Using a Multimeter

Overview

The multimeter is a versatile test instrument that can measure, as a minimum, voltage (A.C. and D.C.), current and resistance and may also be able to measure transistor gain, capacitance and temperature depending on the type of multimeter being used.

The correct order of operation is (a) build your circuit (b) connect the multimeter leads to the correct terminals on the multimeter, (c) select the correct range on the multimeter and (d) add the multimeter to the working circuit.

Learning Objectives

• Use test equipment to make measurements to test electrical components and circuits including multimeters (on voltage, current and resistance ranges)
• Plan tests to make measurements, to explore a problem and select appropriate techniques and instruments
• Carry out tests having due regard to the correct manipulation of apparatus, accuracy of measurement and Health and Safety considerations

Lesson Content

Video (14 min): Watch the video about how to use the particular multimeter that I had available. The general principles can be applied to any multimeter. Pay particular attention to the different connections and the different settings used.

Reading: Read the webpage about using a multimeter which should consolidate the concepts introduced in the video.

Exercise: Complete the exercises and then use the answers to check your understanding.

Lesson Review

Review your learning by working through the presentations or notes which summarise the website content.

Presentation: Powerpoint download. A closer look at each of the functions of the multimeter.

Notes: PDF download. Notes about how to use a multimeter.

Self Assessment

Complete either the questions (pdf download) OR the on-line quiz. They are the same questions.

Questions: PDF download. Test your knowledge of using a multimeter.

Quiz: On-line quiz to check your understanding of how to use a multimeter.

Self Evaluation

I can:

• Appreciate the need to select the correct range before adding the multimeter to the circuit
• Use a multimeter to measure voltage (A.C. and D.C.)
• Use a multimeter to measure high and low currents (A.C. and D.C.)
• Connect a multimeter in parallel to measure voltage or series to measure current
• Use a multimeter to measure resistance
• Check continuity of, for example, fuses
• Test the multimeter's fuse
• Understand that some components need to be removed from the circuit before they can be tested (resistors, capacitors, transistors etc)
• Recognise when a multimeter is out of range

Extra

The video on YouTube