If you deal with electronics and electricity, a multimeter is a must-have tool for you. This device is made up of a combination of numerous different kinds of meters, all in just one box. Normally, a multimeter is comprised of three different types of meters, which are a voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter. Apart from these meters, it can as well perform extra functions such as frequency, continuity, capacitance, and temperature in some meters. The multimeter can be used to measure different parameters, which are as follows:
Summary of Contents
Voltmeter measures Voltage
Voltage refers to the difference between two points. When the two points are connected to a conductor, a current will definitely flow through the conductor. Hence, voltage is the initiator of the current. The gadget that measures AC voltage is referred to as a voltmeter. As a matter of fact, if all things are equal, a change in the amount of voltage between two points leads to a corresponding change in current. So, if you keep things the same, you can measure voltage by measuring the current. Voltmeter and Multimeter both can measure voltage, but multimeter can operate more functionality. Actually, there is a direct relationship between voltage current and resistance in an electrical circuit. If you happen to know any of these two circuits, finding out the third becomes easy.
Ammeter measures Current
Current is measured in units known as amperes. That’s why the unit that measures current is as well-referred to as Ammeter. The current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. Ammeters normally measure current in milliamperes, also known as a milliamp, and are abbreviated as mA. One mA is one-thousandth of an ampere.
Related article: What do The Symbols or Signs on a Multimeter Mean?
Ohmmeter measures Resistance
A resistor is a material that resists the flow of current. The level at which the current is restricted is a function of the amount of resistance in the resistor, which is measured in the units known as ohms. The sign for ohms is Omega, written as Ω. The difference between an ohmmeter VS multimeter is an ohmmeter is a gadget that measures resistance while the multimeter tests various values, such as voltage, current, temperature, etc. Similar to voltage, resistance can as well be measured by an ammeter. This is because there is a direct relationship between resistance, voltage, and current in any circuit.
Checks diodes
An advanced HVAC multimeter can be utilized to verify if the diode is either open or short-circuited. A diode is an electronic one-way valve that conducts electricity in one direction. When a multimeter is connected to a functioning diode, it shows the voltage across the component.
Related article: How You Can Test a Vehicle Battery with a Multimeter?
How to check continuity
A digital multimeter can be used to inspect breaks in flexes of appliances, blown filaments in bulbs, and also, blown fuses. To measure continuity, turn the selector dial on the meter to the continuity range. The test leads should be connected to the meter, just like when connecting voltage. In case there is a circuit that needs to be checked, ensure that the device is powered on. Put the tip of the test lead at every end of the conductor or fuse, which requires to be verified. If the resistance shows that it is less than 30 ohms, the multimeter will show this by a beep sound or buzzing noise.
Bottom line
An automotive multimeter is a versatile device that can be utilized to carry out different measurements such as ac/dc voltage, current, resistance, frequency, capacitance, temperature, and continuity. It all depends on the work and the type of digital multimeter that you want.
