How To Use Multimeter Safely

Learn how to use a multimeter so you can start diagnosing some of those electrical system gremlins yourself.

How to use multimeter safely. Motors capacitors and power con version equipment such as variable speed drives can be. A good fuse will indicate very little resistance while a blown fuse will always show o l or whatever indication that model of multimeter uses to indicate no continuity. Multimeter safety multimeter safety and you voltage spikes an unavoidable hazard as distribution systems and loads become more complex the possibilities of transient overvoltages increase. To measure voltage you have to connect your multimeter in parallel with the component you want to measure the voltage. Connect the red probe to the positive side of your component which is where the current is coming from.

Verify they are shrouded and show no physical damage. It s important that you are aware of your equipment s rating and that you never use a multimeter or probe that is rated less than the voltage of the equipment you are testing. Unplug test probes from the multimeter s input jacks. Connect the com probe to the other side of your component. The one marked com for common the red test leads plugs into either the red socket marked for voltage and resistance or the red socket marked for current depending on which quantity you intend to measure with the multimeter.

Run test probes between your fingers as you visually inspect them. When measuring a live circuit use insulated tools like safety glasses insulated mats and insulated gloves. The black test lead always plugs into the black socket on the multimeter. Mags how to videos how to use a multimeter for beginners in this video i will help teach you how use a multimeter to test volts ac dc amps and ohms. Read the value on the display.

If track power is 8v then the multimeter will read either 8v or 8v depending on which way round the leads are. Wear insulated gloves when using a multimeter. When inserted into the jacks the connection should feel firm and secure. Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. First of all volts don t run through anything current runs through cables etc.

If you wanted to test the track voltage you turn on the track power and place one of the multimeter probes on each rail of the track. A multimeter can be used to check its own current fuse by setting the selector switch to the resistance position and creating a connection between the two red sockets like this. Here are a few safety precautions you should take when making live measurements with a multimeter.