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

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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?

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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