How to use a multimeter - an instruction for dummies

theme We get acquainted with the

tester First of all we briefly tell you what is on the front panel of the measuring device and what functions can be used during operationwith the tester, and then tell you how to measure the resistance, current and voltage in the network. So, on the front side of the digital multimeter there are the following symbols:

• OFF - the tester is off;
• ACV - alternating voltage;
• DCV - DC voltage;
• DCA - direct current;
• Ω - resistance;

You can visually see the appearance of the electronic front tester in the photo:

. Did you immediately notice 3 connectors for connection of probes? So here you need to immediately warn you that it is necessary to properly connect the tentacles to the tester before the measurements. The black wire is always connected to the output labeled COM.Red in the situation: in order to check the mains voltage, current up to 200 mA or resistance - it is necessary to use the output "VΩmA", if you want to measure the current value above 200 mA, be sure to insert the red test lead into the socket labeled "10 ADC".If you do not take into account this requirement and will use the "VΩmA" connector to measure high currents, the multimeter will quickly fail becausea fuse will burn!

There are also old-style instruments - analog or, as they are still called, arrow multimeters. The model with the arrow is practically not used, becausesuch a scale has a higher error and, in addition, measuring voltage, resistance and amperage on the switchboard is less convenient.

If you are interested in how to use a pointing multimeter at home, immediately recommend viewing a visual video lesson:

. We will talk in more detail about how to use a more modern digital model of the tester, having looked through the step-by-step instructions in the pictures.

Measuring the voltage of the

To measure the voltage in the circuit yourself, the first thing to do is to switch the switch to the desired position. In a network with alternating voltage( for example, in an outlet), the switch arrow must be in the ACV position. The probes should be connected to the COM and "VΩmA" sockets. Next, select an approximate voltage range in the network. If at this stage there are difficulties, it is better to set the switch to the highest value - for example, 750 volts. Further, if the display shows a lower voltage, you can switch the switch to a lower stage: 200 or 50 volts. Thus, by reducing the setpoint to a more suitable setting, you can determine the most accurate value. In a network with a constant voltage, use a multimeter in the same way. Usually in the latter case, the switch is best set to 20 Volts( for example, when repairing the car's electricians).

A very important nuance that you should be aware of - you need to connect the tentacle to the circuit in parallel, as shown in the picture:

Here, using this technique, you need to use a multimeter to determine the DC and AC voltage in the electrical circuit. As you can see, there is nothing complicated, the main thing is not to touch the bare parts of tentacles with hands, otherwise electric shock should be avoided. By the way, you can also use an indicator screwdriver as a voltage indicator!

Measuring the amperage of the

In order to independently measure the current in the circuit by a multimeter, it is first necessary to determine whether a constant or alternating current flows through the wires. After that, you need to know the approximate value in Amps to select a suitable socket for connecting the black probe - "VΩmA" or "10A".We recommend that you insert the probe first into the connector with a higher current value and if the display shows a smaller value, switch the plug to another socket. If, again, you see that the measured value is less than the setpoint, it is necessary to use a range with a smaller value in Amps.

We draw your attention to the fact that if you decided to use the multimeter as an ammeter, connect the tester to the circuit in series, as shown in the picture:

Measuring the resistance

Well, the safest thing with respect to the safety of the multimeter will be to use a device for measuring the resistance of circuit elements. In this case, you can set the switch to any range of the "Ω" sector, and then select the appropriate setting for more accurate measurements. A very important point - before using the device to measure resistance, be sure to turn off the power in the circuit, even if it is a regular battery. Otherwise, your tester may show an incorrect value in the ohmmeter mode.

The most often to measure the resistance with a multimeter is when you repair home appliances yourself. For example, if the iron does not work, you can measure the resistance of the heating element, which, most likely, failed.

By the way, if you see a value of "1", "OL" or "OVER" when measuring the resistance on the circuit segment with a multimeter, then you need to switch the switch to a higher range. When the setpoint is selected, an overload occurs. At the same time, if "0" is displayed on the dial, move the tester to a smaller measuring range. Remember this moment and use a multimeter when measuring the resistance will not be difficult!

Using the

dial If you look at the front panel of the tester, you can see a few additional functions that we have not yet told. Some of them are used only by experienced radio technicians, therefore it is useless for a domestic electrician to talk about them( still in a domestic environment they are hardly useful).But there is one more important mode of the tester, which, perhaps, you will use - a dialer( in the picture below we indicated its designation).For example, to find an open circuit in the circuit, you need to call the wiring, and if the circuit is closed, you will hear a sound indication. To do this, just connect the test leads to the necessary 2 points of the circuit.

Again, a very important nuance - the power in the circuit area that you are going to call, must be necessarily disabled. For example, if you decide to ring the wiring in the house, disconnect the input circuit breaker in the switchboard for the duration of the operation. It is not recommended to use the multimeter with the power supply connected!

Video tutorials on the

theme Finally, we advise you to see how to correctly use the most popular models of multimeters. Perhaps you just bought one of the following devices and a visual instruction will show you how to use the purchased version of the meter!

This concludes our instruction. We hope that our material helped you to learn how to use the basic modes of the universal instrument and now you know how to use a multimeter at home and what you need to measure the resistance, voltage and current in the circuit!

We recommend that you read:

• List of tools for the electrician
• What is the difference between zeroing from the protective earth
• How to identify a short circuit in the