ACTIVITY 1
Learning to use multimeter
Aim
To measure resistance, voltage (AC/DC), current (AC) and check continuity of a given circuit
using multimeter.
Apparatus and material
1. Three carbon resistors
2. One standard resistance coil
3. A battery eliminator with tapping (2 V, 4 V and 6 V)
4. A step-down transformer (6-0-6 V) with two tapping (2 V and 4 V)
5. A resistor of 100 ohm
6. A key
7. Multimeter.
Theory
Multimeter
• It is a single measuring device acting as an Ammeter, a Voltmeter and an Ohmmeter.
For this reason, it is also called AVO meter.
• It can measure alternating as well as direct current and alternating as well as direct voltage in
addition to resistance. For this purpose, its panel is divided into five different sections.
• There are many ranges in each section so that it can measure from micro (10 -6) to mega (106)
units. Rotation of a knob changes the section and the range in one section.
➢ Rotation of knob for change in ammeter range, brings shunt resistances of different
values in circuit in parallel with the coil.
➢ Rotation of knob for change in voltmeter range, brings series resistances of different
values in circuit in series with the coil.
➢ Rotation of knob for change in ohmmeter range, brings different resistances in
circuit in series with the multimeter cell.
To measure resistance of carbon resistors
• Carbon resistors are frequently used in electrical and electronic circuits and their values vary
over a very wide range. A colour code is used to indicate the value of the resistance.
• A carbon resistance has four concentric coloured rings or bands on its surface. The first three
bands a, b and c determine the value of resistance and the fourth band d gives percentage of
accuracy called tolerance. The resistance of carbon resistor R = (ab x 10C ± T %) Ω.
• The following table provides the colour code for the carbon resistors
To measure D.C. Voltage
1. Plug the probes black in common and red in +ve on the multimeter
2. Select D.C. source potential difference 6 V in battery eliminator or a battery.
3. Turn the selector switch of multimeter to range 10 V D.C. volts
4. Touch and press other ends of probes such that red is on battery terminal marked + and
black on the negative terminal of the battery
5. Note the reading.
6. Change the values of potential difference in the battery eliminator for 4V, 2V and measure
and note readings.
To measure A.C. Volts
1. Turn the selector A.C. (200 Volt).
2. Touch and press the probes other ends to two terminals of A.C. source of potential drop and
note the reading.
3. Use red probe in terminals 4 V and 2 V in succession and record the reading.
Precautions
1. Instructions for handling the multimeter should be gone through thoroughly as it is a very
handy instrument and is likely to get damaged if carelessly or ignorantly used.
2. Select the appropriate parameter current, voltage or resistance to the measured and set it on
appropriate range.
3. If range of the parameter measured is not known, start with maximum. For measuring V, never
connect more than maximum 600 V.
