Multimeters are of two types – Analog Multimeter and Digital Multimeter. How to use Multimeter to check voltage, Ohms, battery, continuity etc is more or less the same. The only difference is that a digital Multimeter has a digital display of all the readings. An analog Multimeter has a needle-type pointer that moves to a reading while testing any device or electronic component.
Most Multimeters, often spelt as Multi Meter, will have following:
- Function and Range Switch: This switch is used to select the function and desired range as well as to turn the instrument. In order to extend the life of the battery of the Multimeter, this switch must be kept in the “OFF” position when the instrument is not in use.
- Display or LCD: To display all the readings.
- Common Jack: Plug in connector for black (negative) test lead or probe.
- V ? mA Jack: Plug in connector for red (positive) test lead or probe for all voltage, resistance and current (except 10A) measurements.
- 10A Jack: Plug in connector for red (positive) test lead or probe for 10A measurement.
Packing List or Items that come with a New Multimeter:
- Multimeter.
- Set or red and black test leads or probes.
- Battery.
- Thermoelectric couple.
- Operator Instruction Manual.
How to Use a Multimeter (Analog and Digital): Instruction:
How to Measure DC (Direct Current) Voltage / DC Voltage Measurement:
- Connect the red Test Lead to “V ? mA Jack” and the black lead to
DC Current Circuit Symbol
“COM” jack.
- Set the “Range Switch” to desired DC V position. If the voltage to be measured is not known then set the Switch to the highest range and reduce it until satisfactory reading is obtained.
- Connect Test Leads to device or circuit being measured.
- Turn ON Power of the device, instrument or component being measured. Voltage will appear on the Digital Display of a Digital Multimeter along with voltage polarity.
How to Measure AC (Alternating Current) Voltage Using a Multimeter / AC Voltage Measurement:
- Connect the red Test Lead to “V ? mA Jack” and the black lead to
AC Current Circuit Symbol
“COM” jack.
- Set the “Range Switch” to desired AC V position.
- Connect Test Leads to device, electronic component or circuit being measured.
- Voltage value will appear on the Digital or Analog Display the Multimeter.
How to Measure DC (Alternating Current) Current Using a Multimeter / DC Current Measurement:
- Connect the red probe to “V ? mA Jack” and the black probe to “COM” jack. To measure DC current between 200mA and 10A, connect the Red probe to “10A” jack with fully depressed.
- Set the “Range Switch” to desired AC A position.
- Open the circuit to be measured and connect probes in series with the load in which current is to be measured.
- Read value on display.
How to Measure Resistance Using a Multimeter / Resistance Measurement:
- Connect the red probe to “V ? mA Jack” and the black probe to
Resistance Circuit Symbol
“COM” jack.
- Set the “Range Switch” to desired Ohms (?) position.
- If the resistor to be measured is connected to a circuit then TURN OFF POWER and discharge all capacitors before measurement.
- Connect probes to circuit being measured.
- Read resistance value on display.
How to Measure Diode / Diode Measurement:
- Connect the red Test Lead to “V ? mA Jack” and the black lead to
Diode Circuit Symbol
“COM” jack.
- Set the “Range Switch” to diode position.
- Connect Red Test Leads to Anode of the Diode and Black Test Lead to Cathode.
- The forward voltage drop in mV will be displayed in the screen or display. If the diode is reversed, figure “1” will be displayed.
How to Measure Transistor hFE / Diode Measurement:
- Set the “Range Switch” to hFEposition.
Transistor Circuit Symbol
- Determine whether the transistor is NPN or PNP type and locate the Emitter, Base and Collector Leads. Insert the leads into the proper holes of the hFE Socket on the Front Panel of the Multimeter.
- The Multimeter will display the approximate hFE value at the condition of base current 10 µA and VCD 2.8V.
How to Measure Continuity / Audible Buzzer Continuity measurement:
- Connect the red Test Lead to “V ? mA Jack” and the black lead to “COM” jack.
- Set the “Range Switch” to Buzzer.
- Connect test leads to the two points to be tested. If the resistance is lower than 100 Ohm then there will be buzzer sound which means that continuity is OK.
Test Signal Use:
- Set the “Range Switch” to Signal Symbol.
- A test signal appears between “V ? mA Jack” and “COM” jacks. The output voltage is approx 5V p–p with 50 k ohm impedance.
How to Measure Temperature / Temperature Measurement:
- Connect the k-type thermoelectric couple to “V ? mA Jack” and “COM” jacks.
- Set the “Range Switch” to “Temperature Position”.
- The display will read the temperature value in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
How to Measure Room Temperature / Room Temperature Measurement:
Most Multimeters can easily measure room temperature from 0 to 35 degree Celsius. Just set the “Range Switch” to RT Position and the present room temperature will be displayed.
Warning:
- To avoid electrical shock, hazard or damage, do not measure voltage exceeding 1000V or 750V above earth ground. Different Multimeters may have different measurement range. Read the instruction manual carefully before operating the Multimeter.
- Before using the Multimeter, inspect Test Leads, Connectors and Probes for cracks, breaks or crazes in the insulation.
- Before attempting to open the case of the Multimeter, be sure to disconnect test leads or probes from any energized electronic circuit to avoid electrical shock.
How to Take Care of your Multimeter
When you are using a Multimeter, it is your responsibility to its proper care and prevent it from any damage:
- Replacing Fuse: Fuse of a Multimeter rarely blow or need replacement. If it happens, it is because of operator error or mistake. If required just replace the old fuse with a new one with proper polarity.
- Battery Replacement: If the symbol of battery appears on the display, it indicates that the battery has to be replaced.
