A digital multimeter is a device that one can measure electric current, voltage, and resistance. These devices are often referred to as DMMs or DMMMs.
They work by connecting the two leads of the meter into the circuit that you want to test. The meters then calculate and display these values on their LCD screen in milliamps, volts, or ohms.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the types of digital multimeters.
So whenever you’re ready to get into the intricacies of this important tool, keep reading.
Digital Multimeter: What Is It?
A digital multimeter is a device that one can measure electric current, voltage, and resistance.
These devices are often referred to as DMMs or DMMMs. They work by connecting the two leads of the meter into the circuit that you want to test.
The meters then calculate and display these values on their LCD screen in milliamps, volts, or ohms. Digital multimeters come with various features such as auto-ranging and backlight displays. This helps make them more user-friendly than analog models.
The benefits of using one are that it is faster and easier than using a manual multimeter. One can use it for anything from testing the voltage of your car battery to checking how many volts are left in portable power packs.
These devices popped up roughly in 1970 when hand-held digital meters were first introduced in commerce.
Since then, digital technology has continued to advance. Thus, allowing meter manufacturers to offer new features such as USB connectivity. This allows them to communicate directly with computers or printers for data logging purposes.
There are still some limitations with all these advancements. For instance, their size and price range compared to traditional analog models.
A good example of one popular model would be the Fluke 87-V. It costs roughly $400, which seems like a lot. But it’s worth considering that the Fluke model is designed for commercial use in industrial applications.
This makes digital multimeters great tools for any maker looking to test their projects during development phases! In contrast, other models are more suited to being used in residential or hobbyist settings.
For example, an Arduino board when prototyping circuits and testing them out safely. This is usually done before transferring over to a larger-scale project. There are other alternatives to Arduino boards as well.
Check out some of the best multimeters for electricians here.
Who Should Use One?
Digital multimeters are becoming increasingly popular with hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts because of their ease of use. Professional electricians can also use them to ensure that circuits are safe before they begin any work on them.
Digital multimeters have several different uses, including testing electronic components, troubleshooting electrical problems.
These devices make measuring voltage sources, current supplies, and ammeters much easier in laboratories too. As these meters become more user-friendly, they’re becoming increasingly popular with homeowners who want to do minor repairs themselves.
If you’re interested in learning about clamp meters, check out the best for electricians here.
How to Use A Digital Multimeter?
To use a digital multimeter, plug the red lead into the Volts socket and the black one into COM. It would help if you switched your meter on before attaching it to what you want to test. Do this by inserting both leads into two different points of that circuit or device.
Next, press mV/DC/AC so that this appears in your display window. It will adjust the value using C or F accordingly depending on whether you are working with AC or DC circuits.
This will give you an accurate reading for voltage across at least two points.
This can be helpful if there is no clear right way up when trying to determine how electricity enters a particular point. It’s great for giving readings for resistance.
Digital multimeters have several different uses, including testing electronic components, troubleshooting electrical problems. They also ensure your circuit breakers haven’t blown, which could prevent a fire from breaking out.
This only happens if you notice smoke coming from your outlets due to an overload somewhere.
How to Choose the Right Multimeter?
When choosing the right multimeter for your specific needs, there are several factors to consider.
If you need to measure low voltages such as those produced by solar cells or batteries, then you must buy a model which has high input resistance. This is so even tiny voltage signals can be accurately measured and displayed on the screen.
Similarly, when measuring current, many models come with an internal fuse inside their jaws designed to blow.
This is done to damage the meter itself should too much current pass through them. In contrast, others may have sockets built into them specifically for this purpose instead.
At the end of the day, the question comes down to preference and/or utility of functions.
Electrical Values Taken Care of
If you have a number of electrical items at home or office, it makes sense to invest in a digital multimeter. These devices can help ensure that all your circuit breakers are working correctly.
Digital meters also make testing voltage sources easy. This can be helpful when installing electronics around the house or workspace.
When choosing the right model for use, take into consideration how much current is being measured along with whether special features such as auto-ranging will make using them more efficient.
If you’d like to learn more about similar topics, check out the related articles on the sidebar.