How to Use a Multimeter Properly – You’ve come to the right place if you want to learn how to use a multimeter effectively. A three-in-one voltage measurement device is known as a multimeter. It measures current, resistance, and voltage in amps, ohms, and volts (volts).
Making different measurements with a multimeter is a simple process if you are familiar with electrical terms and multimeter characteristics. Using a multimeter to measure voltage, on the other hand, is not the same as using it to measure resistance or current. Each measurement has its own set of parameters.
How to use a Multimeter
To be on the safe side, make sure you take all appropriate safety precautions before beginning any measurements with your multimeter. Remember, you’re dealing with electricity, which can kill you if not treated properly. Examine the battery to ensure it is fully charged. Never measure resistance when the electricity is turned on. Also, never conduct measurements above the rated voltage of the meter.
Another important consideration is that you are familiar with the components of the meter that are used in measurements as well as the denotations.
Get to know the leads, the function dial’s position, the connection ports, and the different readings for the three functions.
It is preferable to be safe rather than sorry.
Measurements of voltage
The electrical potential of a device, or the electric pressure in a circuit, is referred to as voltage. Voltage is measured in volts and is denoted by the letter V. There’s also AC voltage and DC voltage, with AC denoting alternating current and DC denoting direct current.
The voltmeter function is used to measure voltage. The first step is to set the multimeter to the volt setting, which is denoted by the letter ‘V.’ Locate and connect the test leads to the multimeter next. There are two paths to take (red and black). Connect the red lead to the V (red input terminal) terminal and the black lead to the COM (common terminal) terminal.
Both the amp and ohm measurements use the same terminal connection. You can now measure voltage after properly connecting the leads.
Connect the leads in the following order: the red lead to the higher potential terminal, and the black lead to the lower potential terminal.
Resistant Measurement
The unit of resistance is ohms, which is denoted by the symbol. The level of opposition to an electric current flowing through a conductor is referred to as resistance. To measure resistance, you must first turn off the power and disconnect the wires of the circuit you want to test. This disconnect ensures that you are not exposed to any electrical risks or hazards.
After that, set the function dial on the multimeter to ohm () to get ohms readings. Connect the red lead to the terminal marked V and the black lead to the common terminal once more (COM).
OL should be displayed on the screen at this point (meaning overload). Connect all leads (red and black) to the special circuit to be able to measure the circuit’s resistance.
You can get the ohms readings that indicate how much resistance is available in a circuit using this technique.
Current measurement
When you measure current, you’re measuring the flow of electrical charge through a circuit. The current is measured in amps. When an open circuit is above the meter’s rated voltage, it can be extremely dangerous. The standard rating is 300 milliamperes (mA).
Set the multimeter to the ammeter function labeled A to measure current. The test leads are then connected to the terminals in a slightly different way than the ohms and volts measurements. Connect the red lead to the terminal reading 300mA and the black lead to the common terminal to measure amps (COM).
Attach the meter to the circuit after properly connecting the leads to the multimeter. Break the circuit open and connect the multimeter in series between the open points to obtain amp readings.
You should be able to achieve precise readings and effectiveness with your meter if you follow this easy guideline on how to use a multimeter.
You don’t need to bring an ammeter, voltmeter, or ohmmeter with you to work if you have a multimeter. With the exception of the settings, you can perform all of the above measurements with a single multimeter.
