Using a Multimeter Part 1 Gateway To Technology Unit 6 – Lesson 6.1 – What is Electricity Using a Multimeter Part 1

Using a Multimeter Gateway To Technology Unit 6 – Lesson 6.1 – What is Electricity What is a Multimeter? An instrument for measuring the properties of an electrical circuit Sometimes the multimeter is referred to as the “Swiss Army knife” of electricity. Common measurements include continuity, voltage, current, and resistance. These are further discussed in this presentation and other presentations in this lesson. Point out that the third multimeter is analog and the other three are digital. Which would be more accurate?

Who Uses Multimeters? Electrical Engineers Electronics Engineers Using a Multimeter Gateway To Technology Unit 6 – Lesson 6.1 – What is Electricity Who Uses Multimeters? Electrical Engineers Electronics Engineers Scientists Technicians Electricians Chemists Networking Engineers Computer Engineers Many Others . . . Many students probably have seen a multimeter at their home if someone there does home repair.

Manual vs. Auto Ranging Manual Using a Multimeter Gateway To Technology Unit 6 – Lesson 6.1 – What is Electricity Manual vs. Auto Ranging Manual The user is responsible for choosing a setting by anticipating the output. Always choose a setting higher than what you think the reading will be. The example given is for volts, but setting choices include current and resistance.

Manual vs. Auto Ranging 6 volts 50 millivolts 800 millivolts 800 volts Using a Multimeter Gateway To Technology Unit 6 – Lesson 6.1 – What is Electricity Manual vs. Auto Ranging Where should you set the meter if you expect a reading around . . . 1000 volts 6 volts 50 millivolts 800 millivolts 800 volts 125 volts 200 volts 20 volts 2000 millivolts The example given is for volts, but setting choices include current and resistance. 200 millivolts

Manual vs. Auto Ranging Auto Using a Multimeter Gateway To Technology Unit 6 – Lesson 6.1 – What is Electricity Manual vs. Auto Ranging Auto The meter adjusts based on the input to provide the most detailed reading. Auto ranging meters are generally a little more expensive.

Test Leads Standard Test Leads Hook Leads Alligator Clip Leads Using a Multimeter Gateway To Technology Unit 6 – Lesson 6.1 – What is Electricity Test Leads Hook Leads Standard Test Leads Alligator Clip Leads Standard test leads are generally what come with multimeters. These are useful when the user can hold the leads against whatever is being measured. Alligator clip leads are useful because readings can be made without having to hold the leads in place. Hook leads are designed to latch and hold onto wires. They are spring loaded. Pulling back on them exposes a latch that hooks around the wire. When pressure is released, the latch grips to the wire. These leads are good for tight spots and smaller wires. Both the alligator clip leads and hook leads pictured are the type that slip onto of standard test leads.

Using a Multimeter Gateway To Technology Unit 6 – Lesson 6.1 – What is Electricity Continuity The continuous flow through a component or an entire circuit If the answer to the questions below is yes, then there is continuity. Is the material a conductor? Is there an uninterrupted path between the two points?

Testing for Continuity Using a Multimeter Gateway To Technology Unit 6 – Lesson 6.1 – What is Electricity Testing for Continuity Method 1 There will be a speaker icon where resistance is measured. The meter will beep to indicate continuity.

Testing for Continuity Using a Multimeter Gateway To Technology Unit 6 – Lesson 6.1 – What is Electricity Testing for Continuity Method 2 Turn the dial to a setting for Ohms. The meter will read zero to indicate continuity.

Using a Multimeter Gateway To Technology Unit 6 – Lesson 6.1 – What is Electricity Image Resources Microsoft, Inc. (2008). Clip Art. Retrieved September 10, 2008, from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx