If you have never used a multimeter before, you might be wondering what you are supposed to do with the buttons, symbols, and numbers on the device.Don't fret!If you are using a digital or analog multimeter, this article will show you how to use it.
Step 1: The dial can be set to AC or DC.
The symbol for direct current is a V with a dash above it.It can be labeled as DCV or something similar.An alternating current setting is often labeled with a V and a line or initials.The dial should be turned to the type of current you plan on measuring.DC is a common source of power.In buildings, electronics, and anything else that requires multiple currents, AC is used.
Step 2: If it can be set manually on the dial, you should choose the range.
You can see a bunch of numbers on a multimeter.Refer to the electronic device you are testing or the user manual for the normal voltage if you have these numbers.Next, set the multimeter dial to the highest setting.This way the test result is more accurate.If you have a 12V battery, use the 20V setting to test it.A less accurate result is caused by using any settings beyond that.Once you begin the test, most modern multimeters set the proper range.If you don't know what setting to use, start at the highest one.You have to work your way back until you get an accurate result.The voltage will change to 1 if you go too far.
Step 3: The probes need to be plugged into the multimeter slots.
There is a red and black probe on every multimeter.The COM port on the front of the multimeter has a black probe in it.The red plug is meant for the ports marked 10A and mAV.Pick the one that fits the kind of testing you want to do.Currents rated at 200mA are what the mAV port is meant for.Most of the time, you will end up using this port.The 10A port can be used to test strong currents.Plug the red probe into the 10A port to avoid damaging the multimeter if you don't know the strength of the current.
Step 4: You should connect the test leads to the circuit you are testing.
The black probe needs to be connected first.If you are testing a device with one, touch it to the negative terminal.Touch the tip of the red probe to the other terminal.As the current flows through it, the multimeter's display will change.If you want to get used to using a multimeter, test it on a battery.Hold the black probe against the negative terminal.If you want to test live wires, you need to find the screws that hold them in place.Touch the black probe to one of the screws.It could lead to an electrical shock if you touch active wires or metal parts.If the metal tips of the probes are bumped together, the multimeter could short-circuit.
Step 5: To get an accurate reading, adjust the multimeter.
As soon as the active circuit is detected, the multimeter display will change.You won't need to do anything else if you set the dial to the correct setting.If you don't know what the test subject's normal voltage is, turn the dial down slowly until you get an accurate result.The multimeter will show 1 if you set the voltage too low.The multimeter range needs to be set to the correct maximum for the circuit in order to get the most accurate result.It will have a hard time detecting a weaker current if it is set too high.The probes are most likely in the wrong place if the multimeter displays a negative number.The electrical current should flow between them.The circuit may not be receiving any electrical power if you don't see a readout.Make sure the multimeter still works by testing it on an active battery or outlet.
Step 6: Shut off the multimeter by removing the probes.
Pull the red probe away from the circuit.Avoid bumping the probes together or coming into contact with the metal tips if you handle them with caution.Remove the red and black probes from the multimeter before you stop using it.
Step 7: To test an AC or DC current, change the multimeter.
The dial should be turned to the correct setting.Straight lines are used to indicate the AC setting.The DC option is usually a series of dots.What you are testing will affect the setting you need.The AC setting can be used to test wall outlets.DC is used for power sources.
Step 8: There is a high range on the dial.
You can choose a range based on the regular voltage of the device.The user manual for some devices has the voltage printed on it.To protect the multimeter from damage, set the dial at the next highest voltage setting.Most home outlets have a 120-volt current.The next closest setting is either 200v or 120.Inexpensive multimeters don't always protect them from serious damage.The multimeter could be destroyed by using the wrong setting.If you don't know what setting to use, start at the highest one and move down until the multimeter responds.
Step 9: The probes need to be plugged into the ports.
There are two open ports on the left and right corners of the multimeter.The black probe is supposed to be in the slot marked as -COM.There is a slot marked with a plus sign.You won't get an accurate test result if you reverse the probes.Check the probes first if you notice the needle moving in the wrong direction.
Step 10: The probes should be touched to the device you're testing.
If the device has a negative terminal, use the black probe first.Touch the red probe to the positive terminal.Don't touch the metal tips of the probes or active electrical components that could shock you.You can use a battery to test the multimeter.The positive and negative terminals are easy to spot.The probes should be handled one at a time to avoid touching the tips.
Step 11: If you want to get an accurate reading, check the meter.
The multimeters have a needle that moves.The multimeter has voltage numbers printed on it.There are separate rows of numbers labeled for AC and DC settings, so make sure you look at the correct one.If you want to make sure you get an accurate reading, do the test a couple more times.Turn the multimeter's voltage setting down if the needle doesn't move much.When the setting is too high, it doesn't react.The testing device needs to be active.Pull the probes out if the needle moves all the way to the right.If you want to perform the test again, set the multimeter dial to a higher range.It could damage the multimeter, so try to avoid it.
Step 12: When you're done, unplug the multimeter probes.
The red and black probes should be pulled first.Make sure the metal tips don't come into contact with one another.You can detach them from the multimeter when you are done.