How to use and read multimeter

2. Quick OverviewQuick Overview
2. An ohmmeter measures the resistance of a
component (in ohms).
The digital multimeter is a versatile
instrument that contains three different
meters in one.
• 1. A voltmeter measures the voltage across a
component (in volts).
• 3. An ammeter measures the amount of
current
through a component (in amperes, or
amps).

3. Basic Block Diagram

4. Digital Multimeter Layout
Below the digital readout is a black
dial, called the FUNCTION switch.
• The top portion of the meter
contains the digital readout area
which displays the measurement
value.
• The FUNCTION switch dial is
turned to select the meter’s
function .
i.e. voltmeter, ammeter, or
ohmmeter.

5. Function Switch Dial
There are eight different
functions to choose from on the
function switch.
The first is OFF. The meter
should always be returned to
this position when not in use.
• The V markings are for
measuring DC and AC voltage
• The Ω marking is for
measuring resistance.
• The A marking is for measuring
current.

6. Function Switch
Measuring Voltage

The V~ (
*) setting is for
measuring AC voltages.
Eg. house voltage
V
V
**
*
• The V– (
*) setting is for
measuring DC voltages.
Eg. battery voltage.
• The 20 (
*) setting is to
measure DC voltages in the
volts (V) range.

7. Set the dial to the a
value greater than the
voltage being
measured.
For our labs, we will
be working with the
20 V range.

8. Function Switch
Measuring Resistance and Current
The Ω setting (
*)
is used to
measure electrical
resistance in
ohms.
* *
• The A setting
(
*) is used to
measure DC
current in
amps.

9. Measuring Resistance
Set the dial to a value
greater than the
resistor value being
measured.
For a 300 ohm
resistor, set the
dial to 2000
For a 5000 ohm
resistor, set the dial to
20k
The 1 in the
display means the
resistance is higher
than the current
dial setting

10. Measuring Resistance
Set the dial to a value
greater than the
resistor value being
measured.
For a 300 ohm
resistor, set the
dial to 2000
For a 5000 ohm
resistor, set the dial to
20k
The 1 in the
display means the
resistance is higher
than the current
dial setting