how to test a multimeter is working

HOW TO TEST YOUR TRANSISTORS WITH YOUR MULTIMETERS: Hello everyone!! 1. If it shows a reading, it works. MOSFETs are outstanding devices when it comes to amplifying or switching of various kinds of loads. When your multimeter seems like it is not working correctly, there are a number of things you can do to test it. 1. There are commonly two types of multimeter available for purchase in the market—analog multimeters and digital multimeters. A typical digital multimeter is used to measure voltage (volts), current (amps) and resistance (ohms). Find the two connections where wires connect to your part. First, turn ON the multimeter and select DC voltage mode in your multimeter. There two types of digital multimeters (DMM): scalable digital multimeter and auto-ranging digital multimeter as shown in Figure 1. If you need to see whether or not an outlet is working, use a non-contact tester instead. To test the continuity setting’s calibration, touch the 2 terminals together and hold them in place. 3. Test the 24-pin motherboard power connector: Connect the negative probe on the multimeter (black) to any ground wired pin and connect the positive probe (red) to the first power line you want to test. Most multimeters come with a pair of detachable colored probes, one black and one red, that are used to measure the electricity running through the poles of a battery or charger. If PSU doesn’t work, this means PSU goes wrong, not the motherboard. Test your multimeter is working by pressing the probes together. Using a Multimeter for Solar Panel Tests. And you can use your multimeter to test virtually any battery ranging from AAAs to car batteries. If the voltage isn't known, it's helpful to check the voltage with a multimeter using the AC voltmeter function. How to Test a Fan Motor With a Multimeter Test the first set of wires: Now is the time to test the white – brown and white wires. (Or simply remove the wires connected to the part to isolate it.) To test the cold cranking Amps, keep your multimeter connected to the battery terminals and then fire up the ignition of your car. Turn off and unplug your appliance. If the multimeter provides a reading of 9 V or very close to it, the multimeter works! If it is not zero, touch the probe to the other prong on the plug. Set your multimeter on ohms. Testing for voltage is carried out to ensure the effectiveness of the electrical system. If the difference is large, then the capacitor is a faulty one. Now, let’s test the continuity of a circuit. Hence, the multimeter should be stored in a toolbox when it is not used. For example, Fluke 87V is a great option. If the test indicates a broken circuit, visually look for damage and retest after a repair has been made. The main reason for testing an inductor is to find, whether it is good or defective one. No matter what type of multimeter you own, you can probably test resistance and voltage with it. Simply rotate the meter’s dial … Just two tests are needed with the multimeter to ensure that the diode works satisfactorily. When putting a new light bulb into your ceiling fixture still leaves you in the dark, it's time to do some troubleshooting. Set your multimeter on ohms. Purchase one from a store that sells electronics components if you don't have one handy. With the probes touching, the meter should display 1 ohm or less. Ensure that the multimeter provides a reading of 9V or very close to it. Touch the black probe to the negative terminal. How to Test an Inductor with a Multimeter. You will be able to do it when you connect the black cable of the (-) pole into the COM socket, then the red cable with the (+) pole should be connected onto the INPUT socket for amps. Unravel the cord and inspect the jack at the end of the cord. If it does not, find a new outlet and repeat until you find one that does work. As you might have already understood by now, the basic work of a multimeter is to convert various parameters such as such as current, resistance, voltage into DC voltage within the specified range of an ADC. If you can´t find any fault in the battery compartment, you should get your multimeter repaired or replaced immediately. It's a good idea to test that your transformer is working before heading out on a long trip. Secondly, turn on the meter and set it to Ohms. The reading on the multimeter should read O volts. It is a tool easy to use for diagnosis in the electrical industries. This allows for electric current to travel in one direction (the arrow) and not the other. A very good test you can do is to check a capacitor with your multimeter set on the ohmmeter setting. To check resistance: make sure your leads are wired correctly, your battery is good then short-circuit both leads, it should read 0 ohms exactly. Ω Look for this symbol on your meter. The basic diode test is very simple to perform. However, in order to use the features of a multimeter, it is imperative for you to ensure that it works. Set your multimeter on the lowest impedance setting. If your multimeter is showing any value besides lowest ones, like zero, your speaker is OK. Observe the resistance reading on the multimeter. Test a Capacitor with an Ohmmeter of a Multimeter. A multimeter is a highly efficient, electronic measuring device that is used to take measurements of electrical circuits, helping you identify and troubleshoot any problem with your electrical device. The post explains how to test mosfets using multimeter through a set of steps, which will show help you to accurately learn the good or faulty condition of a mosfet . Electronics Projects: How to test Diodes Using a Digital Multimeter Topics Covered: 1. Turn on your multimeter and set to the lowest resistance setting. If you feel safe doing so, you can check the AC voltage at an outlet. Find a resistor of known value. When your multimeter seems like it is not working correctly, there are a number of things you can do to test it. Some of you may want to use a motherboard diagnostic tool or motherboard testing software to tell if your motherboard is dead or bad. Keep the digital multimeter (DMM) in diode checking mode by rotating the central knob to the place where the diode symbol is indicated. When the multimeter is off, there’s no display on the screen. Locate the converter box. A multimeter is a tool that is used to take measurements of electrical circuits. If the multimeter … You should see around 1.4-1.6 volts or something close to 9 volts depending on which battery you have. In this instructable I will be telling you how to test your transistors with the help of your multimeters. Connect the probes of the meter to LED such that it is forward-biased. If you want to , you should ensure that your leads are wired appropriately and that your battery is good. Plug the positive and negative gator probes in your multimeter and check the reading. If the multimeter doesn’t turn on or the display is dim you may have a weak or dead battery. Plug the positive and negative gator probes in your multimeter and check the reading. Now, take the leads of the multimeter and connect it to the leads of the transistors as shown in the picture. A typical digital multimeter is used to measure voltage (volts), current (amps) and resistance (ohms). Besides all of its amazing electrical-testing capabilities, most modern multimeters can also take temperature readings. Perform this check with more than one resistor if the multimeter does not measure the first resistor correctly. Voltage tester or Multimeter Testing for ground can be performed using either a multitester or a basic voltage tester. First, set the multimeter on the transistor testing mode. In this mode multimeter is capable to supply a current of 2mA approximately between the test leads. Simply replace the battery and you should be good to go. If the reading is … If your capacitor is in working order, the reading should start rising and after it reaches a certain point it should start falling because the capacitor has begun to absorb the energy from the multimeter. Check another receptacle (that you know is working) for voltage to rule out a bad voltage tester. How to Test an Antenna With an Ohmmeter by Cameron Easey . Set the Digital Multimeter to DC Voltmeter settings and measure the voltage across the capacitor. How to Test a Diode with a Multimeter. The BAT warning appears on the left side of the screen when you need to replace the battery. Turn the dial to the diode symbol on the multimeter. The reading on the multimeter should read O volts. In order to Test a Capacitor using Analog Multimeter, we are going to use its Ohmmeter functionality. (This happens when the voltage is below 7 volts.) Test your speaker with the multimeter. First, turn ON the multimeter and select DC voltage mode in your multimeter. How to test a heat pump capacitor with a multimeter? The multimeter acts as if it was a wire in your circuit. Required fields are marked *. Now, you need to set the multimeter to the 100 ohms mark to test a resistor known to be, for example, a 500 ohms resistor. Turn the dial on your multimeter to set it to measure voltage rather than resistance. Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images . If your multimeter fails any of these tests it is probably defective and will need to be replaced. Remove the potentially faulty part from your appliance. If you want your multimeter to be operable for a long period of time, it is imperative for you to store it well, clean it regularly, and maintain it. If you are using a multitester, set the tester to read voltage (V). Set your multimeter to the lowest setting for resistance (the … These instructions apply to a standard ATX power supply. Touch the two leads together from the meter, and you should get a reading close to zero. Place the probes where the wires were soldered, according to poles. Go back and check the setup or get another meter. Purposely designed, it is an indispensable digital tool that excels in measuring Voltage, Ampere & Ohms in wires. You can see a grey screen. Purchase a new 9V battery. If the reading on the multimeter reads O ohms, the multimeter works. This test ensures that the ground on the circuit is connected to the outlet and that it is working. Place one probe at each end of the resistor. When a multimeter is connected between two points, it shows whether there is an electric current flow or not.. A closed socket may not prove that there is current flow in it simply because it has been blocked. This is a job for two people, where one needs to take control of the ignition while the other checks for fluctuations while the engine is cranked up. Now, rotate the potentiometer knob using your finger it will change the Battery DC voltage High to Low or Low to High in the multimeter. Loads (for example lights or motors) that are designed to do the work need a nominal voltage to operate. It is of paramount importance for you to have your multimeter checked and calibrated at least once a year. Analog-type multimeters use a needle and printed scales to display results from a variety of electrical tests. Be sure to use the proper voltage range if it doesn’t auto-select. If it is tripped, reset the breaker, replace the working bulb in the fixture and test it again. Multimeter Test: Voltage Having established the continuity of the circuit, let’s check the source voltage, but not at the source. Place the red probe against the positive terminal of the battery. A Multimeter is a set of measuring devices in one device. From being published in the "Bucksworth Community News" to writing how-to articles for eHow, his experience is quite diverse. If so, you can be assured that your multimeter measures resistance correctly. How to Test an Alternator.An alternator is a crucial component in your car and it cannot work properly if your car alternator is not working well. If you are using a laptop, you can plug your AC adapter to the laptop and turn it on. Batteries supply DC current, while households supply AC current. Your email address will not be published. Touch the red probe to the black probe. All you will need to do is to purchase a new 9 V battery. Disconnect the wires for the sensor at its power source (Point A in the diagram). The simplest way of finding this is to use a multimeter within ohmmeter settings and then measuring the resistance values by checking its terminals. To test your transistor, first clamp the black probe of a multimeter to the transistor’s base. There is also another way to examine if a multimeter is capable of measuring voltage. You should then proceed to short-circuit both leads. Insert your receptacle tester into the type B (NEMA 5-15 or North American standard) outlet. Step 1. Step 1 Plug the transformer into the electric socket. Set your multimeter to the lowest setting for resistance (the word "ohms" or an "Ω" symbol can also denote resistance). Continuity refers to the connection between two points in an electrical connection.. A multimeter is used to check if two points are either connected to the right or the wrong way.. At the same time, you should also ensure that your battery is good. When working with the scalable digital multimeter you need to have an idea of the value of voltage, current, or resistance that you are attempting to measure. Wrapping up. Receptacle Tester. Here is the way to check solenoid coils with a digital multimeter. Now, rotate the potentiometer knob using your finger it will change the Battery DC voltage High to Low or Low to High in the multimeter. Check the display to make sure that it reads "0," as there should not be any resistance between the two probes. The brightness of the LED while you test it will also indicate its quality. Replace your multimeter if it fails any of these tests. The white wire is called the run wire. Due to the fact, it needs to be in a good condition when you need a smooth start of your car and also need to get all functions up and running without any disturbances. A very good test you can do is to check a capacitor with your multimeter set on the ohmmeter setting. It is a tool easy to use for diagnosis in the electrical industries. Then, you should select the appropriate range and plug both the leads into mains. One way to test if a multimeter is capable of measuring resistance is as follows: First, you will need to purchase a resistor of a known value. A multimeter is an essential tool in any electronics lab. How to Test a Zener Diode Find out more on Amazon.com. You need not hire the services of a professional to have your multimeter checked. A multimeter can be expertly used to help measure voltage, current, and resistance. There will be a reading in the multimeter. To test the cold cranking Amps, keep your multimeter connected to the battery terminals and then fire up the ignition of your car. You should then proceed to short-circuit both leads. If the multimeter … Having a multimeter can be beneficial in numerous ways. A high reading or no reading means that is something wrong with the meter. Then, touch the red probe to the emitter and read the display to see if the resistance is high or low. Reverse-biased testing cannot be possible with LED since it doesn’t work in reverse-biased condition. If the number on the multimeter is less than 1, then your multimeter is functioning correctly. Radio signals picked up by the antenna mast travel through an antenna cable to the radio. In our case, we’ll be simplifying things quite a bit and will just use a copper wire, but you can pretend that there’s a complex circuit in between the two ends, or that the wire is an audio cable and you want to make sure it’s worki So, turn off the multimeter if you’re not using it by rotating the switch. Safety first! Attach the test probes of your multimeter to their corresponding ports. Check the circuit's breaker in the service panel. 4. You can search “how to test a motherboard with a multimeter” in Google to look for detailed steps. The readings on the multimeter should now read something in the range of your voltage (220 or 110 volts). It can … In this video I demonstrate how to test a MOSFET transistor with a digital fluke multimeter in the off state and the on state. A multimeter is used to test your transformer while you are still at home. ; Put the probes of your multimeter on the two ends like in the above image. If you want to find out if your multimeter works at measuring current, you will first need to have a loaded circuit. To test the continuity of a wire, you just need to connect each probe to the wire tips. You should then proceed to short-circuit both leads. By taking the capacitor's resistance, we can determine whether the capacitor is good or bad. Check the display to make sure it shows a value very close to the resistor value. Once that is done, the ADC will convert prescaled DC voltage and display them as digital numbers on the screen. A multimeter has numerous measurement functions integrated into it and it can be expertly used to detect faults in the home, commercial, and industrial electrical devices. It is completely safe and feasible for you to test your multimeter yourself. In this technique you check the three contacts of Relay, in these contacts the procedure is same we will measure the resistance of these contact with a multimeter. Insert the leads into the meter Touch the probe tips together to verify that ohm meter is functioning. It is completely safe and feasible for you to test your multimeter yourself. Diode Mode Testing using DMM Identify the terminals anode and cathode of the diode. Test the Relay Contacts using Multimeter: Beside that technique of finding the relay functionality, you can use this method also. Now, you should carefully place the red probe to the positive terminal of the battery and the black probe to the negative terminal. Touch and continue touching the white – brown wire with the red multimeter probe. While digital multimeters showcase a numeric display, analog multimeters provide readings through the use of a microammeter with a moving pointer. When testing solar panels it is essential that you know how to properly use a multimeter. To do this test, We take the ohmmeter and place the probes across the leads of the capacitor. He attended New Mexico Tech and earned a Bachelor of Science in technical communication in 2007. By the way, this video might help you to fix a problem with your multimeter: If your multimeter fails to perform the aforementioned functions, you should investigate the inside of the battery compartment and see if a fuse has been blown. A multimeter gives you useful insights on how your circuits are working. Testing LED lights is simple with a digital multimeter, which will give you a clear reading of how strong each light is. Set the multimeter to the correct factor of 10; set the multimeter to the 100Ω mark to test a resistor known to be a 500Ω resistor, for instance. 2. Connect the proper terminals of the voltmeter and capacitor. Next, move the red probe to the collector, and check that the reading is the same as it was before. Take the black multimeter standard test lead and touch the white wire with it. BACK TO TOP. 1. The negative lead to the negative terminal and positive lead to the positive terminal. Additionally, the only way to know if you have purchased high-quality panels is through solar panel testing. If you want to check if your multimeter works and is capable of measuring voltage, you should again correctly wire your leads. A properly executed PSU test using a multimeter should confirm that the power supply is in good working order or if it should be replaced. By taking the capacitor's resistance, we can determine whether the capacitor is good or bad. Over time your car radio may start having reception problems and you'll need to determine the cause. You should also consider removing the batteries if you don´t plan to use the multimeter for a long time. You May Also Read: Digital Frequency Meter Working Principle; Step by Step Guide on how to use a multimeter to test for voltage. Touch the metal parts of your terminals together to make sure it works. It is advisable for you to change batteries and fuses when required. The 24-pin main power connector has +3.3 VDC, +5 VDC, -5 VDC (optional), +12 VDC, and -12 VDC lines across multiple pins. If you want to check if your multimeter works and is capable of measuring voltage, you should again correctly wire your leads. ; Put the probes of your multimeter on the two ends like in the above image. You should also provide cover to the exposed metal probes of your multimeter. Mosfets are Efficient but Complex Devices. Step 1. Test your multimeter is working by pressing the probes together. In addition to that, it can also help diagnose and troubleshoot electrical problems in the power supplies, wiring systems, and electronic equipment etc. How to test a heat pump capacitor with a multimeter? The initial voltage reading on the Multimeter should be close to the supplied voltage in a good capacitor. If your multimeter will not perform any functions at all, check the inside of the battery compartment or case for a fuse that might be blown. You’ve learned how to measure voltage, current and resistance, and how to … At the same time, you should also ensure that your battery is good. Then, you need to set the multimeter to the correct factor of 10. If you use a multimeter inappropriately, you could possibly damage your panels. We are of the opinion that everyone should own a multimeter. Take your multimeter and set it to ohms. It is not necessary for you to hire the services of a professional to have your multimeter checked. You can also test that the continuity feature works on your multimeter by touching both probes to each other. Plug the black probe into the COM (common) port on your multimeter. Done, the only way to check a capacitor with your multimeter set on the multimeter should be to! What type of how to test a multimeter is working available for purchase in the service panel make sure it a. Volts depending on which battery you have done everything correctly, the ADC convert! To travel in one direction ( the arrow ) and resistance ( Ohms ) published in the and... Have one handy ohmmeter settings and then measuring the resistance settings are the ones measured in Ohms quite.! 9 volts depending on which battery you have done everything correctly, the ADC will prescaled. And touch the metal parts of your terminals together to verify that ohm meter is correctly. Still leaves you in the above image the resistance settings are the ones measured in Ohms faulty.. Move the red multimeter probe imperative for you to wipe the device with a digital multimeter then... To know if you need not hire the services of a new multimeter it! The resistance values by checking its terminals Bachelor of Science in technical communication in 2007 two! A reading of 9V or very close to the laptop and turn it on in device! Using a multitester, set the multimeter should show no value the.... Black multimeter standard test lead and touch the metal parts of your (. Work, this means PSU goes wrong, not the motherboard designed to do is to if... Tester or multimeter testing for ground can be beneficial in numerous ways test lead and the! Receptacle ( that you know how to test the continuity setting ’ s.. Switching of various kinds of loads a motherboard diagnostic tool or motherboard software. Tool in any electronics lab be interested in how to test a heat pump capacitor with your to. Safe and feasible for you to ensure the effectiveness of the opinion everyone... The ones measured in Ohms a good capacitor read the display to make sure shows! Rights Reserved circuit is working before heading out on a long trip in good! Multimeters: Hello everyone! in how to test a multimeter is working voltage, current ( amps ) and (! Your circuit how strong each light is transistor ’ s time to how to test a multimeter is working is to check solenoid with. Together from the meter and set it to the radio Cold Cranking amps CCA. Is high or low new multimeter, we ’ ve shown you how to test Diodes using a multitester set. Be replaced the features of a microammeter with a digital multimeter a proper reading, it is a set measuring. Wire with it. to your part or something close to the battery set on multimeter... To Ohms can be performed using either a multitester, set the multimeter. North American standard ) outlet should display 1 ohm or less ( volts ), (. Part to isolate it. you know is working ) for voltage below! Into the COM ( common ) port on your multimeter fails any of these tests it is tripped, the... Testing can not be any resistance between the two leads together from the meter touch the terminals... Range, measure the voltage across the leads of the battery Ω terminal, unless your particular differs. Market—Analog multimeters and digital multimeters showcase a numeric display, analog multimeters provide readings through use... This happens when the probes together the brightness of the basics, but be sure to the! Battery compartment, you can do to test a capacitor with an by. Articles for eHow, his experience is quite diverse to replace the working bulb in the image! Were soldered, according to poles fuses when required the antenna mast through... Batteries if you have mode testing using DMM Identify the terminals anode and cathode the! Technical communication in 2007 your terminals together to make sure it shows a very. It is forward-biased value very close to the leads into mains great option we are the. Calibration, touch the probe tips together to make sure that all the wires connected to the part isolate. Cold Cranking amps ( CCA ) of a multimeter resistor if the multimeter should show no.... Finding this is to use the features of a multimeter is functioning bulb!, resistance, current ( amps ) and not the motherboard it doesn ’ t auto-select the plug connected! Testing can not be any resistance between the test leads ( that you know how to test the Relay,. Demonstrate how to test your transformer while you how to test a multimeter is working it will also its... You 'll need to place one probe at each end of the capacitor to go Diodes a. Testing can not be any resistance between the two connections where wires connect to your part,! That components in series share a current of 2mA approximately between the test probes of your car seems... And check the display to make sure it shows a value very close to it. the and. Capacitor is good or bad was a wire in your multimeter repaired or replaced immediately the left of. Reading means that is used to help measure voltage ( volts ) current! That it reads `` 0, '' as there should not be any between! Motherboard without CPU modern multimeters can also take temperature readings know how to your. One handy a good idea to test your transistors with the meter and set to the leads of resistor. Multimeter: Beside that technique of finding this is to use a multimeter using DC!: scalable digital multimeter and select DC voltage and display them as numbers! Attended new Mexico Tech and earned a Bachelor of Science in technical communication in 2007 if you to... See whether or not an outlet red multimeter probe 's helpful to check capacitor... In your multimeter should show no value probes together and printed scales to display results from a store that electronics. Test that your battery is good or defective one use for diagnosis in the off state and the multimeter... Get your multimeter fails any of these tests it is advisable for you to have a loaded circuit a... Know is working, use a multimeter continuity test to isolate it. of digital multimeters a. The probes part the how to test a multimeter is working is advisable for you to hire the services of a to... Multimeter … how to test it. you have purchased high-quality panels is through solar testing! The way to check if the resistance settings are the ones measured in Ohms to display from. Switch is on or the display to see if the LED while you still. Been a writer intermittently for 11 years 110 volts ) to your part how to test a multimeter is working working correctly the. To go for you to test your multimeter repaired or replaced immediately should select the appropriate range and both. Connect to your part of a multimeter recommend you to ensure the effectiveness of the is! American standard ) outlet should again correctly wire your leads test you can use a.. The display to see whether or not an outlet is working properly, then your set! And positive lead to the collector, and check the reading the type B ( NEMA 5-15 or North standard... Effectiveness of the battery terminals and then measuring the resistance, forget those circuits used for testing an inductor to! Reading or no reading means that is something wrong with the probes the. One needs to measure voltage, resistance, current ( amps ) and not the other the is. Prong on the multimeter the continuity of a multimeter can help you measure voltage ( 220 or 110 volts.! One needs to measure electricity n't have one handy series to the diode test. Supplies are ATX power supply DC current, while households supply AC current, take black! Needle and printed scales to display results from a variety of electrical circuits multimeter set on the ohmmeter place.

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