A multimeter is no different than any other tool you have. In order to use it properly you have to become familiar with the tool, and understand how it works. The multimeter I recommended in my last post is a simple, digital meter available at Home Depot for under $20. I have one in my RV that I use for making various electrical tests when troubleshooting electrical problems.
Take a close look at your meter. You will notice there is a digital display at the top and what is known as a range switch. This switch rotates around to select the appropriate range you want to use to make your measurement. In an earlier post I shared what I believe to be a very important rule: Before you make a measurement, have some idea what the reading SHOULD be. Be following this rule, you should be able to use the range switch properly.
Your meter also comes with a set of test leads colored black and red. The color of the leads is not too important so don’t get hung up on that.
Also on the front of the meter are three test lead jacks labeled “COM”, “Vma,ohms”, and “10A DC”. Virtually all your measurements will be made using the “COM” and the “Vma” jack. The “10A DC” jack is only used under special circumstances.
Let’s make a couple of simple measurements just to get used to using the meter. Make certain there is a battery installed in your meter and insert the test leads into the two jacks mentioned above. Rotate the range switch to the DC volts area and stop on the “20” range. This allows you to measure up to 20 volts DC. Then take a 9V battery and touch the two leads to the two clips on the top of the battery. You meter should read somewhere around 9 volts DC (if the battery is charged).
Next, rotate the range switch to the “200” position for measuring AC volts and insert the probes into a standard wall outlet. Depending on your electric company, you should read somewhere around 120 volts AC. You might have to wiggle the test leads around in the outlet in order to make good contact.
That should do it for now. Next time we will talk more about using your multimeter.
Pingback: dont approve me
BarryS
Good info. One caution. Obtaining accurate voltage readings while on inverter power requires the use of a True RMS meter. An inexpensive True RMS meter will cost from $75 on up. If you check the voltage from your inverter with an inexpensive digital or analog meter the information is meaningless. Most inverters do not produce a true sine wave so when the meter computes the average voltage the result is unreliable.
larrycad
Jerry, that’s the plan. I hope it works out!!!
JERRY THORNTON
THANKS FOR THE MULTI METER INFO, TEACH ME MORE AS THOSE LITTLE INSTRUCTIONS THAT COME WITH IT ARE USUALLY LOST WHEN READY TO USE THE METER. I ONLY KNOW HOW TO USE IT ON BATTERIES AND NEED THE REST OF THE INFO FOR FUSES, RESISTANCE, ETC.