Instructions on How to Use a Multimeter

 

To measure voltage, plug the probes into the appropriate jacks on the multimeter. Remember, black is negative (common), and the red should only go into the Volt/ohm/Temp jack, not the A or mA. For measuring AC voltage, switch the multimeter rotary switch to the V with a wavy line over it. Touch the probes to the appropriate outlet/wire, and your reading should come up on the screen.

For measuring DC voltage, turn the rotary dial to the V with a solid and broken line over it. If you’re testing low voltage systems (below 3VDC), you can use the mV setting. Then touch the probes to the appropriate area.

To measure resistance, follow the instructions above, except turn the rotary switch to the Ohm sign. The measured value of a resistor in a circuit is often different from the resistor's rated value. The test leads can add 0.1% to 0.2%of error to resistance measurements. To test the leads, touch the probe tips together and read the resistance of the leads

Measuring AC or DC Current

Warning

To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, never attempt an in-circuit current measurement where the open-circuit potential to earth is greater than 1000 V. You may damage the Meter or be injured if the fuse blows during such a measurement.

Caution

To avoid possible damage to the Meter or to the equipment under test:

• Check the Meter's fuses before measuring current.
• Use the proper terminals, function, and range for all measurements
• Never place the probes across (in parallel with) any circuit or component

To measure current, you must break the circuit under test, then place the Meter in series with the circuit. Or you can use our line Separator.

1. Turn off power to the circuit. Discharge all high voltage capacitors.
2. Insert the black lead into the COM terminal. For currents between 6 mA and 400 mAl. For currents above 400 mA, insert the red lead into the A terminal.

Note: To avoid blowing the Meter's 400 mA fuse, use the mA/A terminal only if you are sure the current is less than 400 mA continuously or less than 600 mA for 18 hours or less.