is rated for 10 A continuous; 20 A measurements are limited to a maximum of 30 seconds.

> **Important:** Safety ratings: CAT III 1000 V on all models; CAT IV 600 V on models 392 and 393.

> **Important:** The thermocouple probe required for temperature measurement is supplied only with models 390A, 392, and 393; software and the USB interface cable are supplied only with models 390A and 393.

## About this New unit

This is a brand-new, factory-sealed unit, supplied exactly as it arrives from the manufacturer and backed by the full manufacturer warranty. For the exact configuration, available options, included accessories, or current lead time for your application, our Test Architects can confirm the details before you order.

ValueTronics supplies both new and used test and measurement equipment. New units ship factory-sealed, exactly as received from the manufacturer; every used unit is inspected and functionally verified in-house at our 20,000 sq ft secure facility in Elgin, Illinois before it ships. Our Test Architects can help you select the condition, calibration, and configuration that fit your application.

**Please review the Manufacturer's Data Sheet to verify published specifications. Feedback on this webpage is always welcome — please reach out to your Test Architect at any time for questions or concerns. Thank you, we truly appreciate you being our customer.**

## Details

- **Price:** 175.0 USD
- **Vendor:** B&K Precision
- **Type:** Multimeter
- **Tags:** BK Precision, Manufacturers, Meters & DAQ, Multimeter, product_manual_group_1, Product_new

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 175.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- 388B BK Precision Multimeter

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> Source: [ValueTronics](https://valuetronics.com/products/388b-b-k-precision-multimeter-new)
> Updated: 2026-06-27
