Checking of Transformer

Technical Terms

Transformer

- An apparatus for reducing or increasing the voltage of an alternating current.

3 Types of Transformers

o Step Up - the input voltage is low, but the output voltage is high.
o Step Down - the input voltage is high, but the output voltage is low.
o Auto - the input and output voltage are the same.

Winding

- Twisted coil of wire.

Inductor (L)

- It stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it.

Two Types of Winding

o Primary Winding (LP) – has 2 terminals and it is the input of a transformer.

o Secondary Winding (LS) - has 3 terminals and it is the input of a transformer.

Steps in Checking a Transformer

1. Wear your PPE (working clothes, hairnet, and gloves)

2. Prepare all the materials needed including the Multi-tester and transformer.
3. Set the VOM to x1.
4. Calibrate the test probes to have an accurate measurement. If the pointer did not deflect to
zero, adjust the zero-ohm adjustment knob.

(Note that there is no polarity in checking the transformer)

Primary to Primary

- Put the test probe to the common terminal and the other test probe to the other terminal.
- If the pointer deflects to lower resistance, then the condition is good.
- But if it does not, then the condition is defective.

Primary to Secondary

- Put the first test probe in the primary winding's common terminal (0) and the other test probe
to the secondary winding's terminals.
- If the pointer deflects to lower resistance, then the condition is defective or grounded.
- If it does not, then the condition is good.
Primary to Ground

- Put the first test probe on the terminal of the primary winding and the other test probe to the
ground of the transformer.
- If it deflects to lower resistance, then the condition is considered as grounded.
- If it does not, then the condition is good.

Secondary to Secondary

- Put the first test probe to the common terminal of the secondary winding and the other test
probe on the other terminals of the secondary winding.
- If the pointer deflects to lower resistance, the condition is good.
- If it does not, then the condition is defective.

Secondary to Primary

- Put the first test probe to the common terminal of the secondary winding and the other test
probe in the primary winding's terminals.
- If the pointer deflects to lower resistance, then the condition is defective or grounded.
- If it does not, then the condition is defective.

Secondary to Ground

- Put the first test probe to any of the terminals in the secondary winding and the other test
probe to the ground.
- If the pointer deflects to lower resistance, the condition is automatically grounded.
- If it does not, then the condition is good.

Lastly, turn off the muti-tester to avoid drainage of battery.

 Checking of AC Plug
AC Plug

- A device that makes a connection between an appliance and a power supply.

Steps in Checking an AC Plug

1. Wear your PPE (working clothes, hairnet, and gloves)

2. Prepare all the materials needed including the Multi-tester and AC Plug.
3. Set the VOM to x1.
4. Calibrate the test probes to have an accurate measurement. If the pointer did not deflect to
zero, adjust the zero-ohm adjustment knob.

(Note that there is no polarity in checking the AC Plug)

Terminal to Terminal

- Put the test probe to the terminal of the AC Plug and the other test probe to the other terminal.
- If the pointer deflects to lower resistance, the condition is defective/shortened.
- But if the pointer did not deflect to lower resistance, the condition is good.

Terminal to Wire

(First Terminal)

- Put the test probe to the first terminal and the other test probe to the first wire.
- If the pointer deflects to lower resistance, the condition is good.
- But if the pointer did not deflect to lower resistance, the condition is defective/shortened.

- Then switch the other test probe to the second wire.

- If the pointer deflects to lower resistance, the condition is defective/shortened.
- But if the pointer did not deflect to lower resistance, the condition is good.

(Second Terminal)

- Put the test probe to the second terminal and the other test probe to the second wire.
- If the pointer deflects to lower resistance, the condition is good.
- But if the pointer did not deflect to lower resistance, the condition is defective/shortened.

- Then put the other test probe to the first wire.

- If the pointer deflects to lower resistance, the condition is defective/shortened.
- But if the pointer did not deflect to lower resistance, the condition is good.

Lastly, turn off the muti-tester to avoid drainage of battery.

 Checking of Fuse
Fuse

- a safety device consisting of a strip of wire that melts and breaks an electrical circuit if the
current exceeds a safe level.

Steps in Checking a Fuse

1. Wear your PPE (working clothes, hairnet, and gloves)

2. Prepare all the materials needed including the Multi-tester and Fuse.
3. Set the VOM to x1.
4. Calibrate the test probes to have an accurate measurement. If the pointer did not deflect to
zero, adjust the zero-ohm adjustment knob.

(Note that there is no polarity in checking the Fuse)

- Put the test probe to the side of the fuse and the other test probe to the other side.
- If the pointer deflects to lower resistance, the condition is good.
- But if the pointer did not deflect to lower resistance, the condition is defective.

Lastly, turn off the multi-tester to avoid drainage of battery.

Additional Question:

How would you know if the fuse is defective without a multi-tester?

Answer: If the strip of wire inside the fuse is black, then it is defective.
 Checking of Transistor
There are 2 types of semi-conductor: the diode and the transistor.

Transistor

- A semiconductor device with three connections, capable of amplification in addition

to rectification. It has 3 terminals: the Collector, Emitter, and Base.

Steps in Checking a Transistor

1. Wear your PPE (working clothes, hairnet, and gloves)

2. Prepare all the materials needed including the Multi-tester and Transistor.
3. Set the VOM to x10.
4. Calibrate the test probes to have an accurate measurement. If the pointer did not deflect to
zero, adjust the zero-ohm adjustment knob.

First, we will find the base of the transistor. Also assume that the positive test probe is negative and the
negative test probe is positive.

Ma’am: Why?

Because most of the multi-testers we use are made in Japan and these are usually opposite or reverse.
But if the one you are using is made in the US, you don't have to follow this instruction.

Put the test probe to one terminal and the other test probe to the other terminal. If the pointer deflects
move the other test probe to another terminal. (Make sure that the other test probe stays, and you only
move one test probe). Do it until you find the base of the transistor.

Then, identify if the transistor is a PNP (Positive-Negative-Positive) or NPN (Negative-Positive-Negative).

There are also Two Types of Bias:

- Forward Bias means that the current is flowing through.

- Reverse Bias means that the current is not flowing through.

In checking with the Forward Bias.

Put the test probe in the base of the transistor and the other test probe to the other terminal.

- If the pointer deflects the condition is good.

- But if it doesn't deflect the condition is defective.
Now in checking of Reverse Bias.

Switch the test probes in your hand.

Put the test probe in the base of the transistor and the other test probe to the other terminal.

- If the pointer deflects the condition is defective.

- But if it doesn't deflect the condition is good.

Lastly, turn off the muti-tester to avoid drainage of battery.

 Checking of Electrolytic Capacitor
Technical Terms

Electrolytic Capacitor

- A capacitor that stores electrical charges. It looks like a tank of water.

Capacitance - the ability to store electrical charges.

Farad - derived unit of electrical capacitance.

Other Units of Capacitance: Microfarad, Nanofarad, Picofarad)

Microfarad Symbol - MF
M means mwe

Discharging - the golden rule in checking capacitors.

There are 4 conditions in checking the Electrolytic Capacitor

1. Good - if the pointer deflects and goes back.

2. Leaky - if the pointer deflects and stays.
3. Open - if the pointer did not deflect.
4. Shorted - if the pointer deflects to zero.

Steps in Checking an Electrolytic Capacitor

1. Wear your PPE (working clothes, hairnet, and gloves)

2. Prepare all the materials needed including the Multi-tester and Electrolytic Capacitor.
3. Read the value of the capacitor then set the VOM according to its value.
4. Calibrate the test probes to have an accurate measurement. If the pointer did not deflect to
zero, adjust the zero-ohm adjustment knob.

Discharge first the capacitor by putting the negative test probe to the two terminals.
(Be sure to do this every time you check)

Put the positive test probe into the terminal on the black side and the negative test probe in the
terminal in the white side.

- If the pointer deflects and goes back, the condition is good.

- But if the pointer doesn't deflect or the pointer is not moving, the condition is open.

Lastly, turn off the muti-tester to avoid drainage of battery.

 Checking of Ceramic Capacitor
Ceramic Capacitor

- A fixed-value capacitor where the ceramic material acts as a dielectric.

Discharging - the "golden rule” in checking capacitors.

Steps in Checking a Ceramic Capacitor

1. Wear your PPE (working clothes, hairnet, and gloves)

2. Prepare all the materials needed including the Multi-tester and Ceramic Capacitor.
3. Set the VOM to x1k.
4. Calibrate the test probes to have an accurate measurement. If the pointer did not deflect to
zero, adjust the zero-ohm adjustment knob.

(Note that there is no polarity in the ceramic capacitor)

Read the value of the capacitor then convert it into microfarad. Turn the last number into zero,
(Example: 102 - 1000). Convert it by moving six decimal places to the left, (Example: 1000 - 0.01).

Before checking, make sure that you discharge first.

- Put the negative test probe to both terminals of the capacitor.

Put the test probes on the terminal of the ceramic capacitor.

- If the pointer deflects and goes back, the condition is good.

- But if the pointer did not deflect, the condition is open.

Lastly, turn off the multi-tester to avoid drainage of battery.

 Checking of Mylar Capacitor
Mylar Capacitor

- A type of film capacitor with high energy densities.

Discharging - the "golden rule” in checking capacitors.

Steps in Checking a Mylar Capacitor

1. Wear your PPE (working clothes, hairnet, and gloves)

2. Prepare all the materials needed including the Multi-tester and Mylar Capacitor.
3. Set the VOM to x1k.
4. Calibrate the test probes to have an accurate measurement. If the pointer did not deflect to
zero, adjust the zero-ohm adjustment knob.

(Note that there is no polarity in the mylar capacitor)

Just like the Ceramic. Read the value of the capacitor then convert it into microfarad. Turn the last
number into zero, (Example: 102 - 1000). Convert it by moving six decimal places to the left, (Example:
1000 - 0.01).

Before checking, make sure that you discharge first.

- Put the negative test probe to both terminals of the capacitor.

Put the test probes on the terminal of the mylar capacitor.

- If the pointer deflects and goes back, the condition is good.

- But if the pointer did not deflect, the condition is open.

Lastly, turn off the multi-tester to avoid drainage of battery.

 Checking of Potentiometer
Potentiometer

- A manually adjustable variable resistor with 3 terminals.

Steps in Checking a Potentiometer

1. Wear your PPE (working clothes, hairnet, and gloves)

2. Prepare all the materials needed including the Multi-tester and Potentiometer.
3. Set the VOM to x1k.
4. Calibrate the test probes to have an accurate measurement. If the pointer did not deflect to
zero, adjust the zero-ohm adjustment knob.

(Note that there is no polarity in the Potentiometer)

Put the test probes on the terminals of the Potentiometer, then rotate the controller or knob all the way
to see deflection.

- If the pointer deflects and goes back, the condition is good.

- But if the pointer did not deflect, the condition is open.

Lastly, turn off the multi-tester to avoid drainage of battery.

 Checking of Diode
Diode

- A thermionic tube that has two electrodes (an anode and a cathode). Also, a semi-conductor.

Anode - Positive (+)

Cathode - Negative (-)

Steps in Checking a Diode

1. Wear your PPE (working clothes, hairnet, and gloves)

2. Prepare all the materials needed including the Multi-tester and Diode.
3. Set the VOM to x1k.
4. Calibrate the test probes to have an accurate measurement. If the pointer did not deflect to
zero, adjust the zero-ohm adjustment knob.

(Remember that there is a polarity in the Diode)

Assume that the positive test probe is negative, and the negative test probe is positive.

Make sure that you do this because most of the multi-testers are made in Japan and usually are reverse.
But if the multi-tester you are using is made in the US you can just not follow this step.

In checking in Forward Bias

Put the positive test probe in the terminal in the black part and the negative test probe to the terminal
in the white part.

- If the pointer deflects, the condition is good.

- But if it doesn't deflect, the condition is defective.

Now in checking of Reverse Bias

Switch the test probes in your hand.

Put the positive test probe in the terminal in the white part and the negative test probe to the terminal
in the black part.

- If the pointer deflects, the condition is defective.

- But if it doesn't deflect, the condition is good.

Lastly, turn off the multi-tester to avoid drainage of battery.

 Checking of LED
LED (Light Emitting Diode)

- A semi-conductor diode which glows when a voltage is applied.

Steps in Checking a LED

1. Wear your PPE (working clothes, hairnet, gloves)

2. Prepare all the materials needed including the LED and multi-tester.
3. Set the VOM to x1.
4. Calibrate the test probe to have an accurate measurement. If the pointer did not deflect to zero
adjust the zero-ohm adjustment knob.
5. Put the positive test probe to the short terminal and the negative test probe to the long
terminal.
6. If the pointer deflects to lower resistance and it lights up, the condition is good. But if the
pointer did not deflect and did not also light up, the condition is defective.
7. Lastly, turn off the multi-tester to avoid drainage of battery.
 Checking of Resistor
Technical Terms

Resistor

- An electrical component that limits or regulates the flow of electrical current in an electronic
circuit.

Ohmmeter

- It is made to measure resistance, components and continuity.

(Be sure to memorize the color, code, value, multiplier and tolerance of the resistor.)

To check a resistor, we must know its value first.

For example:

The color of the first and second is brown and

red so its value is 1 and 2. Then the third color
is brown, and its multiplier is 10 so its now 120.
And the last color is gold, and its tolerance is
±5%. If we will combine all of it, the overall
value of the resistor is 120 ±5%.
Now that we know the value of the resistor, we can finally check it using a multi-tester and get the
measured value.

First, let’s draw this table and write some details on it:

Then, using the multi-tester, put the test probes on each of the terminal of the resistor and try each
range to get the measured value. (Be sure to try each range until you get the measured value that is
closer to the actual value of the resistor).

After getting the measured value, compute it to know if it’s good or defective using this formula:

(Using the example for R1

If the color code is Orange, Orange, Red, Gold. Then its value is 3,300 ±5%.

Convert the ±5% into a decimal number, and the result will be 0.05 or .05

Then multiply the value to the decimal number.

3,300 x .05 = 165

Then we will find the Upper and Lower Limit of this resistor by adding and subtracting the value by the
number that we computed earlier. Upper Limit is addition while the Lowe Limit is subtraction.

Upper Limit: 3,300 + 165 = 3,465

Lower Limit: 3,300 – 165 = 3,135

Final Answer:

Upper Limit: 3,465

Lower Limit: 3,135

The measured value needs to be between the Upper and Lower Limit, if it doesn’t then it is defective.

Using the measured value of 3.4k, we can say that it is not higher than the Upper Limit and not lower
than the Lower Limit, therefore its condition is good.