Use a volt meter11/8/2023 Also known as the “COM” port, the “-“ port is for connecting the black probe to the meter. The ports allow you to plug in the probes in the multimeter. You can connect the red probe to one of the other remaining ports based on the measurement you want to take. You should always connect the black probe to the COM port. One of the probes is red while the other one is black. You’ll find two probes on your multimeter. Discussed below are the four essential sections you’ll find in multimeters. The best one for you will depend on your budget and what you intend to do. Most of them are affordable and useful in measuring the most important values in a circuit (resistance, current, and voltage). Multimeters come with different accuracy levels and functionalities. The DC is widely used in small electronics such as laptops, phones, tablets among many more. DC does not change direction and only travels from negatively charged to positively charged. The AC is for alternative current and DC is direct current.Īlternative current periodically reverses direction and is mainly used in appliances in houses and anything you can plug into the wall. There are two current used to run machines. The first thing to learn before using a multimeter is to understand the current. It can help you know the power left on your batteries. It also comes in handy when determining the amount of current flowing in a circuit. You can use a multimeter to check if the switch is on or if the conducting wire in a circuit is broken. A multimeter gives you useful insights into how your circuits are working. The features include an ammeter, an ohmmeter, and a voltmeter. This tutorial explains how to test LED's with a digital multimeter.Īnd, for a deeper dive, try this tutorial on measuring resistance with a DMM.As a measurement tool, a multimeter is necessary for electronics since it is a combination of three essential features. Here we explain how to locate a buried cable fault with a digital multimeter. If no reading is displayed you may have a blown fuse or the circuit breaker may be tripped.Ī digital multimeter is an extremely useful tool to have around the house, here are some tutorials covering other things you can do with one: This section of the electrical outlet is the ground and you will soon see a voltage reading. Then, it’s time to remove the black lead from the slot and insert it into the oval slot. If this does not help you may have an electrical problem with your outlet. If your multimeter continues to show 0.0 you may have a bad connection, try wiggling the leads for better contact. This all depends on the power levels the utility companies are supplying. Typically, you should receive a reading between 110 and 120 VAC. Now it will be time to check to see what reading you are receiving. The black lead will be inserted into the left vertical slot of the wall outlet. Now it’s time to insert the red lead into the vertical slot of the wall outlet, make sure to insert it into the slot located on the right. Once this is set, you are ready to begin testing. Each multimeter is different which means yours may read 0.0 VAC, VAC, or only 0.0. So make sure the digital multimeter is in this setting. As mentioned above, you will be using the “VAC” or volts option on the multimeter. Note – The red lead may have a red ring around the connector and the black lead may have a black ring. Next, you will need to connect the black lead, this is done by connecting it to the “com” label. The first step when testing an electrical outlet is to locate the multimeter’s connector labeled “volts” and insert the red lead into it. Testing an Electrical Outlet Using a Digital Multimeter Finally, examine the readout on your meter, this should show your household voltage.Then, carefully insert the black probe into the left slot of the outlet.Next, insert the red probe into the right slot of the outlet.After that, connect the probes to the proper inputs: COM for the black lead and Volts for the red lead.Note: the maximum voltage for each set, household current is approximately 120 volts, set the dial accordingly. Then, set the dial to AC Voltage or VAC.(Need a new one? Check out our multimeters) Here’s how to check your electrical outlet using a digital multimeter: If you want to know more about AC and DC power, this article is a must-read, The War of the Currents: AC vs. Testing an electrical outlet using a digital multimeter in your home, you will need to use the VAC reading available on the device because you are looking for a measurement of Alternating Current Voltage. A digital multimeter gives automatic, quick readings that display VAC (volts alternating currents), VDC (volts direct current), and ohms. These diagnostic steps are used to help locate electrical problems in a number of different sources.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |