Using the multimeter practical.

1. Continuity Test/Check used to test/check if wires are connected (not broken),

test/check fuses. You should NEVER use this check/test when the power is ON.
Symbols on meter:
2. Voltage for a battery/cell (DC)
Source of Direct current (DC)
- battery or dry cell
- dc generator
- dc adapter e.g. cell phone, laptop, psp.
- dc power supply
Symbols on meter:
DCV,

Cell/Battery
1 (AA)
2 (AAA)
3 (D)
4 (C)
5 (9V)

Voltage
Measured
______
______
______
______
______

3. Voltage from a socket outlet (AC)

Source of Alternating Current (AC)
- ac generator
- socket outlets (110V, 220V)
- ac power supply
- transformers
Symbols on meter:

ACV,
Source (AC)
110V Outlet
220V Outlet

Voltage
Measured
____ volts
____ volts

4. Current from a simple circuit (DC)

Source of Direct current (DC)
- battery or dry cell
- dc generator
- dc adapter e.g. cell phone, laptop, psp.
- dc power supply
Symbols on meter:
DCA,
Circuit to be connected.

BEFORE

AFTER

Supply
Voltage
2V
4V
6V
8V
10V

Current through Lamp/resistor.

____ mA
____ mA
____ mA
____ mA
____ mA

5. Current from a simple circuit (AC)

Source of Alternating Current (AC)
- ac generator
- socket outlets (110V, 220V)
- ac power supply
- transformers
Symbols on meter:
ACA,
Note: AC current is measured the same way as DC current. A clamp-on meter can also
be used.

6. Testing Resistors

(DO NOT DRAW)

(PRINT IF POSSIBLE)
Resistors regulate the amount of current flowing in an electronic circuit. Resistors
present a resistance, or impedance, to the electrical circuit and reduce the amount of
current that is allowed to flow.
Steps
1. Turn OFF power from the circuit containing the resistor.

2. Disconnect one end of the resistor from the circuit, it does not matter which
end of the resistor is disconnected, with an electronic grade soldering
iron and pull the resistor free using small needle nose pliers.
3. Inspect the resistor. If the resistor shows signs of blackening or charring, it
may be damaged by excess current flow. A resistor showing blackening
or charring should be replaced.
4. The resistor value will be printed on the resistor. Smaller resistors may have
their value indicated by color coded bands. Note the resistor tolerance.
For example, a 1,000 ohm resistor with a 10 percent tolerance indication
is still considered to be accurate if it measures no less that 900 ohms and
no more than 1,100 ohms.
5. Prepare a digital multimeter (DMM) to measure the resistor. Set the
adjustable scale of the DMM to the next setting higher than the expected
resistor value. For example a resistor marked as 840 ohms to be
measured, set the DMM to the 1,000 (1k) ohm scale.
6. Replace a resistor that measures outside of the acceptable value range.
7. Testing Diodes

A diode is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow through it in one direction
ONLY.
Testing ordinary diode using a digital multimeter. Put the multimeter selector
switch in the diode check mode. Connect the leads as shown in the diagram below.
If multimeter displays a voltage between 0.6 to 0.7 (Silicon diodes) or between
0.25 to 0.3 V (Germanium diodes), the diode is healthy. This is the test for
checking the forward conduction (forward bias) mode of diode. If the multimeter
shows an infinite reading (over range), the diode is healthy. This is the test for
checking the reverse blocking (reverse bias) mode of the diode.

When a diode is bad: Youll hear a continuous tone with a readout of 0.000 as shown
in (Figure C) or the readout will indicate any number value other than 0.400-0.600
shown in (Figure B) or the readout with indicate OL as shown in (Figure D).

8. Testing Transistors
A transistor is a semiconductor device that allows current to flow through it
under certain conditions, and cuts current off when other conditions are present.
Transistors are commonly used as either a switch or a current amplifier. You can
test a transistor with a multimeter that has a diode test function.
1. Testing with a multimeter
Use a multimeter or a simple tester
(battery, resistor and LED) to check each pair of
leads for conduction. Set a digital multimeter to
diode test and an analogue multimeter to a low
resistance range.
Test each pair of leads both ways (six tests in
total):

The base-emitter (BE) junction should behave

like a diode and conduct one way only.
Testing an NPN
The base-collector (BC) junction should
transistor
behave like a diode and conduct one way only.
The collector-emitter (CE) should not conduct either way.
The diagram shows how the junctions behave in an NPN transistor. The
diodes are reversed in a PNP transistor but the same test procedure can
be used.

9. Testing Capacitors
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Using Digital Multimeter

Set the meter on Ohm range (Set it at lease 1000Ohm = 1k)
Connect the Meter leads to the Capacitor terminals.
Digital meter will show some numbers for a second. Note the reading
And then immediately it will return to the OL (Open Line). Every attempt of Step 2
will show the same result as was in step 4 and Step 5. It means that Capacitor is in
Good Condition.
If there is no Change, then Capacitor is dead.

10.

Testing Transformers
1. Test for continuity between the input pins.
2. Test for continuity between the output pins.