How to Use a MULTIMETER - Beginners Guide (Measuring Volts, resistance, continuity & Amps)

Summary

This video tutorial is designed for beginners to learn how to use a multimeter, a device for measuring electrical values like voltage, current, and resistance. It explains the basics of electricity, including the difference between DC and AC current, and guides viewers through using a multimeter to measure these values, resistance, and continuity. The instructor demonstrates practical applications, such as testing a car battery or an outlet, and emphasizes safety precautions. The video also offers advice on choosing a good multimeter, recommending auto-ranging models for ease of use, and suggests additional tools like alligator clips and jumper wires. It concludes with suggestions on where to purchase a multimeter and the importance of selecting a reputable brand.

Takeaways

• 🔌 A multimeter is a device used to measure electrical values such as voltage, current, and resistance in electronic devices.
• 🔋 Multimeters are useful for checking devices in cars and homes and are inexpensive yet informative once you learn to use them.
• ⚡ Electricity can be static or electric current, with the latter being measured by multimeters and divided into DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current).
• 🔧 Multimeters come in two types: manual range and auto range, with the latter being easier to use for beginners.
• 🔌 The multimeter has two leads, red and black, which connect to different jacks depending on the measurement being taken.
• 🔋 DC voltage is measured with the red lead in the volt jack and is used for devices powered by batteries.
• 🏠 AC voltage is measured similarly but requires selecting the correct range for the voltage in your region, such as 200V or 750V.
• 🔍 Resistance is measured by turning the dial to the resistance setting, and it's important to disconnect the device from any power source for accurate readings.
• 🔊 Continuity checks for a complete path for electricity to flow and can be used to test for breaks in wires or fuses.
• 💡 Current measurement requires the multimeter to be in series with the circuit, and it's crucial to start with the highest range to avoid damaging the device.
• 🛠️ Auto-ranging multimeters simplify the process by automatically selecting the appropriate range for the measurement being taken.

Q & A

What is a multimeter used for?

A multimeter is used to measure electrical values such as voltage, current, and resistance in electronic devices found in cars or houses.

What are the two types of electric current mentioned in the script?

The two types of electric current mentioned are DC (Direct Current) and AC (Alternative Current). DC current always flows in one direction, like in devices that run off a battery. AC current changes direction, like the current coming from wall outlets and used by most appliances.

What are the two types of multimeters discussed in the video?

The two types of multimeters discussed are manual range multimeters and auto range multimeters.

What are the standard components included with a multimeter?

Multimeters come with at least two leads, one red and one black. The black lead always goes to the common jack, and the red lead goes to the appropriate jack depending on the measurement being taken.

How do you measure DC voltage with a multimeter?

To measure DC voltage, set the multimeter to the DC voltage setting, connect the red lead to the positive terminal and the black lead to the negative terminal of the device being tested.

What is the significance of the polarity when measuring voltage with a multimeter?

Polarity is significant because if the leads are connected backwards, the multimeter will display a negative reading, indicating the current is flowing in the opposite direction.

How should you approach measuring an unknown voltage with a multimeter?

When measuring an unknown voltage, start from the highest number available on the multimeter and work your way down until you get an accurate reading.

What is the purpose of measuring resistance with a multimeter?

Measuring resistance with a multimeter helps determine the ease with which current can flow through a circuit. It's also used to check the functionality of components like fuel injectors by comparing the measured resistance to manufacturer specifications.

How does the continuity function on a multimeter work?

The continuity function on a multimeter is used to check if there is an unbroken path for electricity between two points. If there is continuity, the multimeter will indicate this, often with a beep or a light.

What safety precautions should be taken when measuring AC voltage with a multimeter?

When measuring AC voltage, ensure not to touch the metal tips of the probes and check that the test leads are not damaged or have exposed wires to avoid the risk of electrocution when dealing with high voltage.

Why is it recommended to start with the highest setting when measuring current with a multimeter?

Starting with the highest setting when measuring current protects the multimeter from damage if the current being measured is higher than expected. If the reading is low, the setting can be adjusted down to milliamps for more accuracy.

What is the advantage of using an auto-ranging multimeter over a manual range multimeter?

An auto-ranging multimeter automatically selects the appropriate range for the measurement, making it easier and faster to use compared to a manual range multimeter where the user has to manually select the correct setting.

What additional features are suggested for a multimeter to enhance its functionality?

Additional features that can enhance a multimeter's functionality include the ability to read temperatures, record peak values, and include safety features.

What are some recommended accessories to purchase along with a multimeter?

Alligator clips and jumper wires are recommended accessories as they can help set your hands free when making measurements.

Where can one purchase a good multimeter and what brands are recommended?

A good multimeter can be purchased from any reputable electronic shop or online store. While good brands tend to be more expensive and aimed at professional use, most multimeters in the $50 to $100 range will serve the needs of beginners.

Outlines

00:00

🔌 Introduction to Multimeters and Basic Electricity Concepts

This paragraph introduces the concept of a multimeter, a device used to measure electrical values like voltage, current, and resistance. It's aimed at beginners and covers the basic functions of a multimeter, including what it is and where to purchase one. The script explains the fundamentals of electricity, differentiating between static electricity and electric current, and further between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). It also describes the two types of multimeters: manual range and auto range, and explains the function of the leads (test probes) that come with a multimeter.

05:01

🔍 How to Use a Multimeter for Voltage, Resistance, and Continuity

The second paragraph provides a step-by-step guide on how to use a multimeter to measure various electrical properties. It begins with measuring DC voltage, explaining how to set the multimeter and connect the leads to a car battery as an example. The importance of correct polarity is highlighted, and the process of measuring AC voltage is also covered, with a demonstration using a wall outlet. The script then moves on to measuring resistance, emphasizing the need to disconnect the item from any power source to get an accurate reading. Practical examples, such as testing a blower motor or fuel injector, are given to illustrate the application of these measurements. The concept of continuity is introduced, and the process of testing for it using a multimeter is explained. The paragraph concludes with advice on purchasing an auto-ranging multimeter for ease of use and additional useful features to look for in a multimeter.

Keywords

💡Multimeter

A multimeter is a versatile measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit, such as voltage, current, and resistance. It is essential for diagnosing electrical problems in devices like those found in cars or homes. In the video, the presenter demonstrates how to use a multimeter for various electrical measurements, emphasizing its importance for beginners in understanding and troubleshooting electrical systems.

💡Electricity

Electricity refers to the flow of electrons, which can be either static, where electrons are not moving, or electric current, where electrons flow through a conductive material. In the context of the video, the focus is on electric current, which is measured using a multimeter. The script explains the two types of electric current, DC and AC, and how they relate to the use of a multimeter in measuring voltage.

💡DC Current

DC, or direct current, is characterized by the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Devices that operate on batteries, such as car batteries, use DC current. In the video, the presenter illustrates how to measure DC voltage using a multimeter, showing the process of testing a car battery for its voltage level.

💡AC Current

AC, or alternating current, is an electric current where the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction. The video mentions that most household appliances and the current from wall outlets are examples of AC current. The script includes a demonstration of measuring AC voltage with a multimeter, highlighting safety precautions when dealing with high voltages.

💡Auto Range Multimeters

Auto range multimeters are a type of multimeter that automatically selects the appropriate range for the measurement being taken. This feature simplifies the process of using a multimeter by eliminating the need to manually set the range. The video recommends auto ranging multimeters for their ease of use and convenience, especially for beginners.

💡Resistance

Resistance is a measure of the opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit. It is a key concept in electronics and is measured in ohms. The video script explains how to use a multimeter to measure resistance, such as testing a fuel injector's resistance to determine if it is functioning properly.

💡Continuity

Continuity is the property of a circuit or a component that allows an unbroken path for electric current to flow. The video demonstrates how to use a multimeter to check for continuity, which is useful for identifying broken wires or faulty components like fuses or earphones.

💡Current

Electric current is the flow of electric charge and is measured in amperes (amps). The video script covers how to measure both small currents (milliamps) and larger currents (up to 10 amps) using a multimeter. It provides practical examples, such as measuring the current drawn by a fan motor to diagnose issues like a sticky bearing.

💡Polarity

Polarity refers to the positive and negative terminals of an electrical source. In the context of the video, polarity is important when measuring voltage with a multimeter. If the leads are connected in reverse, the multimeter will display a negative reading, indicating the direction of current flow and helping to identify the correct polarity.

💡Safety Precautions

Safety precautions are essential when working with electrical equipment and tools, including multimeters. The video script emphasizes the importance of not touching the metal tips of the probes and ensuring test leads are not damaged to prevent the risk of electric shock, especially when measuring high voltage AC currents.

💡Alligator Clips and Jumper Wires

Alligator clips and jumper wires are accessories that can be used with a multimeter to make testing easier and hands-free. The video suggests adding these to one's toolkit for convenience when measuring resistance or continuity, as they can help secure connections and simplify the testing process.

Highlights

Introduction to what a multimeter is and its use for measuring electrical values such as voltage, current, and resistance.

Explanation of the importance of multimeters for beginners and their affordability.

Basics of electricity, defining electricity as a flow of electrons and distinguishing between static and electric current.

Differentiation between DC (Direct Current) and AC (Alternative Current).

Introduction to the two types of multimeters: manual range and auto range.

Description of multimeter leads, the common jack, and the function of the red and black leads.

How to measure DC voltage using a multimeter, including proper lead connections.

The significance of polarity when measuring voltage and how to identify it.

Measuring AC voltage, including safety precautions and the correct settings on the multimeter.

Instructions on measuring resistance with a multimeter and the importance of disconnecting the circuit.

Practical example of using resistance measurement to test a fuel injector.

Explanation of continuity testing and its application in checking for breaks in a wire.

How to measure current with a multimeter, including settings for milliamps and higher currents.

Demonstration of measuring current in a fan and the implications of high starting current.

Advantages of auto-ranging multimeters over manual range multimeters.

Recommendation to consider a multimeter with an amp clamp for easier current measurement.

Suggestion to include alligator clips and jumper wires for hands-free testing.

Advice on where to buy a good multimeter and the range of prices for beginner-friendly models.

Recommendation to subscribe for more educational content on using a multimeter.

Transcripts

hey guys how's it going today I'm going

to show you how to use a multimeter for

this you don't know what a multimeter is

well multimeter is something you used to

measure electrical values such as

voltage current and resistance in

electronic devices you'll find in your

car or in a house this video is geared

specifically to beginners so I'm going

to cover all the basic functions of a

multimeter and also help you answer the

question what is a good multimeter and

where can you buy on the good thing

about multimeters is that they are very

inexpensive yet they can give you an

incredible amount of information once

you learn how to use them before we

start learning how to use a multimeter

let's have a look at some of the basics

of electricity electricity can be

defined as a flow of electrons if the

electrons are not born we call it static

electricity if the electrons are moving

on a conductive material then we call it

electric current when it comes to

multimeters we only talk about electric

current there are two types of electric

current DC current an AC current DC

means direct current means the direction

of the current always falls in one

direction for example any device that

runs off of a battery is run by DC

current

next up we have the AC current AC means

alternative current where the direction

of the current always change for example

the current coming for you old applet is

AC current so as most of the appliances

you connect to it now let's have a look

at multimeters there are two types of

multimeters many old range multimeters

and auto range multimeters what mmm

ultimate you buy they always comes with

at least two leads one is red and one is

black the backlight always goes to the

common Jack where it says common the red

LED goes to either of these two jacks

depending on what you're measuring if

you are measuring volts resistance or

milliamps then you unplug the red light

into this jack if you are measuring

larger currents up to 10 amps then the

red LED goes here different multimeters

may have different setup for the red

jack

for example in this multimeter if you're

testing balls resistance or diodes

then the red LED goes here if you are

testing smaller currents in milliamps or

my crimes

then the red leaders here for logic

aren't up to ten names then the red lead

goes here first we'll take a look at a

very cheap manual range multimeter we

can be looking at DC voltage AC voltage

amps resistance and continuity let's

start with DC voltage I'm gonna test

this car by order to see if it is good

so you need to have the red lip in this

jack where it says volt because the

calories are in 12 volts range even turn

the dial into the next number of from 12

so in this multimeter 20 is the closest

number of from 12 then you wanna connect

the red lead to the positive terminal

and the black led to the negative

terminal we have twelve point nine volts

here and that is a good reading if the

reading was very low then you definitely

have a big battery and even replace it

let's say you connect the leads

backwards it's not gonna do any damage

but the reading on the multimeter will

be negative letting you know that the

current is flow in the other direction

that way you can identify the polarity

which is handy let's say you don't know

the man of voltage you measure well then

you always want to start from the

highest number available in your

multimeter and work your way down until

you get an accurate reading when I say

an accurate reading reading it to

decimals is accurate enough for most

cases if you get a rating of one that

means the voltage you're gonna measure

is beyond the selected range of your

multimeter so even a scale up until you

get two decimal places that's more two

AC voltage let's see if this wall

outlets is working now you're gonna turn

the dial into AC volts and we have two

readings one is 200 volts and one is 750

volts now if you turn the dial into 200

volts then the MARTA mate will only read

up to 200 that is good if you live in a

country where half sold

Aldridge's in hundred and fifteen range

but in australia wall outlets have 240

volts so i'm going to turn the dial into

750 because that is the next one after

we have on this multimeter you wanna be

careful when you're doing this you don't

touch these metal tips of the probes and

also even make sure your test leads are

not damaged or having an exposed wires

because you're dealing with high voltage

and you don't want to get electrocuted

then even a probe into the outlet and we

have 240 volts

let's move to measuring resistance this

is very easy

all he had to do is to turn the dial

into resistance this horseshoe mark

right here is a standard symbol for the

resistance and if you look down here the

red Li stays in the same place because

this plaque can read resistance as well

resistance means have had it is for the

current to flow through in a circuit so

let's say you measure the resistance of

something while it is still connected to

a power source or still connected to a

circuit board then the multimeter will

take a different path with the least

resistance between the test leads and

will give you a false reading so

whenever you test resistance you always

I salute the subject you trying to work

on here I'm measuring the resistance of

a blower motor here I'm measuring the

resistance of a fuel injector now here's

a practical example let's say you one of

the fuel injectors in a carving out a

brand new one is often very expensive so

let's say you're thinking about buying a

used one from a junkyard then the only

way you can figure out whether this is a

good one or bad one is to check the

resistance and see if the rating meets

the manufacturers specs if the rating is

different than what is mentioned in the

specs that means you're looking at a bad

injector so you don't look for another

one next up we have a continuity he can

use this function to see if you have

continuity between two points if we have

continuity then the multimeter will be

this cheap multimeter does not have a

beep function so let's mount this one

now you don't turn the dial into this

symbol that looks like a speaker that is

continuity and the red lace still stays

in the same place where it says

resistance let's say if this piece of

wire is broken we hear the beep so this

wire is good

here I'm testing the fuses in my car to

see if I have been fees here I'm

touching an earphone finally let's move

on to measuring current if you are

measuring milliamps then the red lead

stays in here

if you are measuring larger currents up

to 10 amps then the red lead goes here

if you are not sure about how much

current you're gonna measure then always

start from the amps instead of milliamps

that way you wouldn't damage your

multimeter and if the reading is

actually in very low amps then you can

move on to milliamps for more accuracy

now unlike measuring words resistance or

continued you may replace the test leads

in parallel to the flow now we had a

splice in the test leads in series with

the flow here's an example of a fan

connected to a battery here we had the

negative side and here we had the

positive side to measure amps here we

had the multimeter spliced into the

power side wire and as you can see we

have reading of 4.5 m/s now let me show

you something real quick

as you can see when the motor first

started to spin it draws a lot of

current now it is normal to draw a

little more current in the beginning but

too much current means the mode is very

hard to spin which is a classic sign for

a sticky bearing and this could be the

reason why your cross fuse for the

blower motor keeps blowing once in a

while alright now that's how it probably

is a multimeter for basic functions the

only downside is that when you are using

a menu already multimeter like this you

always had to turn the dial into

different settings so if you're thinking

about buying a multimeter make sure you

buy an auto ranging multimeter you just

had to select but you're gonna measure

AC voltage DC voltage resistance

continuty amps and start measuring trust

me

this is gonna make your life that much

easier and if you're gonna be using your

multimeter all trying to make your amps

then you can think about buying a

multimeter with an amp clamp this has

all the basic functions of a multimeter

it has two jacks for the test leads but

when you measuring amps rather than

splicing in your multimeter and messing

around with the wires you can easily

clamp it over the wire and get the

reading for regular users there are lots

of cheap but pacing quality auto range

it's available in the market if you can

try to find one with some useful

additional features like reading

temperatures record peak values and

safety features and so on

I wouldn't go much into it because those

features and that necessary when you

first start out last but not least add

some alligator clips and some jumper

wires for your shopping cart because

this is gonna set your hands-free when

you need them the next question you may

have is where to buy a good multimeter

and what is a good brand he can buy a

decent multimeter from any good

electronic shop or from online shops

speaking about the brand good brands are

often very expensive and those are

mainly for professional uses so if you

are beginner most multimeters in 50 to

100 dollars range will serve your

purpose hopefully this video is helpful

and in freeze press the like button and

also see my other videos to learn more

on how to use a multimeter to fix your

own cap at home and save yourself a

bunch of money also we have cool videos

coming up so if you haven't subscribed

definitely consider subscribing

sorry old memories another video as

always all the tools I have used in this

video a link in the description down

below so you can easily find them and

I'll see in the next one