DVOM Basics (Digital Volt Ohm Meter)

Summary

In this tech video, viewers are introduced to the fundamentals of car electrical systems using a digital volt-ohmmeter. The tutorial covers the three key terms: voltage (pressure), current (amperage), and resistance (ohms). Demonstrations include measuring voltage across a battery and a headlight circuit, testing resistance with a light bulb, and checking current flow in a light circuit. The video aims to make viewers proficient in using a DVOM for diagnosing car electrical issues.

Takeaways

• 🔌 To work on a car, understanding the basics of electricity is crucial, including voltage, current (amperage), and resistance (ohms).
• 💡 Voltage is like water pressure; it's the electro-motive force that a charged battery provides, typically around 12.6 volts in a car.
• 💧 Current, or amperage, represents the flow of electricity doing work, similar to water flowing through a pipe.
• ⚙️ Resistance (ohms) is the opposition to the flow of current, like a water wheel or a light bulb that does work when electricity passes through it.
• 🛠️ A digital volt-ohmmeter (DVOM) is a handy tool for measuring these three electrical properties in a vehicle's electrical system.
• 🔋 To measure voltage, you can connect the DVOM across the battery or within a circuit, such as from the battery to a headlight.
• 🔍 To check resistance, use the ohms setting on the DVOM and connect it across a component, like a light bulb, to measure its resistance value.
• 🔌 When measuring amperage, it's important to shunt the meter to protect it from high currents, which involves opening the circuit and connecting the meter in series.
• 🔦 The DVOM can be used to diagnose electrical issues in a car, such as finding the cause of a malfunctioning fuel pump or headlight.
• 👨‍🏫 The video emphasizes the importance of hands-on practice with a DVOM to become proficient in automotive electrical troubleshooting.
• 📢 The video also encourages viewers to follow the channel on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook for more content.

Q & A

What are the three basic terms of electricity discussed in the video?

The three basic terms of electricity discussed in the video are voltage, current (also known as amperage), and resistance (measured in ohms).

How is voltage compared to water pressure in the video?

Voltage is compared to water pressure by illustrating that, like water, it is a form of pressure or force. The battery is described as a pressure maker, and the voltage is represented by the pressure in the water jug.

What is the typical voltage of a car battery when fully charged?

The typical voltage of a car battery when fully charged is about twelve point six volts.

What does the term 'amperage' refer to in the context of the video?

In the video, 'amperage' refers to the flow of electric current, which is the amount of electric charge passing through a conductor per unit of time.

How is resistance demonstrated in the video using a water wheel analogy?

Resistance is demonstrated using a water wheel analogy where the water wheel represents a device that does work against the flow of electricity, similar to how a fuel pump or wiper motor would in a car.

What is the purpose of using a digital volt ohmmeter (DVOM) in car repair?

A digital volt ohmmeter (DVOM) is used in car repair to measure voltage, current, and resistance, which helps diagnose electrical issues and ensures the proper functioning of the vehicle's electrical system.

How does the video explain the process of measuring voltage with a DVOM?

The video explains that to measure voltage with a DVOM, one can either connect it across the battery terminals or connect it across a specific circuit, such as a headlight, to check the voltage at that point.

What is the significance of measuring ohms of resistance in car electrical systems?

Measuring ohms of resistance is significant because it helps identify faulty components that may have increased resistance, which can prevent the proper flow of electricity and cause the device not to function.

Why is it important to shunt the meter when measuring amperage in the video?

It is important to shunt the meter when measuring amperage to protect the meter from potential damage. Shunting redirects some of the current away from the meter to prevent overloading it, especially since the meter is fused.

How does the video demonstrate measuring amperage with a DVOM?

The video demonstrates measuring amperage by first shunting the meter, then disconnecting the light bulb to open the circuit, and finally connecting the meter across the open circuit to measure the current flowing through the light bulb.

What is the final advice given in the video regarding using a DVOM for car electrical troubleshooting?

The final advice given in the video is to become proficient with using a DVOM to diagnose and fix electrical issues in cars, and to follow the channel on social media for more information.