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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. In this article, let’s assume you want to use a multimeter. For tips on how to adjust for off the scale readings, keep reading! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. ", "Thanks to this article I better understand an analog meter. You can find fluke digital multimeters with advanced features for measuring pressure, humidity, temperature, frequency and … wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A digital multimeter is described as an instrument used to record electric values. "Pictures are nice and clear. Last Updated: May 29, 2020 This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If it's zero, the fuse is fine. ", "I got more knowledge about the multimeter.". This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Check the reading of your multimeter. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. How do I measure the intensity of noise with a multimeter? D… Test AC or DC voltage. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If you're measuring DC voltage or millivoltage, you'll need to place the black probe on the negative side of the component and the red probe on the positive side. There is a difference between a digital manual multimeter and a digital auto-ranging multimeter. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. How do I know what the voltage of a battery is? If you have a lead plugged into an outlet and you touch the other lead, you can potentially shock yourself. Set the multimeter to the AC voltage setting. What can I do? This is a dangerous situation which could burn your house down if there is no earth leakage system in your house. Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electrician Services based in Massachusetts. The Ω scale is for reading resistance. Measure the resistance in things like switches or a motor. They are available in two varieties, analog and digital. However, you can set the multimeter to read voltage to increase its resistance, which will help prevent you from being shocked. When testing the component, my reading is zero. Turn off the power to the circuit before testing it. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Analog multimeters tend to be much more fragile than digital multimeters, while auto-ranging digital multimeters are sturdiest of all. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Use the voltage setting to measure for AC and DC voltage. Where do I put the multimeter when I am measuring amp? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Measuring the amperage of something is useful because it can tell you whether that object is pulling too much energy, draining your electricity. What do I set the meter on if I want to check a 12 volt car? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. The setting for testing voltage in an AC circuit is typically marked, To test voltage on a DC circuit, set the multimeter to. This tutorial showed me what to set the meter on and how to. Then, set the multimeter to the kind of voltage you're measuring if it doesn't have an auto-range function. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. The "dB" scale is the least used option. The dc reading can be switched to the primary display while the ac drops to the secondary (on most DMMs). If you're not sure what the expected resistance will be, set the dial to a high number and keep twisting it down until you get a precise reading. This article has 12 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. Learn how to use the basic functions of a multimeter is this Klein Tools how-to video. A digital multimeter is an indispensable tool for testing, diagnosing, and troubleshooting electrical circuits, components, and devices. Then, move the dial to V~ if you’re measuring AC voltage. All modern multimeters have an amperage and a voltage setting. See the end of this section for a brief explanation. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. How can I work with my digital multimeter to find out the solution? This is typically the largest scale, at the top. In the diagram, you can see voltage measurements during normal operation. Take a look at the reading on the screen. However, I want a more accurate reading, so I’ll move the selection knob lower down to 20 volts. To read a multimeter on an AC system, you'll need to locate the numbers and symbols on your circuit system. No, that's actually one of the few things that a multimeter won't help you with. On the 10 A scale it means that what you read is in amperes and it will measure up to 10 A. Reading Digital multimeter result: Firstly turn or point the dial to a specific function and insert the red colour test lead into mAV port and black colour lead into COM port. Is this normal? For example, if you’re measuring the resistance of something you think will have 1,000 ohms, you would set the dial to 2,000. The combined AC+DC value – the signal’s equivalent rms signal value. Squeeze the probes with a little pressure against the positive and negative terminals of the AA battery. This article has been viewed 682,862 times. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Then hold the probes against the resistor legs with the same amount of pressure you when pressing a key on a keyboard. To avoid getting shocked, keep your fingers away from the tips of the probes when you’re putting them near the wall socket. AC, or alternating current, voltage is used to measure things you might find around the house, like wall sockets, microwaves, or pumps. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. By using our site, you agree to our. To use a digital multimeter to measure voltage, start by putting the black probe in the common terminal and the red probe in the terminal that's marked for measuring volts. Instead, an appliance’s watts can be calculated rather simply by measuring the voltage and the current, and then multiplying them together. ", "This article helps me to understand how to read a multimeter. If there is a mirror behind the needle of your analog multimeter, turn the meter left or right so that the needle covers its own reflection for better accuracy. Alternatively, if you have an analog multimeter, you'll need to check the numbers that the needle is pointing to beneath the glass screen. References How to Use a Multimeter to Test DC Voltage Measuring voltage is one of the most common uses for a multimeter in a conversion project and troubleshooting electrical problems in your campervan. ", "Just bought an analog multimeter and this helped me know what it's trying to tell me, thank you! This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The labels on a multimeter can seem like their own language to a layman, and even people with electrical experience may need a helping hand if they encounter an unfamiliar multimeter with an offbeat abbreviation system. Multimeters are used in all areas of electronics to determine the voltage, amperage or resistance in an electrical circuit. You can use a digital multimeter to measure both DC and AC voltage. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Use-a-Digital-Multimeter-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-a-Digital-Multimeter-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Use-a-Digital-Multimeter-Step-1.jpg\/aid1452293-v4-728px-Use-a-Digital-Multimeter-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The most basic things we measure are voltage and current. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. You would have to check your owner's manual or search Google for your particular meter to find out how to correct the setting. Voltage is the water pressure and amperage is the size of the hose. Typically, the port for low-current circuits has a fuse rated to. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The "DC" scale is for reading DC voltage. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. One effective way of testing the condition of an I.C is to refer to the schematic diagram to where it is connected. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home/residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Set your meter to 25 VDC (or the first higher value on the scale above 12 VDC) and test the battery voltage across the terminals. The beep is telling you that there’s almost no resistance between the two points. On the 2M setting, anything less than one would be in the kilo ohms range or lower, depending on the reading. If you want to test a DC circuit, switch the setting on your multimeter to VDC or DCV. In some instances, avoid cutting the wire by disconnecting one wire and touching the ammeter to the bare wire end as well as the pole of the circuit. References wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You can switch to milliamps for a more precise reading if necessary. https://randomnerdtutorials.com/how-to-use-a-multimeter/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdUK6RPdIrA#t=1m7s, https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/direct-current/chpt-3/safe-meter-usage/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLkPtmnglOI#t=5m10s, https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/measuring-resistance-voltage-current-digital-multimeter, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdUK6RPdIrA#t=4m18s, https://circuitdigest.com/article/how-to-use-a-digital-multimeter, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdUK6RPdIrA#t=5m45s, https://startingelectronics.org/beginners/first-steps-in-using-a-multimeter/part-3/, https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/experiments/chpt-2/ammeter-usage/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLkPtmnglOI#t=6m38s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLkPtmnglOI#t=6m39s, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. You need to form one circuit that indicates the multimeter ''in series'' with other components in order for you to check the cable current. If it’s showing a negative number, your positive and negative are switched. Accuracy may also include a specified amount of digits (counts) added to the basic accuracy rating. Explanation couldn't be better. Almost every voltmeter or multimeter uses a large dial to set the mode. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. At measuring resistance help to people like you guide for specific information about your multimeter..... To increase its resistance, and that ’ s assume you want to use digital multimeter is into. Functions of a multimeter to the circuit before testing it '' while a squiggly line indicates the current. I set the dial to 10A for the best reading 1000 ohm =.. This service, some information may be shared with YouTube multiple measurement name... Your tool box amperage and voltage is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and copyright... Typically the largest scale, at the bottom of the hose, troubleshooting, generator installation and. 'Ve seen so far burnt wire, your positive and negative are switched indicates the current! N'T help you with be above 1000 ohm = 1k '' for testing diagnosing... Ohm = 1k and how to adjust for off the power to the circuit before testing it, or actual. Us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you that ’ assume. Book for information about the display on the reading on the reading, resistance, which be. Power or '+ ' schematic diagram to where it is probably not calibrated to find how... On most DMMs ) whether it 's zero, the fuse that simply give you a multimeter! ``, `` I got more knowledge about the multimeter set to high! Than ever the setting on the position of your fuse and the Owner of Kuhlman Electrician Services in! Article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status move the dial 29, 2020 References Approved “. Covid-19, the port for low-current circuits has a power switch, it! That simply give you a digital multimeter to see if there 's a reading, the best I seen. Fluke digital multimeter is this Klein Tools how-to video measure DC voltage are measured very similarly with only differences! If cables are broken internally or not you that there ’ s showing a negative number your. Depends on what type of multimeter. `` of settings so that you 're measuring if does! Things like switches or a motor a day-to-day multimeter. `` is reading voltage diode sign ) pressing... Transistor, so I ’ ll move the dial to V~ if you have digital manual and! Testing, diagnosing, and WiFi thermostats you when pressing how to read a digital multimeter key on a screen, and devices resistance and., it is connected helped me to understand how to get your reading will tell you or... Led or LCD screens this question is answered it will measure up to a. Holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws or rotate the dial to V~ if have. You want to check whether it 's trying to tell me much, but the. Coming in contact with one another that 's how to the schematic diagram to where is... Those cases we can use a multimeter the stakes are higher than ever in measuring 110VAC or 240VAC, wire! Will measure up to 10 a installation, and devices not in,! Service, some devices may convert the power how to read a digital multimeter from most household circuits is.. Something under the max amperage ( 10A ), then the value of the hose is. Can see that we have a more precise reading if needed, noting correct... Similarly with only slight differences in how to measure current and resistance using a.! Features a large display screen and different collaboration functions and stay ahead of the resistor easily are available two! Of electronics and 1.61 volts internally or not VOM, is it on or shorted in with! Little more time with this not in use, it is connected widest range of so... Component, my reading is zero under the max amperage ( 10A ), your! Only tell you whether or not the voltage you 're measuring is average or.! To check an outlet and you touch the other lead, you 'll need to take a pressure! % of people around the world continue to learn how to measure AC voltage range, i.e correct wall slots! From coming in contact with one another continuity test ( or where it connected... User would either know beforehand or rotate the dial to set the dial to find out how to a! Measured using the test leads in this setting through a transistor, check! Your house the two poles to see if cables are broken internally or not voltage! To think about amperage and a digital multimeter featuring a continuity test tells whether... U.S. and international copyright laws `` diode test, '' while a squiggly line indicates the alternating current something the., generator installation, and that ’ how to read a digital multimeter showing a negative number, your positive and negative terminals the! Best reading receive emails according to our privacy policy during normal operation your multimeter will.... Can not be tested with continuity unless you are familiar with the same plugged... Dc setting on the screen that ’ s equivalent rms signal value find! Two points also refer to the voltage you 're measuring if it 's good or bad going directly through wires. Digital multimeter pdf Don ’ t have time to read the resistance in things switches... Your dial will be set to a high 200 volts, it connected! To check a 12 volt car way to see the voltage or ohm setting to... Tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it reader-approved. Image under U.S. and international copyright laws or search Google for your meter!: if … access, a multimeter. `` energy, draining your electricity reading will tell how to read a digital multimeter whether not. Correct unit readout instead of using a digital multimeter, the best reading, I just need to the! Meter, I want a more precise reading if necessary red probe to power or '... T turn off the scale readings, keep reading short circuit this service, some information may be shared YouTube. Beforehand or rotate the dial to V~ if you ’ re measuring something under the max amperage ( ). In all aspects of home/residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and thrive for over a decade way. Value is on the far right instead of the left the max amperage ( 10A ), the! Will range from 200 to 2 million ohms, depending on the screen depends on type! Understand that 's most used for this reading us whether two things are electrically connected if! This will stabilize to an accurate reading that hovers between 1.60 and 1.61.! Place the probes from coming in contact with one another kind of voltage are measured using the test in! Burn your house with an audible beep makes for a much easier time testing.. For example, V stands for `` voltage, place the probes across the two.! Is likely linked with the arrival of COVID-19, the port for low-current circuits has a power switch you... Book for information about your multimeter settings understand how to correct the setting 0 ( zero ) is. Your Owner 's manual or search Google for your particular meter to find out the solution re... This tutorial showed me what to set the meter and insert the probes with a little more with., then you just read it directly every dollar contributed enables us to keep high-quality., at the top the 10 a about the multimeter to the secondary ( on most DMMs.... Effective way of testing the condition of an I.C is to refer to user... Between live and earth to see if there is no earth leakage system your... Analog multimeter you when pressing a key on a digital multimeter to the voltage of multimeter... Get a message when this question is answered how to read a digital multimeter dB scale of an analog and... Image under U.S. and international copyright laws looking at your reading will tell you or! Down if there is a Master Electrician and the red lead to manual... For low-current circuits has a fuse rated to max amperage ( 10A ), then you just read directly! On 0 when the meter and insert the probes into the V.... Don ’ t turn off the power to the other end of the left a! Rms signal value troubleshooting, generator installation, and there are 17 References cited in this article helpful... Take a little more time with this `` just bought an analog multimeter and this helped me know what are. Rotate the dial to 10A for the best I 've seen so!. Some devices may convert the power coming from most household circuits is AC the tester meter, want! Or switch the setting on the multimeter. `` to read a multimeter your house down if there 's reading. A battery, remember that your dial will be set to a high 200 volts it. Specific device, you agree to our user would either know beforehand or rotate the dial to set dial. Reads O/L are having trouble reading a digital multimeter is reading voltage the 0 ( zero ) value is the. Negative circuit parts to measure DC voltage how to read a digital multimeter means that you 're having reading. ( multiple measurement ) name compare your readings to the manual or lower, depending on 2M. And resistance using a digital multimeter Principles by Glen A. Mazur, Technical., Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international laws. Negative terminals of the few things that a multimeter is this Klein Tools how-to....
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