A multi meter is a simple, inexpensive device for testing circuit continuity, and measuring voltage and resistance. Occasionally our posts mention using a multi meter to test something on a battery. However, we realized we never provided any tips on how to use a multi meter previously. Therefore, we thought to plug the gap and write this post.
How to Use a Multi Meter to Check Voltage
We use two settings on a basic multi meter to measure volts. One toggles between AC and DC current, while the other sets the minimum and maximum voltage range. Advanced multi meters are able to auto-range. This adds to their cost while not being strictly necessary for occasional use.
To test a battery for voltage, turn the multi meter on, and set the range and current type. Then touch the red and black probes to the positive and negative terminals respectively as marked. The multi meter will display the voltage it measures on the read out.
Checking Resistance with a Multi Meter
Electrical resistance is the degree of difficulty with which electricity passes through a circuit or an object. We can compare this to the flow of water through a pipe, or a drinking straw. We express electrical resistance in ohms (Ω), while electrical conductance measures in siemens (S).
It’s a vital safety requirement that we disconnect a device before testing it. The key to using a multi meter for measuring resistance is a matter of selecting the Ω symbol as opposed to AC or DC, and adjusting the range. Then we measure the resistance by placing the probes at the beginning and end of the circuit, or on opposite sides of the object, or resistor.
How to Use a Multi Meter to Test for Connectivity
If a circuit won’t complete we need to find the fault. Since this potentially can happen anywhere, we narrow down the search progressively. First, we isolate the electricity and set the device to the Ω symbol. Then we place one multi meter probe in the middle of the circuit, and the other one at the end we choose.
If we do not get a reading, voila, we already know in which half the fault is. Now you know how to use a multi meter to do split-half testing, you will find many other uses for this handy device.
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