Why You Should Buy Your Digital Multimeter From HandyMeter...

Digital Multimeter

Multimeter devices used to be popular with electronics professionals only.  These days most handymen and DIY enthusiasts have multimeters (also known as multitesters) since they are extremely useful tools for testing circuits, batteries and all manner of electrical equipment.  There are two types of multimeters – digital multimeters and analogue meters.  The former multimeters have digital readouts where test readings are shown in numbers whereas analogue multimeters show a reading by a needle on a scale.

A multimeter comprises three measurement devices in one electrical testing tool. A multimeter is used for testing electrical devices and circuits.  Multimeters are extremely useful pieces of kit to own whether you are into DIY around the home and garden or if you are repairing a car. The multiple meters that a multimeter comprises are a voltmeter, an ammeter and an ohmmeter.   A voltmeter measures electrical potential in volts of a device while an ammeter measures the amount of electric current passing through a device (current is measured in amps).  Furthermore a multimeter is an ohmmeter which measures the electrical resistance of a device – electrical resistance being measured in ohms.

Since a multimeter is a testing tool for diagnosing and fixing faults it needs to be sturdy but it also needs to be easy to operate as a handyman, electrician or professional builder wants to be able to concentrate on the task at hand rather than worrying about the performance of his device or wondering how it works.  Ideally a meter should have a large digital readout which makes it easy to take readings when carrying out multiple tests.

A large dial, known as the function switch or selector is located under the digital display of a modern multimeter.  The function selector allows the user to alter the mode which the multimeter operates in.  This is the dial by which the user can tell the meter to operate as an ohmmeter, an ammeter or a voltmeter therefore enabling measurement of resistance, current and electrical potential respectively.  When choosing a digital multimeter you need to be sure that the function dial is easy to understand and operate because you will be using it every time you use your multimeter to perform a test.  

Some meters have eight  function positions comprising three V (voltage) ranges measuring Alternating Current (AC), Direct Current (DC) and low voltage currents (measured on a millivolt range).  Often there are two positions marked A~ and A= with the former measuring AC current in amps and the A= measuring DC current in amps. Ohms are a measure of resistance and the ohmmeter function is indicated by a Ω symbol on the function selector.

Having turned on the digital meter, if one wants to measure voltage one needs to turn the function switch to V= to measure DC volts.  Connect the red and black test leads to the digital multimeter connecting the red lead to the red input VΩ and connecting the black lead to the COM terminal (the common terminal).  Once your meter is set up in this way it is possible to measure volts by putting the red lead on the terminal with the higher potential and placing the black lead onto the terminal with the lower potential.

The measurement of amps requires a slightly different set up of the meter.  The function switch must be switched to the A= position.  The black lead needs to be connected to the COM terminal.  The red lead must be connected to the 300mA terminal.  Then the meter must be connected in series to the device that is being measured.  Remember that the readout will show milliamps because the 300mA terminal is being used.

The measurement of resistance of a circuit in Ohms is another feature of a multitester.  Firstly it is necessary to disconnect all the wiring and power sources from the device being measured.  The function dial should be turned to the Ω position.  The red lead should be connected to the terminal shown as VΩ and the black terminal should be connected to the COM terminal.

These are a number of basic tests one can undertake with a multimeter including to find out why a light or switch around the house does not work by testing the continuity of the electrical circuits.  It is also possible to use a multimeter to test whether a motor is working by holding the test probes of the multimeter on each of the poles of the motor.  A zero reading on the readout of a digital multimeter indicates continuity because the current is passing through the motor and it is therefore in working order.  Of course one of the most useful tests is to use a multimeter to test a battery on the DC range of the meter to establish whether a battery is dead or at full charge.

Multimeters

One of the most useful electronic measuring instruments is the multimeter. It is also known as a multitester as unlike other measuring instruments it’s quite unique in its own way as it combines several units of measurement into one instrument. A multimeter also comes in handy when one has many measurements to perform and one doesn’t want to keep changing instruments.

A multimeter is a very useful apparatus as it has a multi-position switch and by operating it, it can quickly and easily be set to be an Ohmmeter, a voltmeter or an ammeter. These are very important if one needs to measure resistance, voltage and current respectively. This ensures one will only purchase one multimeter and not three meters.

Another major advantage of a multimeter, in addition to it performing multiple functions, is that it is a hand held device. One can carry a digital multimeter anywhere and can be used when one is in the field. A digital multimeter plays a definite task, as it’s useful for basic fault-finding and trouble shooting most electrical problems in industries, motors controls, for most household appliances, power supplies, wiring equipments and domestic devices.

Multimeters can also measure, voltage and resistance to a very high degree of accuracy and a multitester (as they are also known) can be used either on a bench or in the hand. They have several settings for each type of multimeter, which are Ohmmeter, a voltmeter or an ammeter. In addition, for each type of meter comes the choice of DC or AC. This ensures one can be able to accurately measure it whether its alternating current or direct current and can be able to switch them respectively.

There are two main types of multimeter; an analog multimeter and a digital multimeter. A digital multimeter is the best choice for a novice as they are easy to use. A digital multimeter also contains an internal battery that is used to power the display so they virtually use no or little power from the circuit being tested. A digital multimeter is probably the best kind of multimeter to get for regular testing around the house.  The beauty of a digital multimeter is that there is very little to do by way of set up and a digital multimeter gives you high levels of accuracy right out of the box.  The main reason to choose a digital multimeter is for convenience of being able to quickly see the reading on the digital screen.  If you want your digital multimeter to have some physical protection then look out for a multimeter which has a rubberised holster.  Not only will a digital multimeter with a hoster be better protected against knocks, the arm on the back of the hoster will prop your digital multimeter up which is ideal when testing items with your digital multimeter. 

On the other hand analog multimeters are a bit complex to use as they are based on a micrometer whose pointer moves up and down on the scale but offer the same result as the digital ones. Plus analogue multimeters use little power from the circuit under test to move their pointer. These multimeters also have internal batteries that provide power for the resistance ranges.

In addition, most multimeters are available in a wide range of features and prices. Digital multimeters are the most preferred as even the cheapest one can be suitable for testing simple projects. For an analog multimeter, one is advised to make sure it has a high sensitivity. The sensitivity of an analogue multimeter is ideally around 20 k /V or higher on DC voltage range but for AC ranges it’s not a must. This is because anything less is not suitable for electronics. Some multimeters also contain additional components such as ranges for measuring frequency and capacitance while others also perform the function of transistor testing and Diode testing.

In conclusion, a multimeter is the best choice for all your measuring work. This is not only because a multimeter performs functions required for three testing meters but also because it is possible to buy a multimeter at a very reasonable price and will fit in your pocket making it an ideal tool for all householders.   

Using a Multimeter

What is a multimeter used for? Well, multimeters are usually seen in the hands of electricians, they use them for testing voltage of circuits that are to be operated and to locate errors within a circuit. A person can save himself from an electric shock by using a multi-meter for checking circuits to locate the problematic part. This useful tool isn't just for pro electricians, as there are simple models that can be used by common people. Commercially available multimeters are present in both digital and analog types, and you can use any of the two with ease.

How to use a multimeter

A digital multimeter has two probes, one of them is red colored, while the other one is black, both of them are connected to the front of a meter. The black probe is plugged into the COM slot on the digital multimeter, and the red one is connected into the mAV slot. On top of both slots there is a dial that is used to adjust various settings of the device. Changing settings is required to perform various electrical tests. A digital multimeter has got a digital dial or display, while an analogue multimeter displays all results and settings on top of an analogue dial. A digital multimeter is usually considered more accurate as it will display exact results, while analogue dials are difficult to read and to know exact readings in fractions. Both leads have got probes at their ends, and they are used for connecting to different parts of the circuit for being tested.

Checking Voltage of Simple Circuits

A multimeter can be used to check voltage.  In order to test the voltage in simple circuits, one should locate ground wires and the power wires of the component that needs to be tested. Black probe of the multimeter is connected with ground or negatively powered wire, while the red one needs to be connected with positive or power cable. You will need to set up a digital multimeter correctly to initialize voltage checking. Voltage settings should be more than the voltage that is being produced in the circuit. There are a number of settings for different levels of voltage, if the circuit produces more voltage than the meter's settings, it shall display 1 on the screen. For instance, if the power of a 9V battery is tested and the device displays 1, it means that the volt setting is really less and it should be made more than 9V to take an accurate reading. Testing of battery can be done with the aid of a multimeter by connecting black probe with the –terminal and red one with +.

Using a Digital Multimeter to Measure Resistance

What is a multimeter used for, except measuring voltage? Well, multimeters also have the ability to measure resistance. Any person who knows about resistor color codes can check resistance of a resistor with a multimeter. There exist several settings for measuring resistance with a digital multimeter. Just like voltage, resistance can be checked when resistance setting is kept slightly above the one that needs to be measured. Resistance can easily be checked by connecting black and red colored probes with different legs of the resistor, and readings are displayed in Ohms. It is really important to keep a check on tolerance and other factors that can affect resistance readings when using your digital multimeter.

Using a Digital Multimeter to Measure Current

A digital multimeter can also used commonly for measuring current running through a circuit. Probes of the digital multimeter need to be connected in series, for this purpose you need to connect the multimeter by removing the positive wire and connecting the black probe with it and the red probe should be connected at the place of the positive wire. This helps in transferring current from power source into the device, and then into the circuit to giving a highly accurate measurement of current.

Other Specialised Functions of a Multimeter

There are a number of multimeters that can measure a lot more than the quantities mentioned above. Capacitance, conductance, duty cycles, inductance and temperature can be measured with a specialised digital multimeter. Apart from these measurements, a digital multimeter can also be used to measure other things such as light level, pH levels, speed of wind and even relative humidity, but to have these functions the device needs to be powered with special sensors. Overall a digital multimeter is an impressive piece of kit and it can perform several functions with an accuracy of ±0.01%. Every house hold should have a multimeter for measuring different things, and they are also helpful for students that are studying science and want to know what a digital multimeter is.