Using a Multimeter


A multimeter is a really useful tool to have if an electrical appliance stops working, it’s your first port of call to determine what’s wrong. Here we’re going to give a little bit of background as to just what this tool is and how it can help you troubleshoot problems with your home appliances.

Long ago, just finding a multimeter would have been hard, but nowadays they’re widely available for just a few pounds. Also referred to as multitesters, multimeters are ideal for those homeowners who have basic knowledge of electrical systems, but if you’re new to the world of all things electrical, they may seem complicated, but in reality they’re not that hard to understand. With a multimeter to hand, you can soon learn the basics and be ready to start carrying out your own electrical testing.

Types of Multimeters

multimeter
Analogue multimeter

There are primarily two types of these gadgets out there. Analogue multimeters and digital multimeters. The analogue multimeter has been around for longer, and it’s by far the more affordable option. Digital multimeters are newer to the market, although they’ve still been around for as long as most electricians working today will remember. They offer more precise readings, enhanced functions and a feature to detect both AC or DC power, so they’re by far the better option if you’re willing to spend a few extra pounds.

What are The Uses of Multimeters?

The main functions of both analogue and digital multimeter are to measure voltage, current, and resistance. You can use a multimeter to test household appliances, but they are limited to low voltage circuits, so you must be careful and only test appliances in a manner that is safe. To avoid blowing the fuse or damaging the multimeter it’s advisable to only test the type of circuits the manufacturer specifies. Other things a multimeter can test include, battery charge levels, fuse function, damage to cables, and the conductivity of a system.

Measuring Voltage

If you’re looking to measure AC and DC voltage, the multimeter is the ideal tool for the task. It is ideal for determining short circuits or if a rechargeable battery is holding any power. The process of testing voltage is not hard, it’s simply a case of adjusting the multimeter to be higher than the voltage that you are testing and connecting the test leads to the corresponding terminals on the battery or circuit. It’s quite simple to get readings from the tool.

As is the case with all things electrical, you should be careful using a multimeter, and if at any point your’re not sure what you’re doing, or that what you are doing is safe, it is best that you get a professional or someone with more electrical experience to help you.

 

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