2. Welcome! Have you ever wondered how to use a multimeter?! Well, you’re in the right place! Off we go to learn about multimeters! Get ready to get your brain gears spinning!
3. So what is a multimeter? A multimeter is an instrument that can measure voltage, current, AND resistance!
4. This one has fixed leads… Meter Battery Compartment Rotary Switch Leads Input terminal
5. …and this one doesn’t Meter Battery Compartment Leads Rotary Switch Input terminals
6. What do all those symbols mean? Warning- see operating manual for instructions Common input terminal (where you plug it in) Danger- high voltage terminal Continuity buzzer (for cable testing and circuit identification) Diode test (set the rotary switch to this when testing a diode) AC symbol (alternating current, flow of charge periodically changes direction) DC symbol (direct current, flow of charge in one direction only
7. Okay, so how do I choose a setting? You have to choose whether you want voltage, current, or resistance, as well as AC or DC! I’ll show you!
8. Choosing Voltage! Plug the black lead into the COM jack and the red lead into the VΩ jack. Use the rotary switch to set to desired value. DC AC
9. Connect the blacklead to a voltage source and the red one to a measuring point. Your value will appear on the screen! For AC, set the rotary switch to the side that has the V~ For DC, set the rotary switch to the side that has the
10. Choosing Current! Plug the black lead into the COM jack and the red lead into the mA or A jack. Set the rotary switch to the desired current, making sure it’s higher than current expected.
11. Break the current path and connect the blacklead to the more negative side and the redlead to the more positive side. Turn on the power and your value will appear on the screen! Remember…
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13. For current, the red lead goes into the mA jack up to 200mA and the 10A jack for anything above that.
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16. Connect the black and redleads across the circuit and your value will appear on the meter!
17. When measuring current, the meter must be connected in SERIES If it’s in parallel, it could short the path because the current would be too high. This could damage the equipment!
18. When measuring voltage, the meter must be connected in PARALLEL This way, all the resistors have the same voltage! If it was in series and a section was cut, the voltage would be effected. But not with parallel!
19. When measuring resistance, the meter must NOT be connected in a circuit! Doing this makes sure that the readings are accurate. If the resistor is in a circuit, all other things hooked up will effect the reading as well!
20. SAFETY! Don’t be this guy! Make sure you follow all safety precautions so you don’t get hurt.
21. Always read the manual! It will familiarize you with the things you need to know to be safe. Manual
22. Make sure you are familiar with the equipment you’re working with and the ways to stay safe while performing the procedure. I’m learning how to use a multimeter!
23. Never exceed the input rating of the meter so you don’t hurt yourself OR the meter! That’s a good idea!
24. When using the probes, don’t touch the metal tips! Only touch the insulated part. If you touch the metal part, you could conduct a current to yourself and possibly get electrocuted! That would be bad
25. When you’re taking measurements (especially at high voltage) use the “left hand in the pocket” technique to protect yourself! Your heart is on the left side of your body. If you were to get shocked while using your left hand, it could shock your heart and kill you. Thus, you should use your right hand to take measurements. The artist of this painting clearly wanted to convey an important safety fact about multimeters
26. Don’t touch the equipment, meter, or test leads while power is applied when you’re taking measurements in high voltage equipment. If you touch the metal part, you could conduct a current to yourself and possibly get electrocuted! That would be bad The multimeter should be wearing this shirt when you’re taking measurements
27. Always stand on an insulated surface while working. Standing on an insulated surface or wearing insulated shoes can help prevent you from getting shocked. You could stand in this insulated lunchbox… …or in these insulated rubber boots.
28. Never work alone! You should always have someone nearby with you so you can receive aid if something happens to you. It’s helpful if they can perform CPR! No! Yes!
29. Make sure to disconnect the leads before replacing the batteries in the meter. If you leave the leads connected, there is still current in the circuit. You don’t want to expose yourself to it by touching the multimeter and the batteries! That would be quite shocking…
30. Now you know all about how to use a multimeter and how to be safe doing so! Your new best friend Awesome job! You just graduated from Multimeters-101!
