HOW TO USE

A MULTIMETER

The Quick Guide to Accurately Measure Electrical

Quantities and Make the Most of Your Digital
Multimeter

Erik Smith
Copyright © 2021 Erik Smith
The author reserves all rights. Except as permitted under section 107 or 108
of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, no part of this book or any part of it
may be distributed, reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system in any way or
by any means, including recording, photocopying, or other forms of
transmission, without the express written consent of the publisher.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Introduction

What is a Multimeter?

Parts of a Multimeter

What is a Multimeter for?

How a Multimeter works

Types of Multimeters

Analog Multimeter

Digital Multimeter

Multimeters with Advanced Functions

The Multimeter is not only Used to Check Voltage

Taking Accurate Measurements with the Multimeter

The Digital Multimeter Measurement Tasks

Use the multimeter to Measure Voltage and other Measurements

How to use a Multimeter

Voltage Measurement
Resistance Measurement

Measurement of currents

Safety Precautions when using a Multimeter

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 Introduction
A multimeter is a very adaptable device based on the use of a measuring
instrument, a highly sensitive galvanometer, for all measurements. In order to
measure each of the electrical quantities, the galvanometer must be
completed with a certain electrical circuit that will also depend on two
characteristics of the galvanometer: the internal resistance (R) and the inverse
of the sensitivity. The latter is the intensity that applied directly to the
terminals of the galvanometer, makes the needle reach the full scale.
In addition to the galvanometer, the multimeter consists of the following
elements: The multiple scale through which a single needle moves, allows the
values of the different magnitudes to be read in the different measurement
ranges. In all of its versions and measuring ranges, a switch allows you to
change the function of the multimeter to act as a meter. The mission of the
switch is to select in each case the internal circuit to be associated with the
measuring instrument to perform each measurement. Two or more electrical
terminals allow the multimeter to be connected to the external circuits or
components whose values are to be measured. The access terminals are
usually colored to facilitate that the external connections are made correctly.
When measured in direct current, the one with the highest potential (or
potential +) is usually red and the one with the lowest potential (or potential -
) is black. The left part of the device is used to measure direct current and this
polarity can be observed. The right part of the device is used to measure
alternating current, the basic difference of which is that it contains a diode
bridge to rectify the current and finally be able to measure with the
galvanometer.
The multimeter is equipped with an internal battery to be able to measure
passive quantities. It also has a zero setting, necessary for resistance
measurement.
The basic circuits for using the multimeter are described below, where the
horizontal line placed on some variables, such as resistors or current
intensity, indicates that the left part of the device is being used. In addition,
the reasoning that is carried out on the electrical circuits used for the
multimeter to function as an ammeter or voltmeter also serve, in a general
way, to measure in alternating current with the right part of the device.
 What is a Multimeter?
A multimeter, also known as a tester is a portable electrical device that allows
a person to measure different electrical quantities that are part of a circuit,
such as currents, powers, resistances, capacities, among others.
It can measure parameters in different ranges, that is, if we know that we
measure a current of 10 A (Ampere) then choose a range of 1 A to 50 A. It
can measure DC or AC form digital or analog.
Direct and alternating current measurements can be made in a variety of
measurement ranges. There are analogical ones and later digital ones whose
function is the same, with some added variant, have been introduced.

Parts of a Multimeter
A multimeter consists of the following parts:

Display: It is the screen that digitally shows the result of the

measurement.
On/Off switch
VDC / VAC / OHM / ADC / AAC: scales to select depending on
the measurement to be performed.
Selector: Wheel that allows selecting the scale for the measurement
to be carried out.
COM: Cap to plug in the black cable, whatever the measurement is
carried out.
V-Ω: Cap where the red cable is plugged in if you want to measure
voltage or resistance.
10 mA: Cap where the red cable is plugged in if you want to
measure currents up to 10 mA.
10 A: Cap where the red cable is plugged in if you want to measure
currents up to 10 A.

What is a Multimeter for?

A multimeter has many functions. In general, it is used to measure different
quantities in an electrical circuit. Some of the functions of the multimeter are:

Resistance measurement.
Continuity test.
Measurements of AC and DC voltages.
Measurements of intensity of alternating and direct currents.
Capacitance measurement.
Frequency measurement.
Detection of the presence of alternating current.

How a Multimeter works

If we ask an electrician which is the instrument that he uses the most in his
work, he will most likely answer The multimeter. The multimeter is one of
the most important devices in the electrical field due to the large number of
functions that can be performed with it.
The operation of a multimeter involves several measuring instruments, such
as the voltmeter, ammeter, among others. What is important to know about a
multimeter is to know how to use it.
In principle, we must identify what we are going to measure and have an idea
of between what values that measurement oscillates. Once identified, we
look for the data on the scale of the tester. For example, if we want to
measure a voltage of a direct current of 100 V, we look in the tester for the V
that has a continuous line next to it and we choose the largest value, closest to
the approximate measurement value.
Then the cables must be connected to the multimeter. The black cable must
be connected to the plug with the common COM designation. Then we look
for the pin whose denomination is the magnitude that we want to measure. If
we want to measure voltage, we look for the V and we connect the clabe in
that pin. Then the other terminals of the cables must be connected, the black
in the negative part of the circuit and the red in the positive part of the circuit.
Then the multimeter, if it is digital, will show the value on the screen and if it
is analog, the needle will move to the measurement value.

Types of Multimeters
There are two types of multimeters:

Analog multimeter
Digital multimeter

Analog Multimeter
The analog multimeters shows the measurement result by a needle on a scale
indicating the measured value. They have an approximate 1% voltage
measurement accuracy and range from 0.4 mV to 1000V. If we talk about
current intensity, it can measure between 0.1 μA and 10A, with an accuracy
of 2%.

Digital Multimeter
Through a circuit, the digital multimeter converts the analog data obtained
into digital values that are then displayed on a screen. These types of
multimeters measure with the same accuracy as the analog ones, but increase
the precision when reading the measurement, since with a needle there is a
small error.

Multimeters with Advanced Functions

More rarely there are also multimeters that can perform more advanced
functions such as:

Generate and detect the intermediate frequency of a device, as well

as an amplifier circuit with speaker to help in the tuning of circuits
of these devices. They allow the signal to be tracked through all
stages of the receiver under test.
Perform the oscilloscope function above a million samples per
second in sweep speed, and very high resolution.
Synchronize with other measuring instruments, even with other
multimeters, to make specific power measurements (Power =
Voltage x Intensity).
Use as a telephone set, to be able to connect to a telephone line
under test, while measurements are carried out on the same or an
adjacent one.
 Checking electronic circuits of the car. High or low voltage burst
recording.
A generic or standard analog multimeter typically has the following
components:
1. Alternating-continuous switch (AC / DC): allows selecting one or the
other option depending on the voltage (direct or alternating).
2. Rotary switch: allows you to select functions and scales. By turning this
component, it is possible to select the magnitude (voltage, intensity, etc.) and
the scale value.
3. Insertion slots capacitors: It is where to insert the capacitor whose
capacity is to be measured.
4. Hole for the Hfe of the transistors: allows inserting the transistor whose
gain is to be measured.
5. Inputs: the measuring tips are connected to them.
Usually, analogue multimeters have four terminals (although there are also
two), one that is the common one, another to measure voltages and
resistances, another to measure intensities and another to measure intensities
not greater than 20 amps .

The Multimeter is not only Used to Check Voltage

Operating the multimeter often includes other additional functions as well.
Measurement parameters are automatically detected and selected based on
the placement of the measurement connectors. The function keys are easy to
operate, and the measured values are clearly displayed on the screen.

Taking Accurate Measurements with the Multimeter

With the multimeter, you can measure electrical current or check voltage and
resistance. The level of innovation of theinstruments convinces with their
high standards of safety and accuracy. It is not necessary to select the
connectors first and then the desired measurement function, but the
instrument recognizes the corresponding measurement parameter based on
how the connectors are positioned. This avoids possible incorrect settings that
always carry risk.
The operation of the multimeter is structured in a simple way and is further
proof of the current status of these instruments. Instead of the usual rotary
wheel, the portable measuring instrument has function keys that can be
operated comfortably with one hand. The large illuminated display makes it
easy for you to read the measured values.
The voltage range can reach 1000 V, the frequency range can reach 30 MHz,
and the capacity can reach 60,000 F, depending on the model you choose.
These are the results of testo 760-3, a commercially available product.
Professional multimeters complement electrical parameters with temperature
measurement. This measurement requires inserting a thermocouple adapter
and a temperature probe, which can be purchased separately.

High safety of use thanks to automatic detection.

The possibility of incorrect adjustments is eliminated.
Suitability for a large number of electrical measurements.
Large illuminated display. Advantages of digital multimeters.

The Digital Multimeter Measurement Tasks

As a good all-round instrument, a digital multimeter will accompany you in
all your electrical measurement tasks. The measurement of the true effective
values allows users to know exactly the situation of the electrical installation.
Before starting the measurement, users should familiarize themselves with
the instrument and check the measurement cables and connectors. The
multimeter is conveniently controlled by the easy-to-use illuminated keys,
without the need to use two hands. That it only weighs 340 grams is also an
important advantage. Integrated technology and operating safety are in
perfect harmony with multimeters.

Instruments with a multitude of functions.

Wide measuring range.
Great accuracy.

Use the multimeter to Measure Voltage and other

 Measurements
Measuring basic electrical quantities becomes child's play with this
multifunctional instrument. However, depending on the requirements of the
electrical measurement tasks, the handling can be somewhat more complex.
The wide measuring range allows current intensities to be measured even in
the vicinity of µA. Regardless of the measured value, the instrument always
provides extremely accurate results. Among other uses, this multifunctional
instrument is suitable as:

Current and voltage detector.

Resistance meter.
Capacity and frequency meter.
Thermometer (requires the use of an adapter).

How to use a Multimeter

As we explained in the previous paragraphs, the multimeter has many uses.
Among the most common uses are:

For voltage measurement.

For resistance measurement.
For measurement of currents.

Voltage Measurement
To measure voltages, simply connect the cables to the multimeter and the
other terminals between the points where you want to measure the potential
or voltage difference. If you want to measure the absolute potential, place the
terminal of the black wire in any mass and the red one where you want to
measure the potential.

Resistance Measurement
The procedure for measuring resistance is quite similar to that for measuring
voltages. It is enough to place the wheel in the ohms position and on the
appropriate scale for the size of the resistance that we are going to measure. If
you do not know how many ohms the resistance to measure has, we will start
with placing the wheel on the largest scale, and we will reduce the scale until
we find the one that gives us the most precision without going out of range.

Measurement of currents
Current intensity is measured in amps and provides information on the
electrical charges that flow through the defined surface in a given period of
time. Instruments such as clamp meters are used for measurement or the
multimeter is used to measure alternating and direct current.
The process to measure currents is somewhat more complicated, since instead
of being measured in parallel, it is measured in series with the circuit in
question. For this reason, to measure currents, we will have to open the
circuit, that is, disconnect a cable to insert the tester in the middle, so that the
current circulates inside the tester. Precisely for this reason, we have
commented before that a tester with the terminals set to measure currents has
almost zero internal resistance, so as not to cause changes in the circuit that
we want to measure.
To measure current, we will open the circuit at any of its points, and
configure the tester appropriately (red terminal on the amp plug with more
capacity, 10 A in the case of the tester in the example, black terminal on the
common COM plug).
Once we have the open circuit and the tester well configured, we will proceed
to close the circuit using the tester, that is, we will place each terminal of the
tester at each of the two ends of the open circuit that we have. This will close
the circuit and the current will circulate inside the multimeter to be read.
Therefore, to measure currents, the circuit must be opened to place the
terminal of the red cable in the part where the circuit was opened and that the
current flows through the tester. Previously, the tester must be configured to
measure currents.
To measure current with the multimeter, proceed as follows:

Adjust the measurement range (if unknown, start with a high

measurement range).
De-energize the electrical circuit and open it.
 Lay the measurement leads and close the electrical circuit again.
The value of the current is measured in amps and is displayed on the
multimeter display.

Safety Precautions when using a Multimeter

When the multimeter is set to a high current range, most multimeters come
with a fuse or two, which can help prevent internal damage from excessive
current. For added safety, there are also probes with integrated fuses. Setting
up a multimeter to measure resistance or current and then connecting it
straight to a voltage source (low impedance) is a typical mistake when
handling a multimeter.
Non-fused multimeters break down quickly in these cases; whereas fused
multimeters can resist by blowing their fuse. The fuses used must withstand
the multimeter's maximum measuring current, and are intended to blow if the
operator mistakenly exposes the multimeter to a higher current intensity. It
has not been uncommon to find multimeters designed with inadequate or
unsafe fuses. This situation has led to the creation of the IEC61010 categories
to evaluate the safety and robustness of multimeters.
Digital multimeters are classified into four categories based on their intended
application, as established by IEC 61010-1, and according to national and
regional groups of standards such as the CEN EN61010 standard.
Category I: Used when the multimeter is not directly connected to the mains.
Category II: Used when the multimeter measures only in circuits connected
to the low voltage electrical network, for example, circuits of electrical
appliances, of measuring equipment or the like.
Category III: Used when the multimeter measures directly into building
circuits, for example, wiring, junction boxes, etc.
Category IV: Used when the meter measured directly in the entrance of a
facility low voltage, where the currents can be very high, such as in
electricity meters, electric panels, etc.
Each category specifies the maximum transient voltages that are safe for the
multimeter's measurement ranges. multimeters that meet these categories
include protections against failures by overcurrent.
Multimeters that have an interface to connect them to a computer, can
integrate an optical isolation to protect and isolate the computer from the
voltages in the multimeter introduced by the measured circuit.
High-quality multimeters designed to meet Category II and higher standards
include high-breaking capacity ceramic fuses, typically with more than 20 kA
capacity, which are much less prone to blowing than more common glass
fuses. These multimeters also include metal oxide varistor (MOV) high-
energy surge protection, and overcurrent protection through resettable fuses.