How to Measure Voltage with a Multimeter

Summary

This tutorial demonstrates how to measure DC voltage using a multimeter. Start by setting the multimeter to a DC voltage setting, beginning with 20V for small circuits. Connect the probes in parallel to the circuit, with the black probe in the COM port and the red in the V port. Observe the voltage reading, which will be positive or negative depending on the probe orientation. The video also offers more comprehensive guides on measuring current and resistance in the description for further learning.

Takeaways

• 🔌 To measure DC voltage, connect the black probe to the 'COM' port and the red probe to the 'V' port on the multimeter.
• 🔄 Ensure the multimeter is turned on and set to a DC voltage setting, indicated by 'V' with a straight and dashed line.
• ⚡ For small battery-powered circuits, starting with a 20-volt setting is recommended for initial measurement.
• 🔍 Connect the probes in parallel to the component you wish to measure, such as touching both legs of an LED.
• 📈 You will receive a voltage reading; in the example given, it's approximately 2 volts.
• ⚠️ Reversing the probe connections will result in a negative voltage reading.
• 📚 For a comprehensive tutorial on using a multimeter, additional resources are available.
• 🎓 The tutorial covers not only voltage but also how to measure current and resistance.
• 👨‍🏫 The description of the video provides links to a full-length multimeter tutorial and other educational content.
• 🔬 Understanding how to properly use a multimeter is crucial for accurately measuring electrical properties.
• 🔧 The script serves as a quick guide for beginners to start measuring DC voltage with a multimeter.

Q & A

What is the first step in measuring DC voltage with a multimeter?

The first step is to plug the black probe into the port labeled 'COM' and the red probe into the port labeled 'V'.

How do you turn on the multimeter and set it to measure DC voltage?

Turn the multimeter on and adjust the dial to one of the DC voltage settings, which is indicated by a 'V' with a straight and dashed line next to it.

Why is 20 volts a good starting point for measuring small battery-powered circuits?

20 volts is a good starting point because it is a common voltage range for small battery-powered circuits, allowing you to measure without risking damage to the multimeter or the circuit.

What does it mean if you get a negative voltage reading when measuring DC voltage?

A negative voltage reading indicates that the probes have been reversed. The red probe should be connected to the positive side, and the black probe to the negative side of the circuit.

How should you connect the multimeter probes to measure the voltage across an LED?

You should connect the probes in parallel to the part you want to measure, touching one probe to each leg of the LED.

What is the expected voltage reading when measuring a typical LED in the script?

The expected voltage reading is about 2 volts when the probes are connected correctly to the LED.

What additional resources are available for learning how to use a multimeter?

For a full-length multimeter tutorial and other short videos about measuring current and resistance, you can check out the description of the video.

Why is it important to connect the probes in parallel when measuring voltage?

Connecting the probes in parallel ensures that you are measuring the voltage across the component without altering the circuit's operation.

What could happen if you measure voltage with the probes reversed?

If the probes are reversed, you will get an incorrect reading, showing a negative voltage instead of the actual positive voltage present in the circuit.

How does the multimeter's dial setting affect the measurement of DC voltage?

The dial setting determines the range of voltage the multimeter can measure. It's important to select the appropriate DC voltage setting to ensure accurate readings and prevent damage to the multimeter.

What does the symbol with a 'V' and a straight and dashed line represent on the multimeter dial?

The symbol with a 'V' and a straight and dashed line represents the DC voltage settings on the multimeter dial.

What should you do if you want to measure a different type of electrical quantity besides voltage?

If you want to measure a different electrical quantity such as current or resistance, you would need to adjust the multimeter's dial to the appropriate setting for that measurement.