How to use a multimeter: detailed instructions for novices in simple language

  • Dec 26, 2019
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Multimeter - a device for measuring the DC voltage, AC voltage, constant current, resistance, and also to test the diodes, transistors and continuity. Let's start to learn to use a multimeter and the first thing to do - is to attach the wires to the probes on the end.

Always attach the black wire into the socket COM:

We connect the black wire
We connect the black wire

With the red wire must be careful, because the nest "10ADC"- only used for DC measurements up to 10 Amps.

Connect the red wire
Connect the red wire

nest " VΩmA"Has more features, it is with the help of it you will measure resistance, AC and DC voltage, DC current up to 200 mA, and a short wire prozvanivat circuiting.

Nest "VΩmA"
Nest "VΩmA"

It is important to remember the difference between these two connectors, so as not to spoil your multimeter!

The characters on the multimeter

Markings on the multimeter
Markings on the multimeter
  1. Scale for measuring DC voltage.
  2. Scale for measuring AC voltage.
  3. Scale for DC measurements from 2 to 200 milliamps.
  4. Position for measuring DC to 10 amps without fuse - used nest "10ADC”.
  5. The situation for continuity of transistors.
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  7. The situation for continuity at the short circuit.
  8. A scale for measuring the resistance.
  9. The situation for diode test.
  10. HOLD button need to fix on the display the data. This is done in time to record the results of measurements and does not keep in mind the figures that are often confused and forgotten.

OFF - switched off.

Apply the multimeter to practice

Measure the AC voltage

We make measurement of the voltage at the outlet. To do this, the switch is on the scale of measurement of alternating voltage and set the mark of 600 volts.

Expose the mark of 600 Volt
Expose the mark of 600 Volt

Next, carefully insert the test leads into the outlet and see the evidence. For this action, there is a special sequence, you can insert the red probe on the left and the black on the right and vice versa.

You may ask, why a 600 Volt, if the socket of 220 volts? This is done for the accuracy of the measurement, for example, we assume that the outlet is 220 volts, but in fact your control the company or the energy company supplying electricity to your home, unable to cope and can not give you a stable 220 Volt.

When measured at 600 volts, the display shows a value less than 200 volts. If this happens, you should set the switch to 200 volts and the device will show more accurate data.

As you can see in the photo below, my electricity suppliers an excellent job with their responsibilities.

The meter indicates the voltage in the socket
The meter indicates the voltage in the socket

We measure the DC voltage

Measuring the voltage which outputs the battery. To do this, we expose the switch in this position (see. figure below):

Next, connect the red wire to the battery plus and black to minus and take readings. You can use the HOLD button to fix the result.

Get the value of 0.12 - this tells us that the battery voltage is less than what we put on the meter scale. Without hesitation, the switch is a value below and get correct and accurate readings.

The final value of the DC battery voltage
The final value of the DC battery voltage

Continuity for short

Let's define the integrity of the extension.

The switch set to a position continuity, like so:

Switch in continuity on the multimeter
Switch in continuity on the multimeter

Touch the red probe to one of the plug contacts and the black is stuck in the socket extension.

If an alarm sounds, it tells us that lived extension starting from the contact plug to the socket connector - a whole.

Further, in the same way we check the second contact plug and the hole outlet.

Let's say you have checked one core and a beep sounds, and checking a second conductor, the sound signal is not. This means that in the second strand breakage and such an extension cord will not work.

With this function, the multimeter can ping each strip, wire, cable, with any number of conductors. Before using the continuity test, ensure there is no voltage on the wire!

resistance Measurement

Translate the switch on scale for measuring resistance.

Translate switch to resistance measurement mode
Translate switch to resistance measurement mode

Select the desired setting on the resistance scale.

Settings on the scale resistance
Settings on the scale resistance
  1. 200 = 200 ohms.
  2. Diode test.
  3. 20k = 20 kilohms.
  4. 200k = 200 kilos.
  5. 2M = 2,000,000 ohms or 2 megohms.

Before measuring resistance, make sure there is no voltage!

diode test

Set the appropriate position (position 2 cm. figure above) and closable switch arrow red probe on the anode (+) and black lead on the cathode of the diode (-). The display device displays the value of resistance. Next, change the probes in some places - the device must issue units on screen. If in both cases, the meter gives the figure 1, this diode burned. Value is less than one - diode breakdown.

conclusion

So we know the main features of the meter. Read the instructions that are written above, you will be able to deal with almost any electronic multimeter.