Have you ever experienced low voltage and been at a loss to diagnose the cause?
A digital multimeter is a must-have for any professional electrician. One of the most common types is made by Cen-tech; the question is how to utilize it to test for voltage.
Electricians can examine the circuit’s voltage with the use of modern technology, such as a digital multimeter. If you want to know how to use this gadget and what precautions you should take, then read on!
Contents
What is a Digital Multimeter?
A digital multimeter is an electrical testing device that can measure multiple parameters at once, including current, voltage, and resistance.
The device eliminates the need for guesswork by constantly displaying the measured quantity on an intuitive screen.
Digital meters have a considerable benefit over analog ones because they can measure voltage precisely without parallax errors caused by slant angle distortion when using reading tools like laser devices or microscopes.
The digital multimeter of today is a form of computer that simplifies the process of measuring electrical quantities. Among the many time-saving features they provide are graphical representation, automatic polarity detection, and automatic ranging.
Connecting certain devices to a computer through USB or another instrument bus enables data collection and storage on the host computer. These meters’ readings can be saved permanently on personal computers.
Utilizing a Multimeter
Look at the multimeter’s primary selector dial. Take use of this while deciding on a measuring function and level of sensitivity.
You’ll see three jack inputs, labeled from top to bottom as 10ADC, VmA, and COM. The meter’s input jacks are colored black and red, and the device comes with two corresponding leads.
It also includes a hFE Jack for testing the transistors and an On/Off Button to switch them off when they’re not in use on the side.
Current and Voltage Measurement
In the uppermost ACV area, set the selector to the 750 position to read AC voltage. You should connect the red wire to the VmA and the black wire to the COM.
Use them by touching the probes to the exposed wires of the circuit you’re checking. The most accurate readings can be obtained at the 250 volt settings if the voltage is lower than 250 volts.
Leave the red lead in the VmA jack and the black lead in COM if you want to measure DC voltage.
To measure from 100mv to 200v, you need to adjust your multimeter’s DRV section’s dial to the 1000 o’clock position (counterclockwise).
Touch both probes to the exposed wires in a circuit to get a reading; if the meter shows less than 20 volts, go to the next breaker or junction box until the volt reading is between 20 and 200.
The current can be measured by connecting the red lead to the 10 ADC jack and leaving the black lead in the COM position. Adjust the meter’s dial to the ten-ampere range (10A).
Connect probes to the open terminals of the circuit and record any readings that are negative.
When you’ve reached 200 or the level of precision you’re after, switch the meter off and plug the red lead into the VmA jack on the front panel’s lower left.
Cen-Tech Digital Multimeter’s Specs
Multimeters from Cen-Tech have a wide variety of useful functions.
A Cen-Tech meter’s digital display screen is its most distinctive feature, but it also benefits from being durable and accurate.
Battery-Operated
A 9V battery can be easily swapped out in the Cen-Tech digital multimeter. To function properly, a digital tester requires electricity, and an LCD renders most analog testers unusable.
Screens on some models automatically transition between using battery power during the day and using AC energy at night or even in low-light settings, such as classrooms, so you can save money without sacrificing visibility.
Fuse Protection
You can measure much more than voltage, current, and resistance with the Cen-Tech digital multimeter. One of the most crucial safety elements has been integrated into its improved design.
Overload and short circuit protection provided by a fuse. A blown fuse usually means costly repairs, but not with this meter.
It has all the standard features you expect, plus some novel ones that will quickly become your favorites.
LCD Digital Screen
Seeking a full-featured digital multimeter that won’t break the bank? Yes, the technology is the solution. If you need precise readings of electrical values, this is the tool for you.
The device’s illuminated LCD screen makes reading readings easier in dim environments; no more squinting or straining your eyes to see the small digits.
Moreover, it contains the normal set of capabilities seen on most meters, such as the ability to detect resistance and an automatic shutoff after 20 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life.
Selection Knob
The multimeter’s useful selection knob makes it simple to set the device to measure the desired electrical value. It’s important to get the polarity of the power supply right before testing to avoid burns and shocks.
Ports
The Cen-Tech multimeter has several uses and can help you complete your tasks. This tool may be especially helpful if your job requires you to work with electronics and circuitry.
Since probes can be plugged into the ports with ease, you’ll never be caught without one when testing an electrical item or a component on a circuit board. It’s too bad that none come with the deal.
Auto-Ranging
Auto-ranging is a feature of the Cen-Tech digital multimeter that automatically determines the appropriate range for the data being measured.
When taking electrical readings, a four-digit voltmeter will show only the most important numbers.
If, when taking an electrical reading, your meter shows 29V rather than 0.029V, it means you’ve configured it to read all four significant decimal places.
Using a Cen-Tech Digital Multimeter to Check Voltage
Learn how to use your CenTech digital multimeter in just five simple steps:
Step 1
Use of a multimeter requires careful attention to safety precautions. It’s important to remember that electricity is potentially lethal; if proper precautions aren’t taken, it can cause serious harm or even death.
Take the above-mentioned precautions into account whenever using Cen-digital Tech’s meters for Voltage checks, including checking the meter’s condition before use and ensuring that the probe is adequately insulated to prevent current from coming into contact with your body.
Finally, be well-versed in the specifics of your multimeter’s various functions, such as the distinction between voltage and resistance tests.
Step 2:
First, select the range of measurements you’ll be making, either alternating current (AC) voltage or direct current (DC) voltage, on your multimeter.
In this situation, the selection knob’s vertical orientation indicates that DC Voltage, rather than AC Voltage, is being measured.
As another example, if your voltmeter’s pointer is on the V wavy line, you’ll be measuring volts from household outlets (up to 700VAC) or batteries (200mVDC), all within the 2V – 1000V range.
Step 3:
Connect the probes to the appropriate slots on your Cen-Tech multimeter now. A multimeter has multiple terminals for measuring current, voltage, and other electrical quantities.
Only the COM (Common) and V/Hz terminals will be used for Voltage measurements. Connect one end to terminal 4 labeled “COM” and the other end to port 5 labeled “V” for volts or an arrow pointing up to indicate ohms, if they aren’t already connected.
Please double-check that both points have wires attached before continuing with the next step, which involves connecting wire 2 from probe A at Point 3 to Port 6.
Step 4:
The black probe should be connected to the negative terminal of the battery if you are measuring a DC voltage, whereas the red probe should be connected to the positive terminal of the cell.
For reliable power measurements, always connect the live wire with the neutral wire when testing alternating current voltage.
The voltage is read in millivolts using a multimeter (mV). Since it is comparing your “voltage,” which is 120 volts when measuring nothing hooked into its COM port, it will display negative values.
Step 5:
A tone will be emitted by the multimeter to indicate its status. When there is no reading of voltage on the screen, you know the circuit is free of danger.
The Cen-Tech Multimeter has an error tone that can be played when something goes wrong, or a happy tone when everything is working perfectly.
The Cen-Tech digital multimeter makes voltage measurements a joy. The troubleshooting process has never been easier than with this tool.
Conclusion
A digital multimeter is a tool for checking electrical circuits that can simultaneously measure several quantities. Data collection and storage on the host computer is made possible when specific devices are connected via USB. If the voltage is lower than 250 volts, the most precise readings will be obtained at the 250 volt settings. The digital multimeter from Cen-Tech contains all the standard functions and some extras that will make it your go-to tool. The backlit LCD screen of the device makes it easy to read in low light.
It has the standard set of features found on most meters, like the ability to measure resistance. You can check both voltage and resistance with the Cen-Tech digital multimeter. Put the probes into the appropriate slots on the multimeter. When data is being measured, auto-ranging can help figure out what range would be most useful. Taking the proper safety measures while using a multimeter is essential.
Measuring voltage with the Cen-Tech digital multimeter is a breeze. This tool simplifies the process of identifying and fixing problems. The COM terminal on the fourth port should be connected to the V port on the fifth port, and the ohms terminal on the fifth port should be connected to the up arrow port.
Content Summary
- A digital multimeter is a must-have for any professional electrician.
- Electricians can examine the circuit’s voltage with the use of modern technology, such as a digital multimeter.
- Look at the multimeter’s primary selector dial.
- Adjust the meter’s dial to the ten-ampere range (10A).Connect probes to the open terminals of the circuit and record any readings that are negative.
- A Cen-Tech meter’s digital display screen is its most distinctive feature, but it also benefits from being durable and accurate.
- A 9V battery can be easily swapped out in the Cen-Tech digital multimeter.
- You can measure much more than voltage, current, and resistance with the Cen-Tech digital multimeter.
- Overload and short circuit protection provided by a fuse.
- If you need precise readings of electrical values, this is the tool for you.
- It also has a resistance detector and an automated shutoff after 20 minutes of inactivity to save battery life.
- Auto-ranging is a feature of the Cen-Tech digital multimeter that automatically determines the appropriate range for the data being measured.
- The Cen-Tech Multimeter has an error tone that can be played when something goes wrong, or a happy tone when everything is working perfectly.
- The Cen-Tech digital multimeter makes voltage measurements a joy.
