Using a Multimeter

A multimeter combines the functionality of measuring current, potential difference (voltage) between two points and resistance into a single instrument. I will outline some basic steps to using a multimeter to test for various things and then provide some useful URLs which provide visual aids and more detailed information.

How to test for voltage:

1. Select either AC volts or DC volts on your meter. Set the meter to the appropriate range for the voltage you expect to find (unless your meter has “auto range”). If you are unaware of the voltage, select the highest range and work down.
2. Touch the negative probe to a known grounding point and touch the positive lead to the wire you’re testing.
3. View the reading on the display.

How to test for continuity:

1. Turn off power to the circuit.
2. Select “resistance” on your multimeter.
3. Touch the probe tips across the component or portion of the circuit for which you want to determine continuity.
4. Read the meter. If it reads low you have continuity, if it is “infinity” there is no continuity.

How to test for resistance:

1. Turn off power to the circuit. A resistance test must be performed with the circuit power off.
2. Select “ohms” on your multimeter.
3. Touch the probe tips across the component portion of the circuit you want to measure for resistance.
4. Read the meter. Make sure you are reading the unit of measurement properly on the display.

For more information I would suggest you review the following URLs. As previously mentioned these will also provide a visual aid and more in-depth information.

http://www.doctronics.co.uk/meter.htm
http://blip.tv/file/138422 (video)

Enjoy,
Josh Diakun
http://www.joshd.ca