Introduction to Digital Multimeters

Digital multimeter is an electronic measurement instrument that is used for measuring voltage, resistance and current. Moreover, there are digital multimeters that have the ability to test diodes and continuity.

This measurement instrument is compact, lightweight and battery operated device which displays the measured values in numerals. The digital multimeter is used for testing wide range of electronic devices in wide variety of situations which include testing and repairing electronic circuits.

Since the multimeter provides a combination of features for measuring, this instrument is available in wide range of models, which differ according to their precision and the ability of measuring several other physical parameters. However, all the models share main operating characteristics. Continue reading and discover what are the different ways of using this hand-held device. 

Ways to Use Digital Multimeter

1. Measuring Resistance

• – Connect the multimeter to the circuit which resistance you want to measure;
• – Twist the selector knob and set the digital multimeter in mode for measuring resistance;
• – Turn off the power coming to the circuit;
• – Take out the resistor you need to measure (this is important for getting accurate results;
• – Touch the ends of the resistor with the tips of the probes;
• – Read the results shown on the display of the multimeter.

2. Measuring Voltage

• – Connect the digital multimeter to the circuit where you need to measure the voltage;
• – Set the instrument for measuring voltage – if your instrument doesn’t have an autorange function, you need to choose the type of voltage you need to measure (DC – direct current, AC – alternating current, or millivolts – DC);
• – Place the probes across the component to measure its AC voltage.
• – Read the results on the display, but remember to take care of the units.

3. Measuring Current

• – Set the digital multimeter on mode for measuring current, (this is usually marked with the letter A);
• – Turn off the power flowing in the circuit;
• – Break the circuit (this means placing the measurement device in series with the circuit);
• – Turn the power on;
• – Read the results on the display of the multimeter.