THE BEST Multimeter tutorial (HD)

Summary

This video explains how to use a multimeter to measure voltage, current, resistance, and continuity. It covers how to select a multimeter based on features, including the importance of having a digital display and automatic ranging. The tutorial walks through measuring DC and AC voltages, resistance, and continuity, with tips on avoiding common mistakes. It also demonstrates how to measure current by connecting the multimeter in series with a circuit. The video emphasizes safety, accuracy, and practical applications, making it a great guide for beginners looking to work with electrical circuits.

Takeaways

• 😀 Multimeters are widely available in stores like Radio Shack, Sears, Walmart, Amazon, and eBay.
• 😀 When choosing a multimeter, ensure it can measure voltage, current, resistance, and continuity, with additional functions like capacitance and temperature if possible.
• 😀 Accuracy of +/- 2% is typically sufficient for most applications, and even inexpensive multimeters can offer this level of precision.
• 😀 Choose a multimeter with a digital display and automatic ranging features for ease of use.
• 😀 A basic multimeter costing around $50 is ideal for most users, offering a variety of essential features.
• 😀 To measure DC voltage, ensure the black lead is in the 'COM' jack, and the red lead is in the 'Volts' jack.
• 😀 Always be cautious when measuring voltage to avoid shorting out the circuit with the metal probes.
• 😀 When measuring AC voltage, switch the multimeter to the AC setting and touch the probes to the voltage source.
• 😀 Resistance can be measured by placing the red lead in the 'ohms' jack and setting the dial to the resistance function.
• 😀 Continuity mode helps you check if there is a complete connection between two points in a circuit, with the multimeter beeping when continuity is detected.
• 😀 Measuring current requires connecting the multimeter in series with the circuit, as the current flows through the multimeter for an accurate reading.

Q & A

Where can I buy a multimeter?

Multimeters are widely available at stores like RadioShack, Sears, Walmart, and through online platforms like Amazon and eBay.

What features should I look for when buying a multimeter?

Ensure that the multimeter can measure voltage, current, resistance, and continuity. If possible, find one that also measures capacitance and temperature. Accuracy of +/- 2% is typically sufficient for most tasks.

What is the importance of automatic ranging in a multimeter?

Automatic ranging saves time and reduces the chance of mistakes by adjusting the measurement range automatically for each test. It’s much easier than manually selecting the range.

Can I use an analog multimeter instead of a digital one?

It's better to use a digital multimeter as it provides more accurate and clear readings. Analog multimeters, while functional, are harder to read and prone to errors.

How do I measure DC voltage with a multimeter?

To measure DC voltage, place the black probe in the 'COM' jack and the red probe in the 'Voltage' jack. Set the dial to DC voltage, and touch the probes to the positive and negative terminals of the device.

What should I do if I reverse the probes while measuring DC voltage?

If you reverse the probes, the multimeter will display a negative reading, which is an easy way to determine the polarity of the voltage.

How do I measure AC voltage with a multimeter?

Set the multimeter to AC voltage (indicated by a 'V' with a tilde symbol), and then place the probes on the AC source to measure the voltage.

Can I measure resistance in a live circuit?

No, measuring resistance in a live circuit will not work. You need to disconnect the component from the circuit to measure its resistance accurately.

What does the continuity setting on a multimeter do?

The continuity setting checks if there is a complete connection between two points in a circuit. If the circuit is complete, the multimeter will beep, indicating zero resistance.

How do I measure current with a multimeter?

To measure current, set the multimeter to the Ampere setting, break the circuit, and connect the multimeter in series with the circuit. This will allow the multimeter to measure the flow of current.