Measuring Voltage

Plug the test leads into the COM and V terminals. Always plug the black test lead
into the terminal that’s labeled “COM” for “Common.” Always plug the red test lead into
the terminal labeled “V” for “Voltage,” since this is what you’re testing.[1]
 Both AC and DC voltage are measured using the test leads in this setting.

Move the dial to the voltage setting for AC or DC voltage. Turn the dial to V~, or the
V with a wave sign next to it, if you’re measuring AC voltage. Switch the dial to V⎓, or
the V with a horizontal line next to it, to measure DC voltage.[2]
 AC, or alternating current, voltage is used to measure things you might find around the
house, like wall sockets, microwaves, and other home electrical appliances.
 DC, or direct current, voltage is mostly used to measure batteries. DC voltage is also used
in cars and many small electronics.

Set the voltage range to a higher voltage than what’s expected. If you set the
voltage range too low, you won’t get an accurate reading. Look at the numbers on the
dial and choose the setting that’s closest to the expected voltage of what you’re
measuring, while still being above that voltage.[3]
 For example, if you’re measuring a 12V battery and there are settings for 2V and 20V on
your multimeter, set the dial to 20V.
 If you don’t know the voltage of what you’re reading, just set the multimeter to its
highest voltage rating.

Touch the probes to both sides of a load or power source. Put the tip of the black
probe on the negative lead of a battery or into the right side of a wall socket, for
example. Put the red probe on the positive end of a battery or into the positive side of a
wall socket, for instance.[4]
 If you’re not sure which end is positive and which is negative, try putting a probe on each
end and seeing what the multimeter says. If it’s showing a negative number, your
positive and negative are switched.
 To avoid getting shocked, keep your fingers away from the tips of the probes when
you’re putting them near a wall socket.
 Keep the probes from coming into contact with one another or you can generate a short
circuit and possibly cause an electrical fire.
 Always hold the probes by the colored handles, which are insulated to prevent shock.
Read the voltage on the multimeter’s screen. Once your probes are connected to the
positive and negative leads, you’ll get a reading on the multimeter telling you the voltage
of what you’re testing. Look at the digital screen to find the reading and take note of it if
desired.[5]
 Looking at your reading tells you whether or not the voltage you're measuring is
average or not. For example, if you measure the wall socket and the multimeter reads
100V, this is below the average of 120V, letting you know this wall socket's voltage is
low.
 If you’re checking the voltage of a new 12V battery, the reading should be right
around 12V. If it is lower or there is no reading at all, the battery is low or dead.