Skip to content Multimeters are aptly named devices. As the name suggests they have multipurpose usages. These devices are used to measure voltage, current and resistance, mainly. They not only find applications in the industrial world, but also in general commercial and household purposes.
These devices are used to measure the voltage and resistance in an alternative current as well as direct current. They are used to measure resistance and continuity in various electrical circuits as well. They are also used to check, if small currents are present in certain circuits.
Previously, analog multimeters were widely used. These multimeters have an arch-shaped scale with markings on it and a pointer which points the various measurements taken. However, with the advancement in technology, another kind of multimeter, known as the digital multimeter came into being. These multimeters, as the name suggests, uses digital and logic technology, i.e. Integrated circuits are used; hence, making it easy to record the measurement. Furthermore, since the measurements are digitally shown, there are no chances of a parallax error being caused.
Uses of Digital Multimeter
Hence, these multimeters are more widely used for most purposes and specially relied upon by electronics industries. These multimeters provide more accurate readings in comparison to the analog multimeters and hence are widely in demand. Also, a digital multimeter has features to measure various other items, that the analog multimeters cannot.
As discussed above digital multimeters are designed to give more efficiency in measurement and have many more features as compared to those of the analog multimeters. The basic facilities that both kinds of multimeters provide. Include measurement of current in amps for both AC and DC, voltages in ohms for both AC and DC, and resistances.
However, since digital multimeters are made using integrated circuit technology, they provide more facilities like measurement of capacitance in farads, temperature in both Celsius as well as Fahrenheit degrees, frequency in hertz, Inductance in Siemens, transistor tests and many more.
A digital multimeter (DMM) has a wide range of uses in electronics, electrical work, and troubleshooting. Some common applications include:
- Measuring Voltage
- Used to check the voltage in batteries, power supplies, or outlets (both AC and DC voltage).
- Ensures proper voltage levels in circuits and devices.
- Measuring Current
- Helps monitor the flow of current in a circuit.
- Used to check the current draw of components or circuits to ensure they’re operating within safe limits.
- Measuring Resistance
- Checks the resistance of resistors, wiring, or other components.
- Helps detect faulty resistors or wiring with excessive resistance, or confirm continuity in electrical connections.
- Testing Continuity
- Verifies if a wire or circuit is complete (closed) or broken (open).
- Useful in checking wiring, switches, fuses, and connections.
- Diode Testing
- Tests if a diode is functioning correctly by allowing current to flow in one direction and blocking it in the other.
- Helps ensure proper operation of diodes in circuits like rectifiers.
- Capacitance Measurement
- Measures the capacitance of capacitors, ensuring they are within their rated values.
- Useful for diagnosing faulty capacitors in electronic devices.
- Frequency Measurement
- Measures the frequency of AC signals, such as those found in oscillators or power supplies.
- Useful in telecommunications, signal processing, and power electronics.
- Battery Testing
- Measures the voltage output of batteries to check if they are charged or depleted.
- Troubleshooting Electrical Equipment
- Diagnoses faults in household appliances, automotive systems, and industrial machinery by checking voltages, currents, and resistances.
- Helps locate issues like short circuits, overloads, or malfunctioning components.
- Checking Circuit Components