The power coming from most household circuits is AC. However, some devices may convert the power to DC through a transistor, so check the voltage label before you test an object. [2] X Expert Source Jesse KuhlmanMaster Electrician Expert Interview. 29 April 2020. The setting for testing voltage in an AC circuit is typically marked V~, ACV, or VAC. To test voltage on a DC circuit, set the multimeter to V–, V—, DCV, or VDC.
The power coming from most household circuits is AC. However, some devices may convert the power to DC through a transistor, so check the voltage label before you test an object. [2] X Expert Source Jesse KuhlmanMaster Electrician Expert Interview. 29 April 2020. The setting for testing voltage in an AC circuit is typically marked V~, ACV, or VAC. To test voltage on a DC circuit, set the multimeter to V–, V—, DCV, or VDC.
A~, ACA, and AAC are for alternating current. A–, A—, DCA, and ADC are for direct current.
A~, ACA, and AAC are for alternating current. A–, A—, DCA, and ADC are for direct current.
))) or a similar series of parallel arcs indicates the “continuity test. " At this setting, the multimeter will beep if the two probes are electrically connected. [4] X Trustworthy Source Science Buddies Expert-sourced database of science projects, explanations, and educational material Go to source A right-pointing arrow with a cross through it marks the “diode test,” for testing whether one-way electrical circuits are connected. [5] X Trustworthy Source Science Buddies Expert-sourced database of science projects, explanations, and educational material Go to source Hz stands for Hertz, the unit for measuring the frequency of AC circuits. [6] X Research source –|(– symbol indicates the capacitance setting.
The black probe always goes into the port labeled COM for common (also called the ground. (The other end of the black lead always connects to the negative terminal. ) When measuring voltage or resistance, the red probe goes into the port with the smallest current label (often mA for milliamps). [7] X Trustworthy Source Science Buddies Expert-sourced database of science projects, explanations, and educational material Go to source When measuring current, the red probe goes into the port labeled to withstand the amount of expected current. Typically, the port for low-current circuits has a fuse rated to 200mA while the high-current port is rated to 10A. [8] X Research source
The Ω scale is for reading resistance. This is typically the largest scale, at the top. Unlike the other scales, the 0 (zero) value is on the far right instead of the left. The “DC” scale is for reading DC voltage. The “AC” scale is for reading AC voltage. The “dB” scale is the least used option. See the end of this section for a brief explanation.
If you have no idea what current to expect, set it to the highest range for your first try to avoid damaging the meter. Other modes are less likely to damage the meter, but consider the lowest resistance setting and the 10V setting your default. [13] X Research source
