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A multimeter is a versatile tool used for measuring various electrical properties such as voltage, current, and resistance. It is commonly found in the toolkit of electricians, engineers, and hobbyists. Understanding how to read a multimeter correctly is essential in order to obtain accurate measurements and effectively troubleshoot electrical issues. In this guide, we will cover the basics of reading a multimeter, including the different components, measurement modes, and common symbols. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, this article will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently interpret the readings displayed on your multimeter.
This article was co-written by Jesse Kuhlman. Jesse Kuhlman is a principal electrician and owner of Kuhlman Electrician Services in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in home/residential electrical wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation and WiFi relays. Jesse is also the author of four online books on home electrical systems, including “Civil Electrical Troubleshooting” about how to deal with basic home electrical problems.
There are 9 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 14,980 times.
To the uninitiated, the symbols on a multimeter are like a foreign language. But even those with experience in electricity sometimes need help with strange multimeters that have an unorthodox system of abbreviations. Luckily, it doesn’t take too long to understand the names of the settings and understand how to read the scale, so you can get used to it and get to work.
Steps
Read knob settings
![Image titled Read a Multimeter Step 1](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/71/Read-a-Multimeter-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Read-a-Multimeter-Step-1-Version-3.jpg)
- The current in most home circuits is AC. However, some devices can convert power to DC through a transistor, so check the voltage symbol before checking something.
- The setting for voltage testing in AC circuits is usually denoted V~ , ACV or VAC .
- To check the voltage in a DC circuit, set the multimeter to the V– , V— , DCV or VDC setting.
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- A~ , ACA and AAC are the symbols for alternating current.
- A– , A— , DCA and ADC represent direct current.
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- ))) or a series of parallel arcs representing the “continuity check” setting. When in this mode, the multimeter will “beep” if the two probes are electrically connected. [3] X Trusted Source Science Buddies Go to Source
- The arrow pointing to the right with a cross through it is the “measure diode” symbol, which is a setting used to check if a DC circuit is connected. [4] X Trusted Source Science Buddies Go to Source
- Hz stands for Hertz, the unit of measurement for the frequency of AC circuits. [5] XResearch Sources
- The symbol –|(– represents the capacitance setting.
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- Always plug the black wire into the COM port (also known as the ground port), with the probe connected to the negative terminal.
- When measuring voltage or resistance, the red probe should be plugged into the port with the minimum current symbol (usually mA or milliamperes). [6] X Trusted Source Science Buddies Go to Source
- When measuring current, you need to plug the red probe lead into the port with the unit’s designation for the expected current. Typically, low voltage ports have fuses rated up to 200mA , while high voltage ports go up to 10A . [7] XResearch Sources
Read the result of an analog multimeter
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- The Ω scale is used to measure resistance and is usually the largest arc at the top. On this scale, the value 0 is to the right instead of the left like other scales.
- The “DC” scale represents the DC voltage reading.
- The “AC” scale represents the AC voltage reading.
- The “dB” scale is the least used. You can see a short description of the “dB” scale at the end of this section.
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Troubleshoot
![Image titled Read a Multimeter Step 12](https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/42/Read-a-Multimeter-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Read-a-Multimeter-Step-12.jpg)
- If you are unsure of the measured result, choose the highest range on the first attempt to avoid damage to the meter.
- The other modes rarely damage the meter, but you should default to the lowest resistance and 10 V range . [12] XResearch Source
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Advice
- If the needle on the analog dial points below zero even though the multimeter is at its lowest range, the “+” and “-” terminals may be stuck backwards. Invert the two probes and measure again.
- If the analog dial is reflective, tilt the watch left or right so that the shadow is covered by the hand itself so you can get a more accurate reading.
- If you have trouble reading the readings on a digital multimeter, consult the manual. By default, the device displays the results as a number, but sometimes there are settings to display a bar graph or other form of information.
- When measuring AC voltage, the initial measurement will fluctuate and gradually stabilize at the correct reading. [15] XResearch Source
- If the multimeter doesn’t work, you should check the device itself to determine the problem.
- If you have trouble remembering the difference between voltage and amperage, imagine a water pipe. Voltage is the pressure of water flowing through the pipe, and amperage is the size of the pipe. The size of the water pipe will determine the amount of water that can flow through the pipe at the same time.
Warning
- If the range you select is lower than the expected output of the circuit or battery, the multimeter may be damaged. Analog multimeters are generally more susceptible to damage than digital ones, but auto-range multimeters are the most durable.
This article was co-written by Jesse Kuhlman. Jesse Kuhlman is the principal electrician and owner of Kuhlman Electrician Services in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in home/residential electrical wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation and WiFi relays. Jesse is also the author of four online books on home electrical systems, including “Civil Electrical Troubleshooting” about how to deal with basic home electrical problems.
There are 9 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 14,980 times.
To the uninitiated, the symbols on a multimeter are like a foreign language. But even those with experience in electricity sometimes need help with strange multimeters that have an unorthodox system of abbreviations. Luckily, understanding the names of the settings and understanding how to read the scale doesn’t take too long, so you can get used to it and get to work.
In conclusion, learning how to read a multimeter is an essential skill for anyone working with electrical circuits or appliances. By understanding the various functions and symbols on the device, one can accurately measure voltage, current, and resistance, among other parameters. The process involves connecting the leads appropriately, selecting the correct range, and interpreting the displayed values. It is important to exercise caution and follow safety practices while using a multimeter to prevent accidents and damage to equipment. With practice and familiarity, reading a multimeter becomes easier, allowing individuals to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical issues efficiently. Ultimately, mastering the art of reading a multimeter is a valuable skill that can greatly aid in electrical projects and repairs.
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