Measuring with a Multimeter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When working with components, it is very useful to be able to measure the voltages and currents in a circuit. A meter lets us do this, as well as find out resistance values (which indicate how well materials conduct or insulate).

In the example above, the meter's dial has been set to read voltages up to 20 volts. The meter's red positive (+ive) probe has been connected to the (+) side of a battery and the black negative (-ive) probe to the (-) side of the battery.

 

As the meter is displaying the voltage of the AA 1.5 volt battery to be 0 volts, we can tell the battery has become discharged and is no longer useable. A multimeter can be very useful when we are trying to find out why a circuit or components are not working. This is known as troubleshooting.

(See the "Using a Multimeter" link at the top of this screen for more details on how to use a multimeter in a circuit).