Table of Contents

IDEAL Digital Multimeters

An Introduction
The Basics of Digital Multimeters is designed to
give you a fundamental knowledge of Digital
Multimeters (DMMs). Its an easy reference guide
that shows you how to use IDEAL DMMs and
how to select the right ones.

The Basics of Electricity

Using a Digital Multimeter

Testing Voltage

Testing Current

10

Testing Resistance

12

Testing Continuity

14

Testing Capacitance

14

Testing Frequency

15

True RMS

16

Data Hold/Max Hold

16

Auto Ranging/Manual Ranging

17

Three-Phase Rotation Tester

18

Insulation Tester

19

Glossary

20

There are three things to remember about IDEAL

DMMs. Theyre rugged, versatile and easy to use.
Theyre also easy to choose. IDEAL offers in-store
merchandising, a toll free hot-line number,
a technical support line and a comprehensive
web site all designed to better inform you about
digital multimeters. Just a few of the ways were
committed to the DMM technician.

Technical Support Toll Free 877-201-9005

www.testersandmeters.com

The Basics of
Electricity

Ohms Law

To better understand digital

multimeters, its helpful to become clear on the
basics of electricity. After all, DMMs always
measure some aspect of electricity.

Voltage, Current and Resistance

Electricity passing through a conductor is similar
to water flowing through a pipe. Every pipe has
a pump that creates a certain pressure, causing
water to flow. In the case of electricity, that
pump might be a generator, battery or some
other power supply. The pressure created by
that power supply is called voltage.
The amount of
voltage determines
how much electricity
flows through the
conductor. That flow
is called current.

Current is the amount of

electricity flowing through
a conductor.

Anything restricting
the flow of current
is called resistance.

Voltage, current
and resistance
Resistance is anything that
are the three
impedes the flow of current.
most fundamental
components of electricity. Voltage is measured
in volts, current in amps and resistance in ohms.

V = Volts (voltage)
A = Amps (current)
= Ohms (resistance)

Together, voltage, current and resistance comprise

Ohms Law. Ohms Law is an important equation
for electricians. By using a DMM, they can
establish values for the three variables of Ohms
Law that help in diagnosing electrical problems.
Ohms Law can be expressed in equation form
in this way:

V = A x

Voltage

Current

Resistance

Voltage determines the flow of current. The

greater the voltage, the greater the current.
Likewise, the greater the resistance the less
current will flow, and the lower the resistance
the more current will flow. These are the basics
of Ohms Law.
220V = 110A x 2
One Example of Ohms Law.

Two Types of Electricity

Electricity comes in two types Alternating
Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC).
Alternating Current is the most
AC
common form of electricity, so
named because it alternates, or
DC --reverses, its flow. AC is produced
by a generator and is used for many of the
things in our everyday lives.

Direct Current flows in one direction only.

Most commonly, DC power is the source of
electricity found in batteries and used in portable
equipment like cars, flashlights and cameras.
Electricians need to measure both AC and DC
power. IDEAL DMMs measure both.

Using a Digital
Multimeter
At first glance, a digital multimeter
looks complicated and intimidating. But once
you understand the dial, display and port panel,
youll have a solid understanding of DMMs.

The Display
Multimeters come in two types digital and
analog. Most electricians today use digital
multimeters. DMMs feature a digital, or liquid
crystal display (LCD). Measurement readings in
exact numerical values are displayed in the LCD.
The display also alerts you to any pertinent
symbols and warnings.
Digital

Analog

Multimeters come in two types digital LCD and analog

meters, which use a needle to take a physical measurement.

The Dial
Setting the Function
The dial of the DMM allows you to choose
the function youre interested in measuring.
Whether you intend to measure one of the three
elements of Ohms Law, or a more advanced
function like frequency or capacitance, you must
first set the dial to the appropriate function.

Setting the Range

The dial also plays another essential role in
measuring electricity that of determining
the range of measurement. The range you select
on the dial determines the placement of the
decimal point as it appears on the LCD. In turn,
the position of the decimal point determines
how refined, or precise, your reading is. This is
called resolution.
Understanding Resolution
To get a better understanding of resolution, lets
take an example. Youre going to test AC
voltage, but what range do you set the dial
to? The highest possible reading with the range
set on 20V, for instance, is 19.99V. The highest
reading with the range set on 200V is 199.9V.
As you can see, in the transition from 20V to
200V, the decimal point has moved one place
to the right, yielding a less refined resolution.
So setting the dial to the lowest possible range
yields the best resolution.
However, if the range is set on 20V and youre
measuring an application that puts out more
than 20V, the display will read OL, or overload.
You must reset the dial to a higher range and
take a new reading. The most refined reading,
therefore, uses the range that provides the best
resolution without overloading. Select the range
just higher than the expected reading.
Range
Setting

Maximum Reading
and Resolution

2V

1.999V

20V

19.99V

200V

199.9V

1000V

1000V
5

Port Panel

DMMs at a Glance

The port panel is where you plug in your test

leads. The diagram below explains where the
test leads go for specific tests.

The dial determines the function

under measurement, as well as
the measurement range.

Insert RED lead

here to test:
Current (AC and DC)
Capacitance

AC Voltage

Insert RED lead

here to test:
Voltage (AC or DC)
Resistance
Continuity
Frequency
Diode

The digital display,

or LCD, is easy to
read and displays
exact readings for
every measurement.
DC Voltage

Three-Phase
Motor Rotation

Frequency

Insert RED
lead here to test:
mA Current
(AC and DC)

Insert BLACK
(common) lead
here for every test.

DC Current

Resistance

AC Current
Continuity

Common DMM
Symbols & Abbreviations
Hz

AC

Capacitor

DC




Hertz

AC or DC

MFD MicroFarads

Positive

Micro

Negative

Milli

Ground

Mega

Diode

Kilo

OL

Overload

))) Audible Continuity

Capacitance
Diode
Case design and
rubberized boots
improve safety
and durability.

The port panel contains

the jacks where the test
leads are plugged in to take
measurements.

Testing Voltage

Voltage is the pressure in a

circuit. AC voltage is supplied by AC
generators, while DC voltage is produced by
chemical (batteries) or electromagnetic sources
(DC generators).
To test for voltage, first determine whether the
application youre testing uses AC or DC voltage.
Then set the dial to the appropriate function
V~ for AC voltage or V for DC voltage.
---

Plug your test leads into the port panel as

described on page six. For AC voltage, take the
leads and apply them to the circuit, being sure
that no part of your body contacts any part of
the live circuit. The position of the test leads may
need to be adjusted until a reliable measurement
appears on the LCD. Then read the voltage
measurement displayed.
When testing AC voltage, fluctuations will occur
in the reading. As the test continues, the reading
will stabilize to yield a reliable measurement.
For DC voltage, connect the black test lead to
the negative polarity test point (ground) and the
red test lead to the positive polarity test point.
Then take a reading.
Common Voltage Measurements

Measuring the voltage of a standard residential outlet

is one example of testing AC voltage.

Like all test procedures, when testing voltage set

the range to the number just higher than the
expected reading. If you dont know the expected
reading, set the range to the highest number.

AC

DC

Security System 24V

Fire Alarm 9V

Household 120V

Car Battery 12V

Heating Element 480V

Railway System 600V

Caution:
Before undertaking any electrical test, always
refer to the owners manual for proper
operating procedures, safety precautions
and instrument limitations.

Testing Current

Current is the electron flow that

causes electrical equipment to operate.
When the equipment is turned on, it is considered
a load on the circuit. A load is any electrical
component, such as a lamp, stereo, motor or
heating element, that draws current. Current is
measured in amperes, or amps.
Each load has a rated current limit that should
not be exceeded. If a load pulls too much current,
excessive heat is produced that may cause
insulation damage, component failure and
possible fire hazards. If the load is under its
rated current limit, it may perform poorly.
Testing current may be done in several ways, but
the most common method, and the most simple,
is with a clamp meter.

Using a clamp meter to test common loads, such as

this heating unit, helps to ensure proper load capacity.

The advantage of testing current with a clamp

meter or with a standard DMM with a clamp
head accessory is that readings can be taken
without opening the circuit.

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To test for current, first determine if youre

testing AC or DC current. Then set the dial to
the appropriate function A~ for AC current or
A for DC current. Next, set the appropriate
range on the dial as described on page five.
---

Testing with a Clamp Meter

If using a clamp meter, simply open
the clamp head by pressing the lever.
Enclose the clamp head around a
single conductor and release the
lever, being sure the clamp head has
completely enclosed the conductor.
Take a measurement.
Testing with a Standard DMM
With Current Clamp Adapter
The clamp adapter will convert the
current measurement into voltage.
Therefore, set the dial to the AC
voltage function and select the
millivolt range. Plug in the leads as
described on page six. Open the
clamp adapter and
enclose it around a single
wire. Then take a reading.
With Test Leads
To measure current on an open line
using test leads, plug in the leads as
described on page six. Set the dial
to AC or DC current depending on
what youre testing. Apply your leads
to the open circuit and take a reading.
For current measurements above one amp,
its most common to use a clamp meter.
For measurements less than one amp, its
preferable to use a standard DMM.

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Testing
Resistance

Resistance opposes the flow of

current. The higher the resistance, the lower
the current flow. Insulation used for cables
has a very high resistance, impeding current
flow. Conversely, the cables copper conductor
has low resistance, facilitating current flow.

Resistance opposes the flow of current. Too much or too

little may lead to performance and/or safety problems.

To test for resistance, first turn the power

off in the circuit or component youre testing.
Otherwise, you may not get the most accurate
reading and may damage the DMM.

The most common residential test for resistance is

performed on a standard outlet where ground resistance
should be 1 ohm or less.
Resistance must be low to avoid safety and
performance problems.

Proper resistance is critical. Too much

resistance in electric wires and connections
can result in overheating and possible fire
hazards, while too little resistance may result
in a short or performance problems.
Components called resistors help maintain
proper resistance in equipment.

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After ensuring that all power is off, set the

dial to the resistance mode. Select the
appropriate range on the dial as described on
page five. Plug in your test leads as described
on page six. Then connect the test leads to
the component under test, and take a reading.
It is imperative that contact between the
test leads and the circuit youre testing is
good. Dirt, oil, bodily contact and poor test
lead connections can significantly increase
resistance readings.

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Testing Continuity
Why test for continuity? Because
it is essential that circuits are
continuous or complete, allowing current to
flow. Switches, fuses, conductors and wire
connectors demand good continuity. Good fuses
and closed switches have good continuity.
Blown fuses and open switches have no continuity.
A common continuity test is verifying that the
test leads are good before using the DMM.
The continuity test on a DMM is simple. Set the
dial to the continuity function. Plug in your leads
as described on page six. Ensuring that the
power is off, make contact with the component
under test using the leads. If there is good
continuity, or a good path that allows current to
flow, the DMM will beep. If there is no continuity,
the DMM will not beep.

Testing Capacitance
Capacitors are small, battery-like
devices that store electrical energy.
They are designed to start motors and other
components with an initial energy boost.
Capacitance, measured in microFarads (F or
MFD), is the ability of a capacitor to hold this
electrical charge.

Poorly functioning motors may just be the result of a

bad capacitor.

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To test capacitance, set the dial on the DMM

to the capacitance function. Plug in your leads
as described on page six. Ensuring that the
capacitor has been discharged, connect the test
leads to the capacitor terminals. Take a reading.
If the measurement is similar to the rating listed on
the capacitor, the capacitor is good. A significant
variation from the rating indicates the capacitor
should be replaced.
Caution:
Before testing capacitance, be sure to turn
all power off and to discharge the capacitor.

Testing Frequency
Some IDEAL DMMs measure
frequency, which is measured in Hertz
(Hz) the number of times per second a
wave form repeats. These DMMs include a Hz
setting on the dial.
Maintaining the
right frequency is
crucial for devices
that rely on AC
voltage and current.
Otherwise, poor
The typical frequency supplied performance and
possible damage
by utility companies is 60Hz.
may result.
To test frequency, set the function switch to Hz.
Plug in your test leads as described on page
six and connect them to the circuit. Read the
frequency measurement, then compare the
measurement with the frequency listed for the
component under test.

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Advanced Features
IDEAL DMMs come in a variety of
models that together measure all the
functions an electrician needs to effectively
troubleshoot any electrical problem. Some
IDEAL DMMs also come with additional
features that make measuring easier and
more accurate.

True RMS
When taking AC measurements
in commercial and industrial
environments, you need a DMM with the True
RMS feature. DMMs take AC measurements using
either an averaging method or a True RMS method.
Average responding DMMs take an AC
measurement, multiply it by 1.11, then display it in
the LCD. This method is accurate when a pure sine
wave exists such as in residential environments.
But, in commercial and industrial environments,
electronic lighting ballasts, variable speed motor
drives, computers and other electronic equipment
cause harmonics that distort the sine wave. In these
cases, a DMM needs True RMS, which measures
the wave form using a Root Mean Square (RMS)
calculation to provide an accurate reading.

Data Hold and

Max Hold

Data Hold
When taking a measurement using a DMM, an
electrician sometimes needs to capture and retain
the reading as it appears on the display. If youre
taking a measurement in a dimly lit or tight area,
the Data Hold button retains the measurement on
the LCD until it can be easily read. The Data Hold
captures the reading simply by pushing the button.
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Max Hold
It may also be important for an electrician to
capture the highest reading of any given
measurement. This can be achieved by pushing
the Max Hold button. If the reading falls to
a lower value, the Max Hold button ensures
the highest value remains on the screen.
The Max Hold button is especially helpful in
capturing the in-rush current flow when
equipment is first turned on.

Auto Ranging and

Manual Ranging
IDEAL offers two different types of
digital multimeters auto ranging DMMs and
manual ranging DMMs.
Auto Ranging DMMs
An auto ranging DMM does
not require you to set the
range on the dial. Simply
select the function youre
measuring and the auto
ranging DMM automatically
establishes the range that
yields the best resolution.
Manual Ranging DMMs
A manual ranging digital multimeter
requires you to set the range
yourself. If you know the range
of the application youre testing,
set the range on the dial that yields
the best resolution. If you dont
know the range, simply select the
highest range possible. If the
reading is less refined than what
you desire, you may be able to
lower the range for better resolution.

17

Three-Phase
Rotation Tester
IDEAL offers a number of specialty test
instruments designed to perform functions
that the expert electrician may need to execute.

Note:
The IDEAL 61-361 indicates three-phase rotation
up to 480V. Voltage in excess of 480V requires the
IDEAL Three-Phase Rotation Tester (61-520).

Insulation Tester
Maintaining the integrity of insulation
in motors, cables and other devices is
critical for a number of reasons. Insulation keeps
current flowing safely through the copper
conductor. Bad or damaged insulation allows
electricity to leak out much like water leaks out of
a broken pipe. This could cause shorts, performance
problems or safety complications.

The Three-Phase Rotation Tester ensures properly

wired motors, eliminating possible damage.

The IDEAL Three-Phase Rotation Tester ensures

that motors are properly connected to the three
phases. Incorrect connections result in motors
spinning in the wrong direction, which may
cause motor damage or improper operation.
To test for proper motor rotation, plug the
three color-coded leads of the tester to each of
the three phases. Turn the power on. The disk
on the Three-Phase Rotation Tester should be
spinning in the same direction as the rotation of
the motor as described in the owners manual. If
the rotation desired is in the opposite direction,
the tester is improperly connected to the three
phases. Switch any two leads, and the rotation
will reverse to the proper direction. Mark the
three phases, then hook up your equipment.
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The Insulation Tester pressurizes electric wire to indicate

whether or not insulation is good.

To test for proper insulation, IDEAL offers the

Insulation Tester. By pressurizing the electric wire
under test with a surge of voltage, the Insulation
Tester indicates whether or not the insulation is
good. A rough rule of thumb for good insulation is
1 megohm of resistance per 1000 volts of rating.
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Glossary
A, ampere or amp The basic unit of electric current.
AC, alternating current An electric signal in
which the current and voltage vary in a repeating
pattern over time; the most common type of voltage.
analog meter A mechanical measuring device using
a needle moving across a graduated scale or dial.
auto ranging A DMM that automatically selects
the range with the best resolution and accuracy in
response to the application.
calibration Zeroing of an instrument to a known
standard.
capacitance Ability of a component to hold an
electrical charge, usually stated in microfarads.
capacitor Electronic component which stores
energy and then discharges it; blocks DC and allows
AC to pass through.
clamp-on DMM with jaws that allow it to fit
around a conductor to measure AC or DC current
without breaking the circuit.
contact A connection between two conductors
that allows a flow of current.
continuity The continuous path for current flow in
a closed circuit.
current The flow of an electrical charge through a
conductor; measured in amperes or amps.
DC, direct current an indirectional, steady voltage;
typically produced through electromagnetism, chemicals
(batteries), light, heat or pressure.
data hold Feature of DMM that allows continued
display of last reading taken after probes have
been removed.
diode Electronic device in circuits that allows current
to flow easily in only one direction and blocks flow in
the opposite direction.
DMM, digital multimeter An instrument that
uses an LCD typically capable of measuring voltage,
current and resistance.
F, farad The basic unit of capacitance.
frequency The number of cycles per second that a
wave form repeats; measured in hertz. (Line voltage
in U.S. is 60 Hz.)

ground A large conducting body (earth) used as a

common return for current in a circuit.
H, hertz One cycle per second; the unit of frequency.
harmonics A signal with a frequency which is
a multiple of the fundamental frequency (60Hz);
may damage or degrade the performance of
electrical devices.
harmonic distortion Diminishes power quality;
caused by non-linear loads such as variable speed
motor drives, electronic lighting ballasts and computers.
impedance Total opposition to current flow;
includes resistance, capacitance and reactance.
load Any device which consumes power in a circuit.
manual ranging DMM that requires the user to
manually select the range using the meters dial.
min/max Feature that allows a meter to capture
and store the highest and lowest readings during a
specific measurement.
ohm The basic unit of resistance, specified as equal
to that of a conductor in which one amp of current is
produced by one volt of potential across its terminals.
OL, overload Signal amplitudes or frequencies
above the specified limits of the instrument;
typically displayed as OL on the display of a DMM.
peak hold Feature of DMM that allows retention of
highest reading in a series of measurements.
polarity The positive or negative direction of DC
voltage or current.
resolution Increments in value that can be displayed
by a DMM; the greater the resolution the more precise
the readout.
resistance Opposition to current; measured in ohms.
sleep mode Automatically shuts down unit not in
use to preserve battery life.
short Any connection that has relatively low
resistance or any resistance between two points below
a preselected threshold.
true RMS meter DMM that has the True RMS
feature, allowing for accurate measurement of AC
voltage in environments with harmonics (see harmonics).
V, volt The unit of electrical pressure; one volt is
the potential difference needed to cause one amp of
current to pass through one amp of resistance.

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