How to use a multimeter - guide for dummies

Meet the tester

first of all, briefly tell you what's on the front panel of the meter and what functions you can use when working with the tester, then describe how to measure resistance, current and voltage in the network.So, on the face of a digital multimeter the following designations are:

• OFF - off tester;
• ACV - AC voltage;
• DCV - DC voltage;
• DCA - DC;
• Ω - resistance;

clearly see the appearance of the front of the electronic tester, you can in the photo:

Perhaps you immediately noticed the 3 connectors for probes?So here you need to immediately warn you that you need to properly connect the measurements tentacles to the tester.Black wire is always connected to the output labeled with COM.Red on the situation: in order to check the mains voltage, amperage of 200 mA or resistance - it is necessary to use the output of «VΩmA», if you want to measure the current value in excess of 200 mA, make sure to insert the red test lead into the socket with the designation "10 ADC».If you will ignore this requirement, and will use the connector «VΩmA» for measurement of large currents Multimeter quickly fail becauseburn the fuse!

There are also old-style devices - Analog or as they are commonly called - turnouts multimeters.Arrow Model already practically used, sincethis range has a higher accuracy and also to measure voltage, resistance and force the arrow display current less convenient.

If you are interested in how to use the pointer multimeter at home, immediately recommend to see a clear video tutorial:

about how to use the more modern digital tester modelwe talk more further examined step by step instructions in pictures.

measured voltage

to independently measure the voltage in the circuit, it is necessary first of all turn the selector switch to the desired position.In a network with the alternating voltage (for example, socket) arrow switch must be in the position ACV.Probes must be connected to COM and «VΩmA» jacks.Next, select the approximate range of voltage in the network.If at this stage there were difficulties, better set the switch to the highest value - for example, 750 volts.Further, when the scoreboard will show less voltage, the switch can be transferred to a lower level: 200 or 50 volts.Thus, reducing the setting to a more suitable, you can determine the most accurate value.In a network with a constant voltage is necessary to use such a meter the same way.Typically, in the latter case it is best to switch to set the mark of 20 V (for example, the repair of the vehicle electrics).

very important thing, which you need to know - shupaltsa connected to the chain should be parallel as shown in the picture:

Here on this procedure is necessary to use a multimeter to determine the DC and AC voltage in an electrical circuit.As you can see, nothing complicated, the main thing - to not touch the exposed parts of the tentacles, or electrical shock to avoid.Incidentally, the indicator can also be used as a screwdriver voltage indicator!

Measure amperage

order to independently measure the strength of the current in the multimeter circuit, the first thing you need to decide - either a constant alternating current flows through the wire.Then you need to know the approximate value in amperes, to select the appropriate connector for the black test lead - «VΩmA» or "10 A".We recommend that you initially insert the probe into the connector with a higher current value, and if on the scoreboard fluoresce lower value, switch to a different plug socket.If you see again that the measured value is less than the setting, you need to use a range with a lower value in amperes.

Please note that if you decide to use a multimeter as an ammeter, connect the tester to the circuit should be consistent, as shown in the picture:

Measure resistance

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

The most common measure multimeter resistance is necessary for the repair of household appliances with their own hands.For example, if the iron is not working, you can measure the resistance of the heating element, which is most likely faulty.

By the way, if you see on the display is "1», «OL» or «OVER» then you need to set the switch to a higher range when measured resistance in the area multimeter circuit tk.at your chosen setting is overloaded.At the same time, if the lights on the dial "0", set the tester to a smaller measuring range.Remember this moment and use a multimeter with resistance measurements will not be difficult!

Using a dial

If you look closely at the tester's front panel, you can see a few extra features that we have not yet told.Some use only experienced radio, so a home electrician is no sense to talk about them (whether they are unlikely to be useful in a domestic environment).But there is another important tester mode, which perhaps you will enjoy - continuity (in the picture below we have indicated its designation).For example, to find the broken neutral conductor in the circuit, it is necessary to ring wiring, and if the circuit is closed, you will hear an audio indication.To do this, you need only connect the test leads to the desired point of the circuit 2.

Again, a very important thing - the power to the circuit section, which you gathered prozvanivat should always be turned off.For example, if you decide to ring the wiring in the house for the duration of the introductory disconnect circuit breaker in the distribution board.Use a multimeter is not recommended when energized!

Video Tutorials on

And finally, we advise you to see how to use the most popular models of multimeters.Perhaps you just bought one of the following devices and visual instructions show you how to use it bought one for the meter!

This concludes our statement ends.We hope that our materials to help you learn to use basic modes of the universal device and now you know how to use a multimeter at home and what you need to measure resistance, voltage and current in the circuit!

Advised to read:

• List of tools electrician
• What is the difference from the vanishing of the protective earth
• How to identify a short circuit in the network