Module 2: TESTING INSTRUMENT

Contents
Chapter 2
module 2: testing instrument
Common functions of a multi meter…………………………………………………………… 2.3
Parts of a multimeter…………………………………………………………………………... 2.3
Voltage measurement………………………………………………………………………….. 2.4
Measuring a current……………………………………………………………………………. 2.8
Reference 2-9

Table of Figure
Figure 2.0: Parts of Multimeter___________________________________________________________________2-4
Figure 2.1: Parts of Multimeter___________________________________________________________________2-5
Figure 2.2: Meter set up________________________________________________________________________2-7
Figure 2.3: Measurement of 9V battery, set at point 600V_____________________________________________2-8
Figure 2.4: Reversing of Probes while carrying voltage measurement___________________________________2-10
Figure 2.5: Measurement of a 9V battery, set at point 200V___________________________________________2-13
Figure 2.6: Measurement of a 9V battery, set at point 20V_____________________________________________2-4
Figure 2.7: Measurenent of 1.5V battery, set at point 20V_____________________________________________2-5
Figure 2.8: Measurement of a 9V battery, set at point 200mV__________________________________________2-7
Figure 2.9: Measurement of Ammeter using a clamp meter____________________________________________2-8

What you will cover

Module 2: Testing Instrument

 Digital Multimeter
 Analog Multimeter
 Clamp Meter

Learning Outcome
At the end of this module participants will be able to Understand:
• Understand the working operation of measuring instrument
• Use Multimeter to measure voltage, resistance , current, frequency, diode & capacitors

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2.0 TESTING INSTRUMENTS

This document describes the common measurements that can be made with digital multimeters:
• Voltage Measurements
• Current Measurements
• Resistance Measurements
• Continuity Measurements
• Frequency Measurements
• Diode Measurements

2.1 Common functions of a multi meter

Voltage Current
Transistor Capacitance
Diode Continuity
Resistance

2.2 Parts of a Multimeter

DC Current (low)
Meter Reading Digits
DC Current (high)

DC Voltage Scales
Resistance

AC Voltage Scales
Transistor Checker

Function Selection
Diode Checker
Probes

Figure 2.0. Parts of multimeter

2.2 Voltage measurement

- Scale set to highest
predictable value
- Probes into right jacks
- Note voltage polarity

Figure 2.2. Meter set up

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• Set-up VOM on 600V DC

Scale
• Touch red probe to (+)
• Touch black probe to (–)
• Read voltage to nearest 1
volt

Figure 2.3. Measurement of a 9V battery, set at point 600V

Now touch the red probe to (-)

• Touch the black probe to (+)
• Read voltage to nearest 1 volt, note
the minus sign that signifies a
negative voltage

Figure 2.4. Reversing of probes while carrying voltage measurement

• Set-up VOM on 200V DC Scale

• Touch red probe to (+)
• Touch black probe to (–)
• Read voltage to nearest .1 volt

Figure 2.5. Measurement of a 9V battery, set at point 200V

• Set-up VOM on 20V DC Scale

• Touch red probe to (+)
• Touch black probe to (–)
• Read voltage to nearest .01 volt

Figure 2.6. Measurement of a 9V battery, set at point 20V

• Set-up VOM on 20V DC Scale
• Touch red probe to (+)
• Touch black probe to (–)
• Using a 1.5 volt battery - read voltage to
nearest .01 volt

Figure 2.7. Measurement of a 1.5V battery, set at point 20V

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• Set-up VOM on 2000m V DC Scale

• Touch red probe to (+)
• Touch black probe to (–)
• Using a 9 volt battery
• This is clearly an over-voltage
situation, note the reading.

Figure 2.8. Measurement of a 9V battery, set at point 2000mV

Measuring Voltage – Safety
When measuring voltage, the voltage being measured is exposed to the operator and flowing through
the probes. Be cautious, be attentive, watch what you touch!
The probes have sharp points so that you can make precise contacts. Use the protective shield when
probes not in use.
Observe the meter maximum limits for voltage and current. Fuses are a last resort protection feature.
If you blow a fuse, you made a mistake!
2.3 Measuring a current
An ammeter is the other device used to measure current flowing through closed low voltage electrical
circuits.
In addition, it is used in the live testing of an electrical circuit. Connecting the ammeter in series with
the close electric circuit always does measurement of current. AC/DC currents of different (LV) ranges
can be measured using an ammeter. When connected in series with load (motor, fan), an ammeter will
indicate the current consumed by the load. The current shown depends upon the exact connection of
the ammeter. In order to extend the range of measurement done by an ammeter, a CT is connected
along with the meter. Accordingly, a multiplying factor will come into the picture. Figure 2.9 shows the
connection of an ammeter and voltmeter used for troubleshooting a motor starting circuit. As
explained earlier, an ammeter is connected in series with the path, while a voltmeter is connected
across the test points. There are two current ranges on the multimeter, high – up to 10Amps and low –
200 milliamps (.2amps) and below.
Internal fuses provide some meter protection for over current situations.
Caution with Multimeter on current measurement
There must be some resistance in the circuit or the current flow through the circuit will be the
maximum the source will produce, and this current level could damage the meter. In other words, do
not connect the meter probes directly across the battery poles in the current measurement function!
Current Measurement
• Set up the circuit using a 100 ohm resistor (brown, black, brown).
• Connect a wire to the + power source, connect another wire to the top end of the resistor (the
non grounded end).
• Set VOM current scale to 200m.
• Without connecting the battery, practice touching the VOM probes to the exposed wire ends.
• Connect the battery.
• With the VOM set to the 200m current scale, touch the black lead to the wire hooked to the
high side of the resistor.
• Touch the red lead to the lead coming from the + side of the battery.

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• Note the VOM reading.

Figure 2.9. Measurement of current flow through a 100 ohms resistor, set at point 200mA

• Now reverse the VOM leads and note the reading.

Figure 2.10. Measuring current in reverse meter connection

Trying another range?
• Return the VOM leads so that the red is connected to the battery.
• Change the VOM current ranges down and note the display readings
• What is the best range for measuring the current from a 9 volt source through a 100 ohm
resistor?

200m Range 20m Range

Figure 2.11. Measurement of current flow, set at different ranges
Measuring Current Flow through a resistor
• Wire the circuit with a 1k ohm resistor (brown, black, red).
• Measure current with 200m range.

Meter set at 200m Meter set at 20m

Meter set at 2000u

Figure 2.12. Measurement of current flow through a 1Kohm resistor, set at 200m range

What is the best range to measure the current through a 1 k resistor? (Discuss)

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For very-high voltage circuits, it is unfeasible to disturb the circuit or take physical connection risks with
the meters. To avoid physical connection of an ammeter with the circuit, another handy device known
as the clip-on meter is available in the market

Figure 2.14. Measurement of Ammeter using a clamp meter.

Measuring Resistance
• When the VOM is used to measure resistance, what actually is measured is a small voltage and
current applied to the component.
• There are 5 ranges, an out of resistance reading will indicate a single 1 digit. Remember k
means multiply the reading by 1000.
• Operating voltages should be removed from the component under test or you could damage
the VOM at worst, or the reading could be false at best.
• Disconnect the battery from the board, remember to measure resistance the circuit should be
un-powered.
• Put the 100 ohm resistor in place, no additional wires are required.
• Select the 200 range and touch the probe leads to either side of the resistor.

Figure 2.15. Measurement of an 100 ohms resistor, set at 200 range

• Now reverse the probe leads and observe the reading.
• Any difference?

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Figure 2.16. Measurement of an 100 ohms resistor, set at 200 range meter probe reverse

Let’s try this also

• Now using the 100 ohm resistor, measure the resistance using each of the other ranges.
• Note that the resolution of the reading decreases as the maximum ohm reading increases,
down to the point where it is difficult to get a good resistance reading.

2000 20k 200k 2000k

Figure 2.17. Measurement of an 100 ohms resistor, set at different ranges

• Now use the 1k ohm resistor and the 200 range.
• Explain the reading you observe.
• Find the appropriate range to measuring 1,000 ohms (1k).

200
2000
Figure 2.18. Measurement of an 100 ohms resistor, set at 200 range
• Now use the 10k and the 100k resistor.
• First determine the appropriate range to use for each resistor.
• Second make the resistance measurements
• Third, using higher ranges predict the reading and confirm your prediction by taking the
measurements
Continuity Measurement
A digital multimeter can be used to measure continuity between two points of a circuit. This is a great
test to determine if circuits are continuous, thereby allowing current to flow. Some digital multimeters,
such as the NI 4070, have a continuity setting to determine if current can flow between two points. A
continuity test can still be accomplished even if the multimeter does not have a continuity setting
though. By using a resistance measurement, a user can determine if there is an open circuit (infinite
resistance) or closed circuit (low resistance) between two points.

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Basic Principles in using a Drawing and Meter in Troubleshooting Circuits

To identify a faulty section, follow the guidelines given below, along with a drawing and a meter:
- Check the incoming supply voltages first
- Check for voltages at the specific test points in circuit (as per manufacturers test point
datasheet)
- Do dead test of circuit for integrity of protection devices and others
- In dead test, check for continuity of circuits, as intended and check for insulation resistance
- If its not possible to perform a dead test, connect the supply to the circuit and do a live test of
circuit.
Generally, any electrical circuit can be differentiated in two sections;
- Power circuit
- Control circuit
It is always advisable to first check the power circuit. So, if the power circuit works, as it should, then
troubleshoot the control circuit.
If the two circuit works perfectly well, then check the final device.
Continuity Test
- Integrity of electrical circuit path
- Integrity of the earthing system (electrical continuity and low resistance value to earth)
- Accurate wiring of a control and power circuit to the correct terminals
- Differentiate active and neutral conductors before connecting them to a device
- Check for wrong wiring interconnections between different control and power circuits; thus
indirectly, checking for short-circuit paths
- Integrity of switches, fuses, and other devices

Questions
1. What did you understand by circuit integrity
2. What could be a cause of short circuit fault?
3. How will you clear a short circuit fault?
4. How do you carry out continuity test?

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