In today’s world, we live in a pool of electronic instruments and gadgets that we use in our daily life extensively. In the case of minor issues with these instruments, you need not have to be an electronics expert or call an electrician to resolve it. With a simple multimeter, you can be an expert yourself.
Multimeters, also known as daily life meters are excellent measuring tool, which can measure current, voltage and resistance. With the values of these three parameters in hand, any electrical problems can be easily fixed. Some multimeters can be used for continuity check and diode check, which helps in solving most of the electronic issues. A multimeter is a simple tool but saves a lot of money and time and makes work a lot easier.
NOTE: The voltage ratings mentioned are with respect to the USA where electrical outlets are 120volts and heavy duty appliance circuits (electric stoves, clothes dryers) use 230 volts. In many other parts of the world the standard voltage in household electrical systems is 230 to 240 volts. Adjust the expected readings according to the normal voltage provided in your local.)
Following are the 10 problems that can be easily solved using a multimeter.
When you are doubtful about an Electrical Outlet
A multimeter can easily check if there is power output from an outlet or if needs to be replaced. All one has to do is set the meter to 400V AC and place the probes at the following combinations and check for the respective readings.
Probe 1 | Probe 2 | Output voltage |
Hot | Neutral | 120V |
Hot | Ground | 120V |
Neutral | Ground | Zero |
When your Car is too lazy to start
A morning when you start your car, the motors run too slow or it doesn’t start at all. The first thing to doubt on will be the car battery.
The easiest thing you can do is pick up a multimeter, set it to 15V DC or more. Turn the vehicle’s light and ignition off. Touch the meter probes to the terminal posts on the car battery. The readings are as follows:
Voltage Readings | State of Charge |
12.6V | 100% |
12.45V | 75% |
12.24V | 50% |
12.06V | 25% |
11.89V | 0% |
NOTE: these readings are at 80 degrees F. Battery voltage readings will drop with temperature roughly 0.01 volts for every 10 degrees F.)
(At 30 degrees F. a fully charged battery will measure about 12.588 volts, and at zero degrees F it will measure about 12.516 volts.)
If your battery voltage is less than 12.45 volts (75 percent charged), it is low and should be recharged. This can be done by connecting a portable battery charger to your battery, or by driving your car for 15 to 20 minutes at 40 mph or faster.More detailed explanation can be found on how to test your car battery
I bought a new multimeter…it is capable of reading 230VAC/110VAC, 50Hz supply…..but it is not reading 1VAC,5KHz supply….can u explain me why?? (I want to measure voltage only.)