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A handheld multimeter is a versatile and portable tool that can measure several electrical properties using two leads. It can measure voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and diode voltage. The dial is used to select the measurement function and the leads are connected to ports or the component depending on the function. Resistance is measured with no power applied to the component. Current can be measured in amps or milliamps depending on the level. Diode voltage is measured using a specific port and button. Voltage is measured across a component by connecting the leads to either side. Capacitance requires connecting the leads to the capacitor leads or terminals and pressing a button.

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37 views

Tech Description

A handheld multimeter is a versatile and portable tool that can measure several electrical properties using two leads. It can measure voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, and diode voltage. The dial is used to select the measurement function and the leads are connected to ports or the component depending on the function. Resistance is measured with no power applied to the component. Current can be measured in amps or milliamps depending on the level. Diode voltage is measured using a specific port and button. Voltage is measured across a component by connecting the leads to either side. Capacitance requires connecting the leads to the capacitor leads or terminals and pressing a button.

Uploaded by

api-302729171
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Handheld Multimeter

By: Alli Pauly, Alex Kaluza, and AJ Odenthal

Introduction: A handheld multimeter is one of the most important tools for


electrical engineers, electricians, and various technicians. A handheld multimeter
has many functions. The multimeter is able to measure voltage, current, resistance,
capacitance, and the forward voltage of a diode. These functions are measured
using two leads, one black and one red. The dial controls what function to use. The
handheld multimeter is versatile and portable allowing for convenient use. Figure 1
shows an image of a handheld multimeter.

Resistance: The component being measured must not have any power supplied to
it. A measurement can be incorrect if the component is connected to a power
supply. The dial must be rotated to the Ohm symbol (). The black lead should be
plugged into the black COM port. The red lead should be plugged into the red port
labelled with the symbol . Connect the leads on each end of the component
being measured. The multimeter will display the resistance on the screen in ohms.

Current: The current through a component can be measured in amperes (A) or


milliamps (mA). Use milliamps to measure currents under 1A and use amps for
currents over 1A. If a measurement must be in mA rotate the dial to mA, then
connect the black lead to the COM port and the red lead to the port labelled with
400 mA. For a measurement in amps rotate the dial to A, then connect the black
lead to COM and the red lead to the port labeled with 10A. The component must be
connected in series with the component to measure current. The resistance in the
multimeter is small which allows for an accurate reading.

Diode: When measuring the forward voltage of a diode, make sure the ports are
connected on the correct sides of the diode. The positive and negative sides are
marked on the diode. The current can flow easily once the correct voltage is
reached, but if the diode is connected in reverse the current is very small and hard
to measure. Rotate the dial to the
symbol and push the yellow button to
measure the forward voltage of a diode. Then, connect the black lead to the COM
port and the red lead to the red port marked Ohms ().

Voltage: The electric potential across a component is measured in Volts (V). First,
plug the leads into the black COM port and the red V port. The two options for
measuring voltage are either Volts (V) or millivolts (mV). Then, rotate the dial to V
for voltages over 1V or mV for voltages under 1V. Finally, connect the leads on each
end of the desired component. Be sure that the red lead is connected to the high
voltage side and the black lead is connected to the low voltage side. When the
leads are connected incorrectly the multimeter displays a negative voltage.

Capacitance: Capacitance is the ability of an object to store an electric charge.


Capacitance is measured in Farads (F). This multimeter measures capacitance in
nanofarads (nF). Connect the leads into the black COM port and the red V port to
measure capacitance. Turn the dial to the s symbol on the dial. Connect the
black lead to the marked negative side on the capacitor if it is marked, and connect
the read lead to the other side. Once it is connected, press the yellow button that
is above the dial and that will switch it to read and display capacitance.

Glossary/Definitions:
Voltage- The electric potential across a component.
Capacitance- The ability of an object to store an electric charge
Resistance- The ratio of voltage applied to a circuit preventing the flow of current.

Leads- Two separate cables, usually one red and one black, that are used to
measure parts of a circuit. See Figure 2 for image.
Circuit- A closed path circle of components that current flows through.
Component- Any basic electrical part. Has two or more leads.
Series- Components are connected along a single path.
Parallel- Components are connected side by side.
Diode- A semiconductor made using an anode and cathode.
COM- Common ground

Figure 2- Leads

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