Measuring Tools
Engr. Erick George D. Uy, MEng
Professional Lecturer 2
College of Engineering & Architecture
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao
Measuring Tools
Features of Multimeter
Types of Multimeter
Functions of Multimeter
– Voltmeter
– Ammeter
– Ohmmeter
Clamp Meter
Safety Precautions
2
Multimeter
• A multimeter is a device used to measure
AC and DC voltage, AC and DC current,
and resistance in electronics and electrical
equipment.
• It is called a multimeter because it
combines the functions of a voltmeter,
ammeter, and ohmmeter.
• Multimeter may also have other functions,
such as diode and continuity test.
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Types of Multimeter
1. Analog multimeter measures values
directly and displays these values via a
dial, typically a moving pointer or needle.
Calibration is done manually by adjusting
the meter needle.
2. Digital multimeter collects data at
discrete times and the display is usually
through LCD (liquid crystal display) or
light-emitting diode (LED). Digital
multimeter are more accurate because
you can see the actual number instead
of trying to estimate it on a scale.
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Meter Leads
• Red meter lead is considered the
positive connection
• Black meter lead is connected to the
common port and considered the
negative connection
• Probes
Are the handles used to hold tip on the
tested connection
• Tips
Are at the end of the probe and
provides a connection point
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Display and Dial Settings
• Digital Display
Shows measured value.
• Panel Indicator
Shows each function and setting
range to turn dial to.
• Meter Dial
Turn dial to change functions.
Turn dial to OFF position after use.
• Probe Connections
Specific for each function.
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Common Multimeter Symbols
~ AC Voltage Ground
--- DC Voltage ( Capacitor
Hz Hertz mF MicroFarad
+ Positive m Micro
Negative m Milli
Ώ Ohms M Mega
* Diode K Kilo
))) Audible Continuity OL Overload
These symbols are often found on multimeter and
schematics. They are designed to symbolize
components and reference values.
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Voltage Measurement
1. Check the type of voltage to be measured, select the DC or
AC volts. If not an auto-ranging multimeter then start at the
highest volts scale.
2. Plug the black test probe into the COM (-) input jack and
the red probe to the V (+) input jack.
3. Connect the leads in parallel between the two points where
the measurement is to be made. For DC circuit, positive
with positive terminal and negative with negative terminal
for getting a proper reading of the voltage. If not, the
reading will show a negative figure.
4. View the reading on the display, make sure to note the unit
of measurement.
Voltage Measurement
9.3 vdc
Current Measurement
1. Turn off the power of the circuit being measured.
2. Plug the test probes into the appropriate terminals.
3. Select the appropriate function (AC or DC) and set the
range of the multimeter (Start at the maximum range).
4. Break the circuit to be measured.
5. Connect the leads in series between the two points where
the measurement is to be made. For DC circuit, be aware of
the polarity.
6. Turn on the power.
7. View the reading on the display, make sure to note the unit
of measurement.
8. Turn off the power, disconnect the multimeter and
reconnect the circuit.
Current Measurement
25 mA
Remember to return the positive probe to the V socket when finished
measuring current. The meter is practically a short circuit when the lead
is in the mA or 10 A socket and if you forget and connect the meter to a
voltage source when the lead is in this position, you may end up blowing
a fuse at best or blowing up the meter at worst!
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Resistance Measurement
1. Disconnect power source before testing.
2. Plug the test probes into the appropriate terminals.
3. Select the required range. Start at lowest range and adjust,
as needed.
4. Test the meter, calibrate, as necessary.
5. Remove component or part from system before testing.
6. Connect the probe at each end of the resistance being
measured.
7. View the reading on the display, make sure to note the unit
of measurement.
8. Turn off the multimeter after used.
Resistance Measurement
Continuity Test
This mode is used to check if
two points are electrically
connected. It is often used to
verify connectors.
• Turn the selecting dial on the meter to the continuity range.
This is often indicated by a symbol which looks like a series of
arcs of a circle.
• Place the end of a probe at each end of the wire, component or
fuse which is to be checked. If the resistance is less than about
30 ohms, a continuous beep will be heard from the meter. The
resistance is usually indicated also.
Clamp Meter
Clamp meter is a tool that
measures the electrical
current flowing through a
device without having to cut
the wiring of the device being
measured. The clamp
surrounds the wire and uses
its magnetic field to
determine the current. It also
have other functions, such as
voltmeter, ohmmeter and
continuity test.
Current Measurement
1. Turn off the power of the circuit being measured.
2. Locate a wire carrying electrical current on the device.
3. Squeeze the lever on the side of the clamp meter to
open the clamp, then close the head of the clamp with
the wire inside of it.
4. Set the clamp meter to read either AC or DC,
depending on the type of current you're measuring.
5. Turn on the device you're measuring back in and write
down the number shown on the clamp meter.
6. Unplug the device and remove the clamp meter from
the wire.
Clamp Meter
Voltage and Resistance Measurement
Measuring Voltage
• Select Volts (AC) or Volts (DC), as desired.
• Plug the black test probe into the COM input jack, plug the red
test probe into the V input jack.
• Touch the probe tips to the circuit across a load or power source.
• View the reading, being sure to note the unit of measurement.
Measuring Resistance
• Turn off power to the circuit Select resistance ( Ω).
• Plug the black test probe into the COM input jack, plug the red
test probe into the VΩ input jack.
• Connect the probe tips across the component or portion of the
circuit for which you want to determine resistance.
• View the reading in the meter’s display.
Precautions for Safety Measurement
1. The multimeter should only be used by personnel qualified
to recognize shock hazards and trained in the safety
precautions required to avoid possible injury.
2. Do not work alone when making measurements of circuits
where a shock hazard might exist.
3. Never use meter on electric circuit that exceeds 3 KVA and
be careful when working with voltages above 60 V DC or 30
V AC rms, such voltages pose a shock hazard.
4. Never use meter with wet hands or in damp environment.
5. Inspect the test leads for cracks or breaks in the insulation,
prods and connectors before each use. If any defects are
noted, replace the test leads immediately.
Precautions for Safety Measurement
6. Keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the test
probes when making measurements.
7. Always make sure that the function and range are properly
set in accordance with the measurement. The range or
function switch should only be changed only when the
power to the circuit being measured is turned off or the test
pins are disconnected.
8. Always disconnect the “hot” (red) test lead first, after
measurement.
9. Never open tester case except when replacing batteries or
fuses. Be sure to use fuse of the specified rating type and
never use substitute of the use or never make a short circuit
of the fuse.