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The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Multimeters

A multimeter is also known MultiTester because it is usually used to test Voltage, Current and Resistance. It is a handheld device which is called an Electronic Measuring Instrument that has tons of combined features. It can also be used to check continuity between two points in a circuit.
A multimeter is a must-have tool for every electrician or engineer and has lots of Practical applications but can also be used for DYI projects and common use. It has combined Features of Voltmeter, Ammeter, and ohmmeter.

There are two types of Multimeters:

Analog Multimeter

Analog Multimeter

Digital Multimeter

Digital Multimeter

Analog Multimeters have a needle for the display of test results where the needles move to show the statistics on the display but they don’t require a power source e.g. batteries.

Whereas a latest and Best Digital Multimeter is far more advanced and has an LCD to show numerical readings (Counts and Digits) and stats of multiple tests making it easy to get accurate and reliable readings on various tests but Digital Multimeters require a power source to work.

Both Analog and Digital Multimeters perform almost the same functions but as a newer generation of Multimeters are rising new features are also added in mostly Digital Multimeters, for example, Infrared Camera is available as in the Fluke multimeter to test heat and it’s related readings but they are expensive.

Common Functions of Multimeters: (What are multimeters used for)

  • Frequency Testing
  • Capacitance Tests
  • AC and DC Voltage test
  • AC and DC Current Test
  • Capicitance of a Capicator
  • Diode Test
  • Resistance Test

These features are basic in digital Multimeters and are commonly available and less expensive you can buy them as low as 10 to 20 USD but there are expensive options available for laboratory test that comes with certifications of accurate readings.

Multimeters can be used for testing Batteries, any type of electrical cords, to check if there is live wire open in case of emergency or if a switch is working or faulty. Use safety Precautions.