Learning how to use the tester

Unfortunately, now many people forget that for getting an electrical education one has to study for several years. They teach not only how to use the tester, but also the safety rules. However, with due diligence, everyone can master the basics. So today we will talk about how to use a multimeter.

First of all, let's define what these devices can be used for at home. Owners of fluorescent lamps (economical - this is their kind), probably noticed that sometimes in the evenings such lamps are switched on for a long time, up to the impossibility of launching. Of course, you can buy new ones the next day, but will this solve the problem? After all, it often is quite different - in a reduced network voltage. In this case, you should write an application to the appropriate service with the request to deal with the issue. By the way, the lamps are the most innocuous. The voltage drop can turn off the running computer, and with the loss of all the work results. Determine the voltage will help the multimeter.

In the shops of electrical products, you can find two types of universal measuring instruments - a tester and a multimeter. The latter, as the name implies, allows you to perform measurements of various parameters. And here at the classical tester on the case some diodes indicating value of measured pressure, also a lamp for definition of a phase wire, the signaler of integrity of a chain (Test) and a speaker. Here it is, a tester, how to use which we will consider below. However, in fact, we are talking about a multimeter. All because people familiar with electrical engineering are few, often confuse these two devices, under the tester implying a multimeter.

So, how to use the tester? First you need to make sure that the device has an uncharged battery. Otherwise, the measurement result will be erroneous. Usually two probes and three holes for their connection. One probe must always be connected to the COM connector. The second is designed for most other measurements - resistance, voltage, current in milliamperes. But the third is only needed to measure a large current and is used only when choosing this mode by the voter. Who does not know how to use the tester must carefully read the notation near the connectors - everything is written there.

Styli are inserted correctly. We proceed further. Now you need to switch the device (selector) to the desired mode. The calibration is as follows: the DCV area serves for measuring the DC voltage (in the home it is batteries and accumulators); ACV - for alternating voltage (mains); DCA is a direct current; Resistance - for measuring el. Resistance. The presence of other parameters depends on the model.

A few rules: for the voltage probes are connected in parallel to the load, for the current - in the rupture of the conductor, but the resistance is measured directly (if it is not in the circuit).

For example, you need to check the voltage value of the finger battery. Its nominal voltage is known (1.5 V), so choose the nearest, for example, DCV 20, and touch the probes to its contacts. The display will show the result. If the denomination is unknown, then immediately put the maximum limit, and if necessary reduce.

To check the voltage in the house network, put the voter in ACV 750 V (more than 200), carefully insert the test leads into the socket and watch the result.

The current is measured differently: for example, its value, consumed by a flashlight, can be determined by connecting one probe of the device to one battery terminal, and the second to the opposite contact of the flashlight. The selector is set to the maximum value (for example, 200 mA, but not 10 A, which is for the third probe connector).

The resistance is very simple to measure - we set a great value on the device, and then reduce it.

In principle, there is nothing complicated in how to use the tester. When using the instrument the main thing is not to confuse the measured value and to be extremely careful.