0
When using a multimeter always start on the highest scale when measuring voltage?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
It is always good practise to set any instrument to its highest scale when taking an initial reading, until you have established the value of the quantity being measured. Once this has been determined, the instrument can then be set to a lower scale to ensure, in the case of analogue instruments, the greatest deflection. This is because the accuracy of an instrument is greatest towards the upper end of its scale.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoActually it applies to any ranges especial current ranges so the meter does not get abused to destruction
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoYes, when using a multimeter always start on the highest scale when measuring voltage.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoyes always start at the highest possible voltage and work your way down. This reduces the chance of you frying your tester.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoYes, unless you have a good idea, a priori, of the expected voltage. This way, you won't damage the voltmeter.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Why is the voltage reading always a minus figure when using a digital multimeter to measure the DC voltage from the output jacks of a cassette deck?
I would imagine that reversing the leads would rectify that. (No pun intended.)
How do you measure voltage?
Voltage can be measured using the difference between the potentiel between two ends of wire or by using a volt-meter. You can easily measure volt by volt or multimeter but remember voltage always measure across the components but in parallel
If you attempted to read the voltage across a car battery with the multimeter accidentally in ammeter mode?
A multimeter when used on voltage, has a very high resistance/impedance to limit the current flowing through it. However when you set it to read current, it has a very small resistance to encourage the current to flow through the metre so can be measured. So ig you put a multimeter across a voltage source (in parrallel) when its set to current, you will normally destroy the metre. Although more expensive metres will have a fuse to protect the instrument should this occur. Hope this helps Always switch back, should you do this on the mains, you can quite easily set the metre on fire!! CB Eng
How do you determine capacitor's condition using multimeter for small capacitance?
You can use a multimeter to check the condition of a capacitor by using its highest range for measuring resistance. That range applies the highest voltage - often 9 volts - to the capacitor.If the capacitor is of a polarized type - such as electrolytic - you must be sure to apply the multimeter's test leads to it the correct way round so as to apply the voltage in the right direction so that the capacitor can charge-up.If the capacitor is shorted internally the multimeter will always show a low resistance.If the capacitor is not shorted internally and is in good condition you will see a low resistance at first but, as it charges-up from the applied voltage, you should see the resistance rise in a steady manner until it registers near to infinity.If the capacitor is failing the resistance will stay fairly low because the charge will not be held. If the capacitor is in good condition the charge should be held for several hours and the capacitor can be discharged (by shorting its wires) and then recharged repeatedly.Warning Never ever try to test a capacitor whilst it is still connected into a circuit because: * it must always be discharged safely before you try to test it because you could receive a bad electrical shock if the capacitor is still holding a charge from being in-circuit. Wear rubber gloves on both hands and short its leads away from your eyes because, if it was holding a high voltage charge, there may be a big spark!* other circuit components may get damaged, especially if they are semiconductors;* other circuit components may prevent the capacitor from being charged-up.
How do you calibrate a analog multimeter?
BASIC MULTIMIETER OPERATION BASIC MULTIMETER INFORMATIONMultimeter is a measuring instrument. It can be used to measure voltage, current and resistance. An analog meter moves a needle along a scale. The function of the meter can be changed by switching the dial. Most modern multimeters are digital. Similar to analog ones, digital multimeter has a dial to select its function. However, instead of having to interpret the reading of an analog scale, the data is shown directly in digital format on the LCD display. BASIC MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES 1. Before using the multimeter, estimate the value you will measure, make sure it is within the range that the multimeter can measure or withstand. NEVER USE THE METER BEYOND ITS CAPABILTY. 2. Choose to the function you want to use by switching the dial. Turn on the power. 3. When measuring voltage, connect the BLACK probe (COM) to the ground (0V), and the RED probe to the node you want to check. When measuring resistor, first make sure the resistor is not connected to any other component or power supply, then connect the probes to the two ends of the resistor. 4. Two alligator clips can be used with probes. For your safety, alligator clips MUST be used when measuring any voltage more than 36V. They can also be used to free your hands by clipping the probes onto the circuit. Put the alligator clips back in the box after each use. 5. Read the data on the display, remember the units. 6. Turn off the power when you are done. MULTIMETER TROUBLESHOOTING 1. Is the BLACK probe in the COM plug? 2. Is the RED probe in the correct plug? 3. Is the function dial turned to the correct position? 4. Is the power of the multimeter on? *** WORD OF CAUTION AND DISCLAIMER*** ALWAYS USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN USING ANY TYPE OF METER.OR WORKING WITH ELECTRICITY. NEVER-NEVER-NEVER HOLD THE METER WHILE TESTING IN CASE OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK- PLACE THE METER DOWN ON SOMETHING THAT IS NON-CONDUCTIVE, AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE GROUNDED PROPERLY. NEVER DO ANY ELECTRICAL TESTING WITHOUT PROPER FOOTWEAR OR INCLEMENT WEATHER. *** IF YOU ARE EVER IN DOUBT OF WHAT TO DO, CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN.
Why does your multimeter keep blowing its fuse?
always have multimeter on the highest setting and always Disconnect it from the CIRCUIT BEFORE switching from one measurement to another.
Why is the voltage reading always a minus figure when using a digital multimeter to measure the DC voltage from the output jacks of a cassette deck?
I would imagine that reversing the leads would rectify that. (No pun intended.)
Does a digital multimeter have a built-in voltage standard?
No, a digital multimeter, in most cases, does not have a built-in voltage standard which is why, if you are using it for calibrated work, it needs to be calibrated professionally. I am a Field Service Engineer and have been in the electronics field for about 30 years and I've always used calibrated multimeters (usually calibrated by an outside source).
What green wire is positive and what green wire is negative?
Normally a green wire is never used as a positive connection. It is almost always a ground or negative wire. Take a multimeter and check both wires. Set the multimeter to the DC voltage setting and check each wire. If one of them has voltage it will show up. Now set the multimeter to ohms and check the other wire. If it is a ground wire you will see the meter register.
Why do you flip the switch in the circuit breaker?
You flip the switch to turn power off to the selected circuit, always verify that there is no voltage with a multimeter I >>STRONGLY<< discourage using only a voltage finder stick (widow maker) to check for no voltage as is has the widow maker nickname for a reason!
How do you measure voltage?
Voltage can be measured using the difference between the potentiel between two ends of wire or by using a volt-meter. You can easily measure volt by volt or multimeter but remember voltage always measure across the components but in parallel
If you attempted to read the voltage across a car battery with the multimeter accidentally in ammeter mode?
A multimeter when used on voltage, has a very high resistance/impedance to limit the current flowing through it. However when you set it to read current, it has a very small resistance to encourage the current to flow through the metre so can be measured. So ig you put a multimeter across a voltage source (in parrallel) when its set to current, you will normally destroy the metre. Although more expensive metres will have a fuse to protect the instrument should this occur. Hope this helps Always switch back, should you do this on the mains, you can quite easily set the metre on fire!! CB Eng
How do you determine capacitor's condition using multimeter for small capacitance?
You can use a multimeter to check the condition of a capacitor by using its highest range for measuring resistance. That range applies the highest voltage - often 9 volts - to the capacitor.If the capacitor is of a polarized type - such as electrolytic - you must be sure to apply the multimeter's test leads to it the correct way round so as to apply the voltage in the right direction so that the capacitor can charge-up.If the capacitor is shorted internally the multimeter will always show a low resistance.If the capacitor is not shorted internally and is in good condition you will see a low resistance at first but, as it charges-up from the applied voltage, you should see the resistance rise in a steady manner until it registers near to infinity.If the capacitor is failing the resistance will stay fairly low because the charge will not be held. If the capacitor is in good condition the charge should be held for several hours and the capacitor can be discharged (by shorting its wires) and then recharged repeatedly.Warning Never ever try to test a capacitor whilst it is still connected into a circuit because: * it must always be discharged safely before you try to test it because you could receive a bad electrical shock if the capacitor is still holding a charge from being in-circuit. Wear rubber gloves on both hands and short its leads away from your eyes because, if it was holding a high voltage charge, there may be a big spark!* other circuit components may get damaged, especially if they are semiconductors;* other circuit components may prevent the capacitor from being charged-up.
How do you calibrate a analog multimeter?
BASIC MULTIMIETER OPERATION BASIC MULTIMETER INFORMATIONMultimeter is a measuring instrument. It can be used to measure voltage, current and resistance. An analog meter moves a needle along a scale. The function of the meter can be changed by switching the dial. Most modern multimeters are digital. Similar to analog ones, digital multimeter has a dial to select its function. However, instead of having to interpret the reading of an analog scale, the data is shown directly in digital format on the LCD display. BASIC MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES 1. Before using the multimeter, estimate the value you will measure, make sure it is within the range that the multimeter can measure or withstand. NEVER USE THE METER BEYOND ITS CAPABILTY. 2. Choose to the function you want to use by switching the dial. Turn on the power. 3. When measuring voltage, connect the BLACK probe (COM) to the ground (0V), and the RED probe to the node you want to check. When measuring resistor, first make sure the resistor is not connected to any other component or power supply, then connect the probes to the two ends of the resistor. 4. Two alligator clips can be used with probes. For your safety, alligator clips MUST be used when measuring any voltage more than 36V. They can also be used to free your hands by clipping the probes onto the circuit. Put the alligator clips back in the box after each use. 5. Read the data on the display, remember the units. 6. Turn off the power when you are done. MULTIMETER TROUBLESHOOTING 1. Is the BLACK probe in the COM plug? 2. Is the RED probe in the correct plug? 3. Is the function dial turned to the correct position? 4. Is the power of the multimeter on? *** WORD OF CAUTION AND DISCLAIMER*** ALWAYS USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN USING ANY TYPE OF METER.OR WORKING WITH ELECTRICITY. NEVER-NEVER-NEVER HOLD THE METER WHILE TESTING IN CASE OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK- PLACE THE METER DOWN ON SOMETHING THAT IS NON-CONDUCTIVE, AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE GROUNDED PROPERLY. NEVER DO ANY ELECTRICAL TESTING WITHOUT PROPER FOOTWEAR OR INCLEMENT WEATHER. *** IF YOU ARE EVER IN DOUBT OF WHAT TO DO, CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN.
How do you use an analog multi tester?
BASIC MULTIMIETER OPERATION BASIC MULTIMETER INFORMATIONMultimeter is a measuring instrument. It can be used to measure voltage, current and resistance. An analog meter moves a needle along a scale. The function of the meter can be changed by switching the dial. Most modern multimeters are digital. Similar to analog ones, digital multimeter has a dial to select its function. However, instead of having to interpret the reading of an analog scale, the data is shown directly in digital format on the LCD display. BASIC MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES 1. Before using the multimeter, estimate the value you will measure, make sure it is within the range that the multimeter can measure or withstand. NEVER USE THE METER BEYOND ITS CAPABILTY. 2. Choose to the function you want to use by switching the dial. Turn on the power. 3. When measuring voltage, connect the BLACK probe (COM) to the ground (0V), and the RED probe to the node you want to check. When measuring resistor, first make sure the resistor is not connected to any other component or power supply, then connect the probes to the two ends of the resistor. 4. Two alligator clips can be used with probes. For your safety, alligator clips MUST be used when measuring any voltage more than 36V. They can also be used to free your hands by clipping the probes onto the circuit. Put the alligator clips back in the box after each use. 5. Read the data on the display, remember the units. 6. Turn off the power when you are done. MULTIMETER TROUBLESHOOTING 1. Is the BLACK probe in the COM plug? 2. Is the RED probe in the correct plug? 3. Is the function dial turned to the correct position? 4. Is the power of the multimeter on? *** WORD OF CAUTION AND DISCLAIMER*** ALWAYS USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN USING ANY TYPE OF METER.OR WORKING WITH ELECTRICITY. NEVER-NEVER-NEVER HOLD THE METER WHILE TESTING IN CASE OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK- PLACE THE METER DOWN ON SOMETHING THAT IS NON-CONDUCTIVE, AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE GROUNDED PROPERLY. NEVER DO ANY ELECTRICAL TESTING WITHOUT PROPER FOOTWEAR OR INCLEMENT WEATHER. *** IF YOU ARE EVER IN DOUBT OF WHAT TO DO, CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN.
What color is hotwire in a typical 12 volt circuit?
Normally it is Red but not 100% of the time. Always check with a multimeter.
Is measuring a solid always possible?
My Dick
