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Using A Digital Multimeter - HTT-EP4-1108
Using A Digital Multimeter - HTT-EP4-1108
Using A Digital Multimeter - HTT-EP4-1108
HTT-EP3-1108
Overview
The digital multimeter is a versatile instrument,
containing three different meters in one.
1. A voltmeter measures the electrical potential across a device (in volts).
2. An ammeter measures the amount of electrical current through a device (in
amperes, or amps).
3. An ohmmeter measures the electrical resistance of a device (in ohms).
Multimeter Layout
Function Switch
There are a different number of
positions to choose from on
the function switch depending
on the available features of the
multimeter.
The first is OFF. The meter should always be
returned to this position when not in use.
The V symbols measure voltage, the symbol
measures electrical resistance, the A symbols
measure AC and DC currents and the
symbol
checks diodes and capacitors.
Auto-Ranging Multimeters
Starting Up
When the digital multimeter is first turned on, it
will go through a self-analysis of its battery and its
internal circuits.
While this is proceeding, most meters will light up
all of the digital segments to indicate proper
function.
current
voltage,
or
DC
V~ for AC voltage
V for DC voltage
mV for low DC voltages
(millivolts)
A~ for AC current
A for DC current
for resistance
Typical Measurements
Voltage
Resistance
Current
Typical Measurements
Continuity
ON
OFF
Capacitance Measurement
Diode Measurement
Measuring Voltage
When you measure voltage you have to remember that voltage is an across
variable. When you measure voltage you have to connect the voltmeter to two
points in a circuit where you want to measure voltage.
When you measure voltage, the voltmeter should not disturb the circuit where
you are attempting to measure the voltage. The disturbance is the current
drawn by the voltmeter. You want that current to be as close to zero as it can
possibly be, so you need to have the resistance of the voltmeter as large as
possible. Ideally, the resistance of a voltmeter would be infinite
Measuring DC Voltage
Turn the function switch to the V
read DC voltages.
position to
R1
Determining Polarity
Leave the Function switch in the position just used, but reverse the
connections of the leads to the battery.
Connect the red test lead to the negative terminal (-) on the battery, and
the black test lead to the positive terminal (+).
Notice the display shows approximately the same numerical value, but
now has a negative (-) sign in front of it. The multimeter not only
measures the magnitude of the voltage, but it also senses which
terminal is at the higher potential.
Positive readings indicate that the red terminal is at the higher
potential, while negative readings indicate that the black (or COM)
terminal is at higher potential.
+
-
R1
+
24V
R1 = 6
In the example below we have multiple loads in the circuit. The total
voltage drop will still equal the supply voltage but the drop across
each load will depend on the resistance of the individual loads.
R1 = 2
+
24V
R2 = 4
R3 = 6
Measuring Resistance
To measure the resistance of a component, disconnect the component
from the circuit and connect the leads to the positive and negative pins of
the connector.
Resistance can ONLY be checked with the component removed from the
system.
+
Solenoid
30
Disconnect Prior to
Measurement
24V
Loading Effect
R1 =1 M
Measuring Current
Measuring Current
Wattage = A x 12V
= .435A x 12V
= 5.22 W
12V
+
-
DC
Motor
Continuity Test
Set the multimeter to the ohm setting, (). An analog meter will use the needle
to indicate the measured value. A digital meter provides a numeric reading
instead of using a needle. Many digital multimeters will also have an audible
continuity test setting.
Note that while the probes are not touching anything, the multimeter will
indicate a reading of infinity. A reading of infinity means that the circuit is
open. When you touch the two probes together, the reading changes to zero or
you will hear a beep sound if an audible continuity test setting is being used.
A reading of zero or a beep sound indicates that the circuit is closed or
complete.
Continuity Test
To test a switch, place a probe on each pole of the switch. When you move the
switch from the off to the on position, the meter reading should change from
infinity to roughly zero, or the audible beep should be heard, which implies that
the switch is working.
BEEP!
ON
OFF
ON
OFF
Capacitor Test
There are generally two things you need to test a capacitor for:
1. Open
2. Leaking or Shorted
100 F
Capacitor Test
Without a capacitance test range on your
multimeter you can still make certain tests.
100 F
.01 F
Diode Test
The diode setting on your multimeter (
rating of a diode.
In order to test a diode for faults you can use the Ohm meter () to test
for a diode which is: Open, Short or Leaky
A diode that tests okay with your meter can still fail when exposed to high
voltages under full load.
NOTE: A diode must be removed from the circuit prior to testing.
Diode Test
Set your meter to the ohms range to check for
diode leakage in reverse and forward testing.
Reverse Bias
Forward Bias
THE END