MODULE NO.

:3

TITLE : MULTITESTER

In This Module:
ILO3.1 Manipulate the basic electronic tools and equipment (vom)
ILO3.2 Read the scales of voltage current and resistance of analog multitester
and
ILO3.3 Compare the analog output to digital output
ILO3.4 Observe and follow the safety and work precaution of using multitester

INTRODUCTION:

Multi-tester plays a very important rule in electronics and electricity. A technician

cannot determine the defects of components and trouble of electronics circuit and
equipment without multi-meter. It is being used by the enthusiasts in electrical and
electronics circuits.

PRESENTATION
A multimeter or a multitester, also known as a VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter), is an
electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit. [2]

TYPES OF MULTIMETER

1. Analog or VOM is a measuring instrument capable of measuring ACV, DCV,CURRENT, and

RESISTANCE.
Figure 3.1 Analog multitester
BASIC FEATURES OF THE VOM

1. Capabilities and Limitations

• Measures voltage, AC and DC
• Measures current, milliampere
• Measures resistance
•
2. Controls and Adjustments
(a)Range Selector
• RESISTANCE: X1,X10,X100,X1K,X100K
• ACV: 10, 50,250,1000
• DCV: 0.25, 2,5, 10, 50,250,1000
• DCma: 2,5, 25, 250
 • Linear
• Zero at left and maximum at right
(f) LV Scale – used when testing diodes
• Second from the bottom scale
• Linear
• Zero at right and maximum at left
(g) dB Scale – used when determining dB gain or loss.
• bottom scale, red
• non-limear
• positive at right and negative at left
Example 1. Find the resistance measured Value of the following ranges
Rx1: 26 ohms
Rx10: 260 ohms
Rx100: 2.6 K ohms
Rx1k: 26 k ohms
Rx100k: 2.6 M ohms
Figure 3. Analog multitester (Sanwa)

Figure 3.3 Analog Scale (Sanwa)

SAMPLE READINGS
Range 10Acv 4.4acv
Range 50Dcv 22dcv
Range 250 110vac
Range 1000DCv 440Dcv
x.01 or Mov 2dec to left -Range 2.5Dcv = 1.10 Dcv,
x.001 or Mov 3 dec to left -Range .25Dcv = 0.110dcv
x .01 or Mov 2 to left @range 0.1 =0.04.4dcb
x .01 or Mov 2dec to left -Range 2.5Dcma Dcma
x .1 or Mov 1dec to left -Range 25Dcma =11.0 dcma
x .001or Mov 3dec to left -Range .25DcA .110A= 110dcma
2. Digital multitester?

A digital multimeter (DMM) is a test tool used to measure two or more electrical values—
principally voltage (volts), current (amps) and resistance (ohms). It is a standard diagnostic tool
for technicians in the electrical/electronic industries.[3]

Digital multimeters long ago replaced needle-based analog meters due to their ability to measure
with greater accuracy, reliability and increased impedance. Fluke introduced its first digital
multimeter in 1977.

Digital multimeters combine the testing capabilities of single-task meters—the voltmeter (for
measuring volts), ammeter (amps) and ohmmeter (ohms). Often they include a number of
additional specialized features or advanced options. Technicians with specific needs, therefore,
can seek out a model targeted for particular tasks.

The face of a digital multimeter typically includes four components:

• Display: Where measurement readouts can be viewed.

• Buttons: For selecting various functions; the options vary by model.
• Dial (or rotary switch): For selecting primary measurement values (volts, amps, ohms).
• Input jacks: Where test leads are inserted.

Figure 3.4 Analog multitester

Test leads or Test probes are flexible, insulated wires (red for positive, black for negative) that
plug into the DMM. They serve as the conductor from the item being tested to the multimeter.
The probe tips on each lead are used for testing circuits.

By knowing a multimeter's resolution, a technician can determine if it is possible to see a small

change in a measured signal.
Example: If a multimeter offers a resolution of 1 mV on the 4 V range, it is possible to see a
change of 1 mV (1/1000th of a volt) while reading 1V.

Digital multimeters are typicaly grouped by their number of counts (up to 20,000) they display.

Broadly speaking, DMMs fall into one of a handful of categories:

• General purpose (aka Testers)

• Standard
• Advanced
• Compact
• Wireless

SAFETY

Remember that you will deal with the high voltage in using this equipment. So therefore you
need to learn more about how to use this and learn first the parts and functions including the
safety precautions.

1. Know what to be measure- remember that before you perform measurement of a voltage
or a device you should acquaint yourself what type of current your dealing with. Is this
high voltage or not, example: the wall outlet electricity or the convenience outlet or CO
that has a standard wall outlet electricity of 220 VAC minimum.
2. Know the polarity- if we should measure a line of voltages or current we must understand
that a Direct Current (DC) have a two channel, the positive and negative. To avoid an
incident, we must always avoid the technician error in considering the trial and errors.
3. Do not hold the test rod- the test rod is the metal tip of the test probe, consider always the
voltage and electronic component as high voltage. So that you will avoid the accident of
electrical shock and damage of the units you repair.
4. Never measure resistance with the circuit is power on
5. Measure the current in series
6. Measure the voltage in parallel
7. Be sure at right function range before actual measurement
8. Always start at highest range when measuring unknown voltage and current
9. If possible, use a range that would give a pointer closed to the middle
10. Always off VOM after use to assure the life span of the VOM battery.

TIPS!

• If you want a good performance and to assure an exact result use a non-pirated or original
VOM.
• Buying original VOM, you can assure of your safety, because electricity is very dangerous
to us and can kill.
• Be sure to calibrate first the VOM before testing any voltages higher or not.
 SELF-QUIZ-3

Direction: Multiple Choice. Answer the following concisely:

1. The following are electrical quantities that the VOM can measure except one
a. voltage
b. power
c. current
d. resistance
2. Which of the following electrical quantities do you observe the polarity of the jack?
a. AC voltage
b. power
c. current
d. resistance
3. What is the purpose of zero corrector?
a. bring pointer to zero at Resistance scale
b. bring pointer to zero at Dc scale
c. bring pointer to zero at Ac scale
d. both B and C
4. At what function is zero ohms adjust effective?
a. ACV scale
b. DCV scale
c. Resistance scale
d. all of these
5. How do you connect the VOM when measuring current?
a. series
b. parallel
c. both series and parallel
d. all of these
6. What electrical quantity should not be measured in a circuit with the POWER ON?
a. voltage
b. power
c. current
d. resistance
7. What is the measured value if the pointer pointed at exactly 20 on the resistance scale @
range X100?
a. 20 ohms
b. 200 ohms
c. 2k ohms
d. 2M ohms
8. What safety precautions is/are applicable when using digital multi-tester
a. know what to be measured
b. know the polarity
c. do not touch the tip of the test prod
d. all of these
Find the measured value of the following resistance ranges (2pts each)

Rx1 =
Rx 10 =
Rx 100 =
Rx 1k =
Rx 10k =
Rx 100k =

Find the measured value of the following ranges: ACV, DCV, DCma (2pts each)

Acv 10 = Dcv 1000 =

Acv 50 = Dcv 250 = Dcma 25 =
Acv 250 = Dcv 10 = Dcma 2.5 =
Acv 1000 = Dcv 2.5 =
DcA 0.25 =