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You may have seen a friend or family member with a strange looking device called a Multimeter. Many…
You may have seen a friend or family member with a strange looking device called a Multimeter. Many home and business owners have one on hand to help with electricity related issues. For some, these little boxes with protruding wires can seem very intimidating, and a lot of individuals never invest in one because they aren’t sure what they’re for. The truth is, this affordable tool can be extremely helpful and the team at Mr. Electric of Fort Worth enjoys helping our local clients find ways to take care of their electrical system. Here are a few tips for how to use a Multimeter for your own North Texas household.
A multimeter is a portable handheld instrument used for detecting voltage, resistance and amperage in wires, fuses, batteries and transistors. There are two varieties of multimeters available, analog and digital. An analog multimeter will have a needle that moves back and forth between a scale. They are less expensive than digital units, and are more sensitive, which makes it easier to detect slow or subtle changes in voltage. However, they are less accurate and can be more challenging for beginners to read accurately. A digital multimeter is the most common variety in use today. Rather than using a needle and scale, an LCD screen displays the information needed. Prices and features can vary widely, from affordable basic units to the expensive professional models used by engineers and electricians. However, for every day home use, a basic digital multimeter should be all you need.
The guys were super nice, I loved that they did the work immediately. Also after having a discussion with them about the static electricity from a lightenimg strike we had and it fried everything they suggested a surge protector to keep that from happening again. So we did that.
Scheduled an appointment with Mr Electric of Fort Worth and received a call they were able to show up early and had Dylan show up on time stocked with a full truck. He was able to diagnosis the issue quickly and restore my power to a few plugs that were causing the breakers to trip continuously. Dylan was very knowledgable, clearly explained the cause and how he would fix the issue, and addressed all concerns that we had. He was replaced two breakers and installed 2 new outlets along with diagnosing the problem in about an hour. Very quick and so far seems to have resolved our electrical issue. Would definitely recommend Mr Electric of Fort Worth!
Dylan was so nice and always on time. Very qualified and explained everything he needed to do in a way I understood. My older house required an outside panel so I had a lot of work but Dylan and his helper worked together very well and finished on time so I was not out of power more than needed. Everything looked and worked great when done. I don't know how he was able to replace the cracked power pole and wiring on my roof so quickly and beautifully. I am very, very impressed with his skill level and would request him for any future work. The company is very well organized and office contact was a pleasure to work with(which is rare since these positions are usually underpaid)so reward her well, she is the "door" to your organization. She and Dylan sealed my deal!
Cody was professional, knowledgeable, and was able to provide me with a quick diagnosis pertaining to a wiring issue in one of my rooms. He gave me the price for the repair/modification and fixed the issue all in less than an hour. Thanks Cody!
Whether you choose an analog or digital multimeter, their function is still the same. Common tasks include testing batteries, checking the effectiveness of a broken extension cord, or inspecting an appliance. On every multimeter, you will find two tester leads, a red and black wire. The black lead will plug into the “common” port, and the red lead will plug into either one of the other two ports, depending on your needs.
- Battery Testing – This is the most basic way to use your multimeter and battery testing, and is an excellent way to try out your skills for the first time. This sort of test will be used to detect the direct current or (DC) voltage of the battery. Place your scale range setting to 12 volts, and touch the test probes to the equivalent polarity as the battery. The positive with positive, and negative with negative. A good reading should be within 20 percent of its original voltage rating. If it falls below this number, then the battery probably needs to be replaced.
- Determining the Quality of a Broken Extension Cord – The next level up would be determining the electrical capabilities of a damaged extension cord. For this exercise, you’ll be testing the Ohms. Change the scale range setting to “auto-ranging”. The safest and most efficient way to test cords is to use a fluke clamp meter. These devices work the same as a traditional multimeter, but there’s a spring-loaded clamp on the end, where you can place around wires. Use a line splitter, and place the fluke clamp meter around each split line, to get an accurate reading.
We provide reliable, professional electrical services backed by licensed electricians and upfront pricing. Our team is committed to safety, quality workmanship, and on-time service for every job. With trusted local expertise and customer-first care, we deliver solutions you can count on.
Safety Tips
Be very careful when using your multimeter, particularly when high voltage is a factor. No matter what the circumstances, you should always assume that the circuit is energized. Be absolutely certain that your multimeter isn’t damaged in any way before using to avoid injury. Make sure you keep your multimeter and all its accessories safely stored between use to avoid damage. When your test probes are plugged into the jacks, the connection needs to be firm, not loose. Use protective equipment such as gloves, headwear and rubber mats that are specially designed for electrical work to reduce your chances of electrical shock, especially when handling exposed circuits greater than 50 V. Don’t work alone, always have backup in case an emergency occurs, and keep the area clear of any moisture, liquid or flammable items. If you don’t have professional training or experience working with higher voltage, it’s always best to get help from a qualified professional, and only use a basic multimeter for low voltage scenarios like those mentioned above.
Need Help from a Certified North Texas Electrician? Call Mr. Electric of Fort Worth
Do you need an electrical inspection, wiring repair or other professional service? The certified, licensed and insured electricians at Mr. Electric proudly provide residential and commercial services in Fort Worth, Mansfield, Benbrook, Burleson, Saginaw, White Settlement, Arlington, Lake Worth, Aledo and Weatherford, Texas. Call our office for more information or to schedule a convenient appointment.
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