How To Use Digital Multimeter
How To Use Digital Multimeter
measurement range. Read the instruction manual carefully before operating the
Multimeter.
2. Before using the Multimeter, inspect Test Leads, Connectors and Probes for
cracks, breaks or crazes in the insulation.
3. Before attempting to open the case of the Multimeter, be sure to disconnect test
leads or probes from any energized electronic circuit to avoid electrical shock.
How to Take Care of your Multimeter
When you are using a Multimeter, it is your responsibility to its proper care and prevent
it from any damage:
1. Replacing Fuse: Fuse of a Multimeter rarely blow or need replacement. If it
happens, it is because of operator error or mistake. If required just replace the old
fuse with a new one with proper polarity.
2. Battery Replacement: If the symbol of battery appears on the display, it indicates
that the battery has to be replaced.
HOW TO USE AND READ A MULTIMETER
Using a multimeter is quite bit difficult for the first time especially the analog type one
unlike the digital which is more convenient to use for beginners.
Every multimeter have its own user manual accompanied when you purchased it at any
electronics store in your areas, and each one varies on how each circuits designed but
there's always only one thing in common,
a Multimeter is is used to measure voltages AC or DC, currents and resistance,
continuity and electronicscomponents.
Maybe this only a take brief explanation on how to use a multimeter,
I have an example copy around here using my Sanwa analog multimeter which is made
from Japan.
PARTS OF A MULTIMETER
right. Trying to read 5 ohms on the meter while in the R x 100 range would look like 0. It
would be much easier at the R x 1 scale instead. This is why when testing resistance,
adjust the range so that the readings may be taken from the middle rather than the
extreme left or right sides.
Test resistance between hands. Set the meter to the highest R x value possible. Zero
the meter. Loosely hold a probe in each hand and read the meter. Squeeze both probes
tightly. Notice the resistance is reduced. Let go of the probes and wet your hands. Hold
the probes again. Notice that the resistance is lower still. For these reasons, it is very
important that the probes not touch anything other than the device under test. A device
that has burned out will not show "open" on the meter when testing if your fingers
provide an alternate path around the device, like when they are touching the probes.
Testing round cartridge type and older style glass automotive fuses will indicate low
values of resistance if the fuse is lying on a metal surface when under test. The meter
indicates the resistance of the metal surface that the fuse is resting upon (providing an
alternate path between the red and black probe around the fuse) instead of trying to
determine resistance through the fuse. Every fuse, good or bad, will indicate "good".
How to Measure Voltage
Set the meter for the highest range provided for AC Volts. Many times, the voltage to be
measured has a value that is unknown. For this reason, the highest range possible is
selected so that the meter circuitry and movement will not be damaged by voltage
greater than expected. If the meter were set to the 50 volt range and a common
U.S. electrical outlet were to be tested, the 120 volts present could irreparably damage
the meter. Start high, and work downward to the lowest range that can be safely
displayed.
Insert the black probe in the "COM" or "-" jack.
Insert the red probe in the "V" or "+" jack.
Locate the Voltage scales. There may be several Volt scales with different maximum
values. The range chosen the selector knob determines which voltage scale to read.
The maximum value scale should coincide with selector knob ranges. The voltage
scales, unlike the Ohm scales, are linear. The scale is accurate anywhere along its
length. It will of course be much easier accurately reading 24 volts on a 50 volt scale
than on a 250 volt scale, where it might look like it is anywhere between 20 and 30
volts.
Test a common electrical outlet. In the U.S. you might expect 120 volts or even 240
volts. In other places, 240 or 380 volts might be expected. Press the black probe into
one of the straight slots. It should be possible to let go of the black probe, as the
contacts behind the face of the outlet should grip the probe, much like it does when a
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plug is inserted. Insert the red probe into the other straight slot. The meter should
indicate a voltage very close to 120 or 240 volts (depending on type outlet tested).
Remove the probes, and rotate the selector knob to the lowest range offered, that is
greater than the voltage indicated (120 or 240). Reinsert the probes again as described
earlier. The meter may indicate between 110 and as much as 125 volts this time. The
range of the meter is important to obtain accurate measurements. If the pointer did not
move, it is likely that DC was chosen instead of AC. The AC and DC modes are not
compatible. The correct mode MUST be set. If not set correctly, the user would
mistakenly believe there was no voltage present. This could be deadly. Be sure to try
BOTH modes if the pointer does not move. Set meter to AC volts mode, and try again.
Whenever possible, try to connect at least one probe in such a way that it will not be
required to hold both while making tests. Some meters have accessories that include
alligator clips or other types of clamps that will assist doing this. Minimizing your contact
with electrical circuits drastically reduces that chances of sustaining burns or injury.
How to Measure Current Amperes
Determine if AC or DC by measuring the voltage of the circuit as outlined above.
Set the meter to the highest AC or DC Amp range supported. If the circuit to be tested is
AC but the meter will only measure DC amps (or vice-versa), stop. The meter must be
able to measure the same mode (AC or DC) Amps as the voltage in the circuit,
otherwise it will indicate 0.
Be aware that most multimeters will only measure extremely small amounts of current,
in the uA and mA ranges. 1 uA is .000001 amp and 1 mA is .001 amp. These are values
of current that flow only in the most delicate electronic circuits, and are literally
thousands (and even millions) of times smaller than values seen in the home and
automotive circuits that most homeowners would be interested testing. Just for
reference, a typical 100W / 120V light bulb will draw .833 Amps. This amount of current
would likely damage the meter beyond repair. A "clamp-on" type ammeter would be
ideal for the typical homeowner requirements, and does not require opening the circuit
to take measurements (see below). If this meter were to be used to measure current
through a 4700 ohm resistor across 9 Volts DC, it would be done as outlined below:
Insert the black probe into the "COM" or "-" jack.
Insert the red probe into the "A" jack.
Shut off power to the circuit.
Open the portion of the circuit that is to be tested (one lead or the other of the resistor).
Insert the meter in series with the circuit such that it completes the circuit. An ammeter
is placed IN SERIES with the circuit to measure current. It cannot be placed "across"
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the circuit the way a voltmeter is used (otherwise the meter will probably be damaged).
Polarity must be observed. Current flows from the positive side to the negative side. Set
the range of current to the highest value.
Apply power and adjust range of meter downward to allow accurate reading of pointer
on the dial. Do not exceed the range of the meter, otherwise it may be damaged. A
reading of about 2 milliamps should be indicated since from Ohm's law I = V / R = (9
volts)/(4700 ) = .00191 amps = 1.91 mA.
If you're measuring the current consumed by the device itself, be aware of any filter
capacitors or any element that requires an inrush (surge) current when switched on.
Even if the operating current is low and within the range of the meter fuse, the surge
can be MANY times higher than the operating current (as the empty filter capacitors are
almost like a short circuit). Blowing the meter fuse is almost certain if the DUT's (device
under test) inrush current is many times higher than the fuses rating. In any case,
always use the higher range measurement protected by the higher fuse rating (if your
meter has two fuses), or just be careful.
How to Check Basic Electronic Components Using a Multi-Meter Basic electronic
components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes and transistors are widely used in any
electronic devices and gadgets. Knowing how to conduct a test on this components
using a multimeter would give you an idea on how to trouble shoot and repair any
defective cellphones or electronic equipments at home. Below are some basic D.I.Y.
regarding proper testing of this components using a multimeter.
How to Check Resistors?
Read the indicated code value indicated in Schematic Diagram then select the Ohmscale within but not way below the indicated value. A resistor is good if its resistance is
close to the indicated value.Tolerance should be considered with the ohmmeter reading.
While, no resistance reading at all on the ohmmeter scale settings means that
the resistor is open. A zero resistance reading on all ohmmeter scale settings means
that the resistor is shorted.
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A good indication for electrolytic capacitor shows the meter needle deflecting towards
zero and moves back again to infinite resistance position.
For ceramic, Mylar and other capacitor with a capacitance with less than 1.0 uF, the
meter will not deflect at all.
A defective indication for an electrolytic capacitor shows that the meter will rest on zero
and remain stationary at a point which is an indication that the capacitor is shorted.
How to Check Diodes?
Set the multimeter knob to any of the resistance position (x1, x10, x1K or 10K ohm
).Connect the positive probe to the anode and the negative probe to the
cathode.Then connect the positive probe to the cathode and the
negative probe to the anode of the diode. A good indication in the first procedure will
show the meter deflected very little or may not deflect at all.
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And in the second procedure, the meter will deflect towards zero.The
actual resistance reading is the forward resistance of the diode.
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A defective indication shows that the meter won't deflect at all even when the probes
are reversed. Or the meter deflects at the same time or almost the
same resistance reading for both steps.
How to Check Transistors: Bipolar transistors are usually checked out of a circuit by
means of an ohmmeter. When it is desired to check for the resistance across
the transistor emitter and collector, NPN or PNP, ohmmeter probes may be connected
either way. A good transistor will show above a reading above 1000 ohm.
How to determine if it is NPN or PNP transistor?
To determine the correct terminal of the transistors, set the range selector to x 1 or 10
ohm.Connect the positive probe to the emitter and the negative probe to the base of
the transistor. Note the reading interchange the connection of the probes to the leads of
the transistor.
Base your conclusion on the table:
POSITIVE PROBE TO: -----NEGATIVE PROBE TO: -----RESISTANCE READING-CONCLUSION:
Emitter------- -- Base---------- Less than 150 ohm ------Transistor is NPN
Base --------------Emitter --------Infinity ----------------Transistor is NPN
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Some defective indications of transistors: Resistance between any pair of the terminals
is less than 10 ohms, means that the transistor is shorted. Resistance between base
and emitter or base collector for both the forward and reverse application of ohmmeter
probes is infinity (meter needle don't deflect), means that the transistor is open.
Transistors overheats (except power transistors) during normal operating condition
means that the transistor is shorted.
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How to Use Multimeter | How to Use Digital Multimeter | How to Use Analog Multimeter
multimeters are of two types Analog Multimeter and Digital Multimeter. How to
use Multimeter to check voltage, Ohms, battery, continuity etc is more or less the
same. The only difference is that a digital Multimeter has a digital display of all
the readings. An analog Multimeter has a needle-type...
Multimeters are of two types Analog Multimeter and Digital Multimeter. How to use
Multimeter to check voltage, Ohms, battery, continuity etc is more or less the same. The
only difference is that a digital Multimeter has a digital display of all the readings. An
analog Multimeter has a needle-type pointer that moves to a reading while testing any
device or electronic component.
Most Multimeters, often spelt as Multi Meter, will have following:
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1. Function and Range Switch: This switch is used to select the function and desired
range as well as to turn the instrument. In order to extend the life of the battery of
the Multimeter, this switch must be kept in the OFF position when the instrument
is not in use.
2. Display or LCD: To display all the readings.
3. Common Jack: Plug in connector for black (negative) test lead or probe.
4. V ? mA Jack: Plug in connector for red (positive) test lead or probe for all voltage,
resistance and current (except 10A) measurements.
5. 10A Jack: Plug in connector for red (positive) test lead or probe for 10A
measurement.
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2. Before using the Multimeter, inspect Test Leads, Connectors and Probes for
cracks, breaks or crazes in the insulation.
3. Before attempting to open the case of the Multimeter, be sure to disconnect test
leads or probes from any energized electronic circuit to avoid electrical shock.
How to Take Care of your Multimeter
When you are using a Multimeter, it is your responsibility to its proper care and prevent
it from any damage:
1. Replacing Fuse: Fuse of a Multimeter rarely blow or need replacement. If it
happens, it is because of operator error or mistake. If required just replace the old
fuse with a new one with proper polarity.
2. Battery Replacement: If the symbol of battery appears on the display, it indicates
that the battery has to be replaced.