Mettu Polytechnic College

Department of IEECT

L: II
LAB#1
Testing Electronics Equipment’s

Module Title: Test Electrical and Electronics

components/Parts
Module Code: EIS IEC 03 0322

Prepared By Tamrat Hailu

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 Lab#1

Title testing of Resistor using DMM

Introduction

Resistor is a two-terminal passive electronic component that resists, or

limits, the flow of electrical current in a circuit. It’s a critical
component found in every circuit in various shapes and sizes to control
the signal levels, divide voltage, implement biasing, protect other
electronic components in the circuit, etc. Thus, if a resistor fails or goes
bad, it can lead to circuit failure and render the device unusable.

Steps to Test a Resistor with a Multimeter

When a resistor fails, it usually gets charred or burns. As a result, it either stops
conducting the electrical current/signal or does not resist the current flow. If you
think that a resistor in the circuit has failed or need to test it, follow these steps.

Step 1: Switch Off Power Supply to the Circuit

Before you access or start testing the circuit for a bad resistor, you
must unplug the device from the mains power as this can be lethal. If a
battery powers the device, remove it as it can lead to false positives or
indicate wrong values during the tests.

Step 2: Get a Multimeter

To test or find a bad resistor in a circuit, you need a multimeter with a resistance
setting (preferably auto-ranging). If you already have a multimeter, switch the
multimeter dial to resistance mode or the setting with the Ω (ohm) symbol.
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Also, check if there’s a large capacitor in the circuit and discharge it by shorting
its two terminals before measuring or testing the resistor. Shorting the capacitor
terminals will fully discharge it and prevent the multimeter from getting damaged
or displaying wrong values

Step 3: Test or Measure the Resistor Value Using

Multimeter

Connect the multimeter probes to the resistor on the circuit that you think is bad
or looks charred or burnt. You can touch the probes to the resistor terminals or to
the soldered joints on the board to test the resistor.

However, it is recommended that you desolder one of the resistor’s terminals from
the circuit to get the accurate test result and value. After connecting the probes
to the resistor terminals, check the value on the multimeter.

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If the resistor is fine, the multimeter will show its value in Ω, kΩ, or MΩ.
However, if the resistor is bad or damaged, the multimeter may display 0 or 1.

If the value 0 is displayed, the resistor is damaged, and the current can’t pass
through. If the value is 1, the resistor is damaged, allowing all current to pass
through, i.e., it’s no longer resisting the current flow. You need to replace the
resistor with the same value resistor in both cases.

To test individual resistor values (outside a circuit), connect the multimeter probe
wires to the resistor’s two terminals—it doesn't matter which way round, as
resistors are not directional components. Make sure the multimeter dial is in
resistance measuring mode. Then check the value on the multimeter.

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 Lab#2

Title :testing of DIODE using DMM

Introduction

The diode is a two terminal semiconductor device which allows the current flow
only in one direction. These are found in many applications such as rectifiers,
clampers, clippers and so on.

How to test a Diode with a Multimeter?

The testing of the diode is done to know its proper working conditions in
forward and reverse bias modes.

Before testing of the diode, the terminals of the diode must be identified. That
means which terminal is anode and which one is cathode. Most of the PN diodes
have the silver-band on its body and this white-band side terminal is the
cathode. And the remaining one is anode. Some diodes may have a different
color band, but the color band side terminal is the cathode.

The basic diode test is very simple to perform. Just two tests are needed with
the multimeter to ensure that the diode works satisfactorily.

The method of testing a diode with an analog meter is quite straightforward.

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Testing of a Diode using Analog Multimeter

Step by Step Instructions:

1. Set the multimeter selector switch in low resistance value.
2. Connect the negative terminal of the diode to the negative terminal of the
multimeter.
3. Connect the positive terminal of the diode to the positive terminal of the
multimeter.
4. If the meter indicates a low resistance value, then it says that the diode is
healthy.
5. Now put the selector in high resistance position and reverse the terminals
of the meter by connecting positive terminal to the cathode and negative
terminal to anode. In this case, the diode is said to be in reverse bias.
6. If the meter indicates OL or a very high resistance, then it refers to the
perfect condition of the diode.
7. If the meter fails to show above readings, then the diode is said to be
defective or bad.

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 Testing of a Diode using Digital Multimeter

The diode testing using a digital multimeter (DMM) can be carried in two ways
as there are two modes available in DMM to check the diodes such as diode
mode and ohmmeter mode.

Diode Mode Testing

Step by Step Instructions:
1. Identify the diode terminals (anode and cathode).
2. Keep the digital multimeter (DMM) in diode checking mode by rotating the
central knob to the place where the diode symbol is indicated. In this mode
multimeter is capable to supply a current of 2mA approximately between the
test leads.
3. Connect the red probe to the anode and black probe to the cathode. This
means diode is forward-biased.
4. Observe the reading on the meter display. If the displayed voltage value is in
between 0.6 to 0.7 (since it is silicon diode) then the diode is healthy and
perfect. For germanium diodes this value is in between 0.25 to 0.3.
5. Now reverse the terminals of the meter that means connect the red probe to
cathode and black to anode. This is the reverse biased condition of the diode
where no current flows through it. Hence the meter should read OL (which is
equivalent to open circuit) if the diode is healthy.
6. If the meter shows irrelevant values to the above two conditions, then the
diode is defective.

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The diode defect can be either open or short. Open diode means diode behaves as
an open switch in both reverse and forward-biased conditions. So, no current flows
through the diode. Therefore, the meter will indicate OL in both reverse and
forward-biased conditions.
Shorted diode means diode behaves as a closed switch so the current flows
through it and the voltage drop across the diode will be zero. Therefore, the
multimeter will indicate zero voltage value, but in some cases it will display a very
little voltage as the voltage drop across the diode.
Ohmmeter Mode Testing
Step by Step Instructions:
1. Identify the terminals anode and cathode of the diode.
2. Keep the digital multimeter (DMM) in resistance or ohmmeter mode by rotating
the central knob or selector to the place where ohm symbol or resistor values
are indicated. Keep the selector in low resistance (may be 1K ohm) mode for
forward-bias.
3. Connect the red probe to the anode and black probe to the cathode. This means
diode is forward-biased. When the diode is forward-biased, the resistance of
the diode is so small.
4. If the meter displays a moderately low value on the meter display, which may
be a few tens to few hundred ohms, then the diode is good and healthy.
5. Now reverse the terminals of the multimeter such that anode is connected to
black probe and cathode to red probe. So the diode is reverse biased.
6. Keep the selector in high resistance mode (may be 100K ohm) for the reverse
bias testing procedure.
7. If the meter shows a very high resistance value or OL on meter display, then
the diode is good and functions properly. Since in reverse biased condition
diode offers a very high resistance.

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 Lab# 3

Title testing of Capacitor using DMM

Introduction

A capacitor is a device that is used to store charges in an electrical circuit. A

capacitor works on the principle that the capacitance of a conductor increases
appreciably when an earthed conductor is brought near it. Hence, a capacitor has
two plates separated by a distance having equal and opposite charges.

In most electrical and electronics troubleshooting and repairing works, we face a

common problem with capacitors where we want to know how to test and check a
capacitor? Is it good, bad (dead), short or open? Here, we can check a
capacitor with analog (AVO meter i.e. Ampere, Voltage, Ohm meter) as well as
digital multimeter either the capacitor is in good condition or should we replace it
with a brand new one.
Method 1.
Test a Capacitor using Digital Multimeter – Resistance Mode to test a capacitor by
DMM (Digital Multimeter) in the Resistance “Ω” or Ohm mode, follow the steps given below.
1. Make sure the capacitor is fully discharged.
2. Set the meter on the Ohmic range (Set it at least on 1000 Ohm = 1kΩ).
3. Connect the multimeter probes to the capacitor terminals (Negative to Negative
and Positive to Positive).
4. Digital multimeter will show some numbers for a second. Note the reading.
5. And then immediately it will return to the OL (Open Line) or infinity ―∞‖. Every
attempt of Step 2 will show the same result as shown in steps 4 and 5. It means
that Capacitor is in Good Condition.
6. If there is no Change, then Capacitor is dead.

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Method 2.
Check a Capacitor using Analog Multimeter – Ohm Mode
To check a capacitor by AVO (Ampere, Volt, Ohm Meter ) in the Resistance “Ω”
or Ohm mode, follow the following steps.
1. Make sure the suspected capacitor is fully discharged.
2. Take an AVO meter.
3. Rotate the knob on the analog meter to select the resistance ―OHM‖ mode (Always, select the
higher range of Ohms).
4. Connect the Meter leads to the capacitor terminals. (COM to the ―-Ve‖ and Positive to the
―+Ve) terminals).
5. Note the reading and compare with the following results.
6. Short Capacitors: Shorted Capacitor will show very low resistance.
7. Open Capacitors: An Open Capacitor will not show any movement (Deflection) on the OHM
meter scale.
8. Good Capacitors: Initially, it will show low resistance, and then gradually increases toward the
infinite. It means that the capacitor is in good condition.

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Method 3.
Checking Capacitor using Multimeter in the Capacitance Mode
Note: Testing a capacitor in the capacitance mode can only be performed if the
analog or digital multimeter has the farad ―Farad‖ of Capacitance ―C‖ features. The
function of capacitance mode in a multimeter can also be used to test the tiny
capacitors. To do this, rotate the knob of the multimeter to the capacitance mode
and follow the following basic instructions.
1. Make sure the capacitor is fully discharged.
2. Remove the capacitors from the circuit board.
3. Now Select Capacitance ―C‖ on the multimeter.
4. Now connect the capacitor terminal to the multimeter leads.(Red to Positive and
Black to Negative).
5. If the reading is near to the actual value of the capacitor (i.e. the printed value
on the Capacitor container box).
6. Then the capacitor is in good condition. (Note that the reading may be less than
the actual value of the capacitor (the rated value of capacitor due to the
tolerance in ±10 or ±20 ).
7. If you read a significantly lower capacitance or none at all, then the capacitor is
dead and you should change it with a new one for proper operation.
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Method 4.
Testing a Capacitor By Simple Voltmeter
To apply this method on polar and nonpolar capacitors, you must know the value of
nominal voltage of capacitors. The level of voltage is already printed on the
nameplate of electrolytic capacitors. While there are specific codes printed on
ceramic and SMD capacitors. You may follow this guide which shows how to read
and find the value of ceramic and non-polarized capacitors with related codes
printed on it.

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Also, you can use the DC Voltage “V” or Volt Mode in the digital or
analog multimeter to perform this test.
1. Make sure to disconnect a single lead (no worries if Positive (long) or negative
(short)) of the capacitor from circuit (You may fully disconnect as well if
needed)
2. Check the capacitor voltage rating printed on it (As shown in our below example
where the voltage = 16V)
3. Now charge this capacitor for a few second to the rated (not to the exact value
but less than that i.e. charge a 16V capacitor with 9V battery. If the value of
battery voltage is greater than the nominal voltage of the capacitor, it will
damage or burst the capacitor.) voltage. Make sure to connect the positive (red)
lead of the voltage source to the positive lead (long) of the capacitor and
negative to negative. If you are not sure or unable to find the proper leads, here
is the tutorial on how to find the negative and positive terminal of a capacitor.
4. Set the value of voltmeter to the DC voltage and connect the Capacitor to the
voltmeter by connecting the positive wire of the battery to the positive lead of
the capacitor and negative to negative. You can use a digital or analog multimeter
while selecting the DC voltage range for the same purpose.
5. Note the initial voltage reading in the voltmeter. If it is close to the supplied
voltage you gave to the capacitor, the Capacitor in in Good condition. If it shows
far less reading, Capacitor is dead then. note that the voltmeter will show the
reading for a very short time as the capacitor will discharge its stored volts in
the voltmeter.

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 Lab# 4

Title: testing of transistor using DMM

Introduction

A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electrical

signals and power. The transistor is one of the basic building blocks of modern
electronics. It is composed of semiconductor material, usually with at least three
terminals for connection to an electronic circuit.

How to Test a Transistor Using a Digital Multimeter

Basically a transistor is nothing but two pn-junctions connected back to back. By
examining both the junctions (Emitter-Base junction and Collector-Base junction)
with the help of a digital multimeter, we can comment on the functionality of the
transistor.
The test of the transistor is based on the principle of pn-junction biasing, i.e.,
when a forward bias is applied to the pn-junction (by connecting positive terminal
to the p-region and negative terminal to the n-region), the junction allows current
to through it. When the reverse bias applied to the junction, it behaves as an open
circuit.
NPN Transistors are widely used. We can test an NPN transistor by testing the
junction's continuity in the forward bias and reverse bias mode. In the same
manner, we can test a PNP transistor too.

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Step by Step Testing of NPN Transistor

 Set the digital multimeter to Diode or Continuity range.

 Connect the Positive probe (Red coloured) of multimeter to the base terminal
of the transistor.
 Connect the negative or common probe (Black coloured) of multimeter to the
emitter terminal. The multimeter should give some reading.
 Connect the negative or common probe (Black coloured) of multimeter to the
collector terminal. Again, the multimeter should give some reading.
 Now, connect the negative or common probe of multimeter to the base terminal
of the transistor.
 Connect the positive probe of multimeter to the emitter terminal. This time,
the multimeter should read open circuit.
 Connect the positive probe of multimeter to the collector terminal. Again, the
multimeter should read open circuit.
 Now, connect the negative probe of the meter to the emitter and the positive
probe to the collector. The meter should read open circuit in this case.
 Also, connect the positive probe of the meter to emitter and the negative
probe to the collector. Again, the meter should read open circuit.
 If the transistor passes all the tests then, it is functional and all the junctions
are in healthy condition.

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 Lab# 5

Title: testing of step down transformer using DMM

Introduction

A step-down transformer is a type of transformer that converts the high voltage

(HV) and low current from the primary side of the transformer to the low voltage
(LV) and high current value on the secondary side of the transformer. The reverse
of this is known as a step up transformer.
A transformer is a type of static electrical equipment that transforms electrical
energy (from primary side windings) to magnetic energy (in transformer magnetic
core) and again to the electrical energy (on the secondary transformer side). A
step-down transformer has a wide variety of applications in electrical systems and
transmission lines.

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Step 1
Identify the transformer's terminals, using its label as a guide. Transformers
contain input, known as the "primary," and output, known as the "secondary,"
terminals. The transformer's label identifies the input (high voltage) and the
output (low voltage) sides, along with the input and output voltages -- measured as
voltage-alternating-current (VAC) -- and their corresponding terminals.

Step 2
Turn the multimeter to the "resistance, ohms," function. Touch the multimeter's
leads together. The multimeter should beep, indicating continuity.
Disconnect the wires that go to the input side of the transformer. Place a lead on
each input terminal. The multimeter should read "continuity." If the multimeter
does not read continuity, the input windings have a short. Replace the transformer.
If the multimeter does read continuity, re-connect the input wires.

Step 8
Disconnect the output wires from the transformer. Check the secondary windings
for continuity with the multimeter. If the multimeter shows continuity across the
secondary windings, troubleshoot the secondary circuit.
If the multimeter does not show continuity across the secondary windings, inspect
the secondary circuit for a short to ground -- often a bare wire.

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