"How Do I Use A Multimeter" (How To Use Multimeter For Beginners) Do you want to learn how to use a multimeter, do you want to learn the fundamentals of using a multimeter. Are you searching for how do i use a multimeter, how to use multimeter for beginners, how to use a DMM, how do you use a multi meter, how to operate a multimeter or how to use a multimeter for dummies. If yes, Infoguide Ng has brought a complete step by step guide of how to use a multimeter for beginners. This article focus on the fundamentals of using a multimeter. The instructional article thoroughly explains how to measure Direct Current (DC) Voltage using examples like batteries, emphasizing correct lead placement and dial setting. Furthermore, this guide covers measuring Alternating Current (AC) Voltage for wall sockets, offering crucial safety advice due to high voltage. This article also details how to measure resistance (measured in Ohms) and perform a continuity test to check for circuit flow, which is useful for diagnosing faulty wiring. Finally, this article explains the process of measuring amperage (Amps), noting the importance of selecting the correct lead slot based on the expected current and the risks associated with unfused inputs.
This article outlines the proper use of a multimeter for beginners, covering DC Voltage, AC Voltage, Resistance, Continuity, and Amps.
DC Voltage Measurement.
DC Voltage stands for Direct Current. The main sources for DC Voltage in everyday devices are batteries; therefore, nearly all devices using a battery, such as a car battery-powered device, a wireless drill, or a camera, run on DC Voltage.
Setting up the Multimeter for DC Voltage:
- Set the dial on the multimeter to the area marked V for voltage with straight and dotted lines.
- The black ground or common test lead must always be placed in the slot marked COM.
- For measuring voltage, the red test lead should be placed where the sign for Voltage is visible.
- To take a measurement, place the red test lead on the positive or powered side of the device/circuit and the black test lead on the ground side. If the reading shows a negative sign, it indicates the test leads are reversed, which is a useful way to determine the positive and ground sides when you are unsure. This reversal does not harm the multimeter.
- Set the dial to the number just above the maximum amount of voltage being measured. For example, when measuring a 1.5v AA battery, the dial can be set to 2 volts. If you are uncertain of the required voltage, you should start with a higher setting and then move to a lower setting to achieve a more precise measurement.
AC Voltage Measurement.
AC Voltage stands for Alternating Current. Any device that plugs into a standard wall socket runs on AC Voltage.
Setting up the Multimeter for AC Voltage:
- The red lead stays in the same voltage slot.
- Set the dial to the Voltage sign that includes a wave sign.
- To measure a US wall socket, the multimeter should be set to 200 in the AC Voltage area, as US sockets typically provide about 110 volts.
- Safety Precautions: When measuring high voltage, you must be 100% sure of the integrity of your multimeter and the test leads. Ensure you keep your fingers far from the test lead tips, and make certain the leads do not touch each other during measurements. Wearing gloves can provide added safety.
- When checking a wall socket, the ground test lead goes into the bigger hole, and the red test lead goes into the smaller hole. The lower bottom hole in a socket is the wall unit ground point, and you can check if it is grounded by placing the ground test lead there and measuring voltage.
Resistance Measurement.
Resistance is defined as the opposition that any substance has to the flow of electric current. For instance, wood is extremely resistant, while wires have almost no resistance. Knowing how to accurately measure resistance is crucial because different components in an electronic circuit are designed to have a certain amount of resistance for the system to work properly.
Setting up the Multimeter for Resistance:
- Set the dial to the setting that displays the resistance sign (Ohms symbol).
- The red test lead remains in the same location as the resistance sign is shown there as well.
- The unit of measurement for resistance is Ohms. When taking a measurement, set the multimeter to the next number up from the expected resistance. The letter K on the multimeter settings represents a thousand.
- Safety Note: When checking resistance, you should never check a HOT Circuit (a powered circuit).
Continuity Test.
Continuity involves checking an electric circuit to see if current can flow through it by sending a very small amount of voltage through the circuit. On most multimeters, continuity is verified by a beep sound.
Setting up the Multimeter for Continuity:
- Set the multimeter to the specific sign for continuity, which is usually found within the resistance settings, allowing the test leads to remain in the same locations.
- The circuit being tested must be unplugged as you should never check a hot circuit for continuity.
- For troubleshooting, you can attach the test leads to the power pin and the corresponding internal wire/pin. Once the beep confirms continuity, wiggling the cable can help identify partially damaged wiring that only works at certain angles. If the problem is not found on the power side, the test can be repeated on the ground side. This test is especially useful for checking continuity on small circuit boards.
Measuring Amps (Current).
When measuring amps, you must switch your red test lead to one of two slots:
- A slot that measures up to 200 mA (or 0.200 Amps). This slot is fused, meaning if you measure more than 200 mA, an internal fuse will blow, protecting the multimeter.
- A slot that measures up to 20 A. This slot is unfused, meaning the multimeter will blow if you measure more than 20 amps, requiring care when measuring circuits with higher amps.
Measurement Technique for Amps: Unlike voltage or resistance, when measuring amps, you must place your multimeter inside of the circuit on the power side. You must create a break in the circuit, placing the red test lead close to the power source and the black test lead on the other side to complete the circuit. The multimeter then measures the current flowing through it.
I believe this step by step guide will help beginners to learn how to use a multimeter.
Here's a video that explain How Do I Use A Multimeter (How To Use Multimeter For Beginners).
