Basic electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, diodes and transistors are

widely used in any electronic devices and gadgets. Knowing how to conduct a test on this
components using a multimeter would give you an idea on how to trouble shoot and
repair any defective device in your home. Below are some basic D.I.Y. regarding proper
testing of this components using a multimeter.

How to test resistors?

Read the indicated color code value then select the Ohm-scale within but not way below
the indicated value. A resistor is good if its resistance is close to the indicated
value.Tolerance should be considered with the ohmmeter reading. While, no resistance
reading at all on the ohmmeter scale settings means that the resistor is open. A zero
resistance reading on all ohmmeter scale settings means that the resistor is shorted.

How to test capacitors?

In most cases, a capacitor fails due to the deterioration of the dielectric material between
its plate.Defective capacitors can have an internal shorted terminals, excessive leakage
and degradation of capacitance meter. For an electrolytic capacitor (capacitors with
polarity), short the terminal capacitor to discharge it prior to testing.

To test a capacitor, set the multimeter to Rx10 or Rx1K scale. Connect the tester negative
probe to the capacitor positive terminal and the positive probe to the negative terminal. A
good indication for electrolytic capacitor shows the meter needle deflecting towards zero
and moves back again to infinite resistance position. For ceramic, Mylar and other
capacitor with a capacitance with less than 1.0 uF, the meter will not deflect at all. A
defective indication for an electrolytic capacitor shows that the meter will rest on zero
and remain stationary at a point which is an indication that the capacitor is shorted.

How to test diodes?

Set the multimeter knob to any of the resistance position (x1, x10, x1K or 10K
ohm ).Connect the positive probe to the anode and the negative probe to the cathode.Then
connect the positive probe to the cathode and the negative probe to the anode of the
diode. A good indication in the first procedure will show the meter deflected very little or
may not deflect at all. And in the second procedure, the meter will deflect towards
zero.The actual resistance reading is the forward resistance of the diode. A defective
indication shows that the meter won't deflect at all even when the probes are reversed. Or
the meter deflects at the same time or almost the same resistance reading for both steps.

How to test transistors:

Bipolar transistors are usually checked out of a circuit by means of an ohmmeter. When it
is desired to check for the resistance across the transistor emitter and collector, NPN or
PNP, ohmmeter probes may be connected either way. A good transistor will show above
a reading above 1000 ohm.
How to determine if it is NPN or PNP transistor?

To determine the correct terminal of the transistors, set the range selector to x 1 or 10
ohm.Connect the positive probe to the emitter and the negative probe to the base of the
transistor. Note the reading interchange the connection of the probes to the leads of the
transistor.

Base your conclusion on the table:

POSITIVE PROBE TO: --------NEGATIVE PROBE TO: --------RESISTANCE

READING: ----------CONCLUSION:

Emitter----------------------------------- Base-------------------------- Less than 150 ohm

----------------Transistor is NPN

Base -------------------------------------Emitter --------------------------Infinity

---------------------------------Transistor is NPN

Emitter----------------------------------- Base------------------------------- Infinity

------------------------------Transistor is PNP

Base ------------------------------------- Emitter -------------------------- Less than 150 ohm

-------------Transistor is PNP

Some defective indications of transistors: Resistance between any pair of the terminals is
less than 10 ohms, means that the transistor is shorted. Resistance between base and
emitter or base collector for both the forward and reverse application of ohmmeter probes
is infinity (meter needle don't deflect), means that the transistor is open. Transistors
overheats (except power transistors) during normal operating condition means that the
transistor is shorted.