Filming up information about the cause of the breakdown of electronic and household appliances always begins with measuring their parameters and checking each part. For this purpose, various devices can use the current strength, resistance and voltage. You can use individual devices: for example, a voltmeter or ammeter, but it is better to have a complete device for measurements at hand to have a complete device for measurements - a multimeter. How to measure current multimeter strength and what is this device?
There are two main types of multimeters on sale: analog and digital. Each of them has their own advantages and disadvantages. The analog model is quite cheap, reliable and durable to use, but this tool gives a greater error when measuring parameters. In addition, it is quite inconvenient to use: newcomers will be difficult to navigate in measurements due to different gradations on the scale of indicators from each individual model (this illness is particularly affected by analog instruments made in Asia countries). Those who are important accuracy in measurements who do not want to dig into the instructions for a long time to understand that indicators on the device are answered, and to whom the price question is not as important as ease of use, it is worth the purchase of a digital variant of the device.
As already mentioned, the multimeter combines several devices at the same time. One way to use it is a measure of current. It will help determine this parameter of the electrical network in the battery, socket, a power supply unit for a personal computer or charger. With this device, you can measure the current strength in the electrical circuit with a constant or alternating current.
How to measure current multimeter strength? To understand the principle of operation of the device, you must first deal with such a question as the work of its indicators and connectors. It should be understood what they need and how they are generally used during measurements. In any multimeter model, you can find two separate outputs and several nests for plugs. The nests can be from 2 to 4, on the instruments of the old design there are several more. The black output is used to measure the "minus" of the network parameter, red, respectively, for the "plus".
Before starting work, fix the black probe in the nest marked "-", red - "+". If there are additional sockets, they are usually designed to measure the current in different ranges: for example, a jack with a mark "Ma" to measure the current for up to 1 amp, with the label "A" - to verify this parameter in the range from 1 to 10 A etc.
Also on the device there may be several switches. Their destination is similar in its principle of working with nests for probe - they are needed to change the valid and resistance valve.
How is the multimeter for measuring the current?
In order to get an answer to the question of how to measure the current force by a multimeter (for those who managed to subscribe physics lessons, we remind you that this parameter of the electrical network is measured in amps), you must first set the measuring probe to the corresponding connectors. Next, select the network that we plan to measure, that is, a network with a constant or alternating current. In analog models for this purpose, install the toggle switch to the desired position, and on the digital device, press the corresponding button to select the desired network. Before checking, it is also necessary to know the voltage of the checked electrical instrument. This parameter is fixed at the multimeter using the same switch or key. After the initial training, the check itself follows: tells to the advantages of the plus and minus conclusions of the device being checked. With the correct multimeter settings, information about the current strength on the network can be seen on the indicator or dial of the instrument to check.
When measuring the current force there are separate nuances concerning the measurements of the parameter in certain devices, devices and electrical circuits.
Measurement of current strength in batteries
Before measuring the current of the battery current by a multimeter, set the maximum allowable values \u200b\u200bof the parameters of the parameters on the instrument itself. Then in parallel we connect the tester conclusions to the verified device: black - to "minus", red to "plus". Check time is minimal. When the expected information appears on the screen of the device, the probe must be immediately turned off, because as a result of such a procedure, a short circuit occurs, which very negatively affects the further operation of the power supply.
Measurement of current strength in an electrical outlet
The first important rule of how to measure the current force by a multimeter in the outlet: You can not check the operation of the socket directly. If you connect the measuring device without loading electronic devices, then you will simply burn it. That is, an electrical device is inserted into the "Multimeter-socket" chain: for example, a multimeter light bulb socket. After the correct consistent compound, we make measurements of the current strength in the chain. Tightening the test for a long period is not worth it, it is desirable that the time procedure is not longer than 10-15 seconds.
Check current in the charger
Measure the strength of the charger is easy and simple. To do this, when measurements, not to burn the multimeter, again we put the maximum values \u200b\u200bof the parameter being checked on the measuring device. Also translate the device to working with direct current networks. Then we connect the device to the charger in the current mode check mode: one of the probe is connected to the wire that goes to the charger at the break site. In order not to damage the power supply and tester, make measurements as quickly as possible.
Measurement of current strength in alternating circuits
Measure the strength of the AC multimeter is recommended as follows:
- The multimeter itself connects through the location of the chain break.
- Tester set to the maximum range of verification of the desired parameter.
- Then the black dipstick connect with a "minus" wire.
- After a short time, touches the red dipstick to the plus cable or terminal.
- After reading the current power parameters, we immediately turn off the red probe.
It is worth noting the fact that not all testers for comprehensive check can work in variable current networks. If this option is important for you to check, then before purchase, be sure to find out if the acquired multimeter can work with networks of this type. Because not all devices allow us to measure the current strength in the chain by a multimeter.
Check the current power in power supply blocks of electrical appliances
Measure the strength of the power supply current by the multimeter is also possible through the rupture of the electrical circuit. After connecting the probe to the tester sockets, the black dipstice connect to the minus terminal of the power supply terminal, and the "plus" to a specially made place to break the network, that is, to the "positive" cable that comes from the power supply. After receiving the information, turn off the multimeter.
General information on checking current in electrical circuits using multimeter
The main difference between the measurement of the current force in the circuit with a multimeter from measurements of resistance and voltage is the method of connecting a test instrument: it is connected to an electrical circuit not parallel, but in a sequential way. That is, the device is connected in a specially created location of the cable break. If the device wants to use to check the multiphase chain (for example, three-phase), then such a gap is made for each individual phase.
Measurement parameters multimeter in networks with constant current
How to measure the power of DC multimeter? Measurement of current strength in these networks is practically no different from checking the same parameter in variable current networks. It is important to choose the key to select the type of the tested network at the multimeter, and the remaining actions are identical to the procedure for checking the current for the networks of the type described.
- When working with an analog type device during measurements, when accurate results are important, it is desirable to keep the device in a horizontal position: if the multimeter is vertically or duffle, then the information on the indicator may be distorted and untruth.
- To obtain reliable information before each use, the device must be calibrated. It is very simple to make it: it is enough to connect the probe among themselves and the potentiometer.
- With unknown parameters of the device being checked, it is worth setting the initial values \u200b\u200bat the multimeter to the maximum allowable level, so as not to burn the tester.
- If you have to check devices with small details, it is necessary to purchase an additional set of conclusions with thin, needle prubs. If there is no thin probe under hand, you can use the auxiliary feeding agents: for example, a straightened clip, to which the probe is screwed using the wire.
How to measure current multimeter strength? To fulfill such a simple task, you need to have a working device and a specific knowledge margin. After all, each item has its own dimension features. The multimeter is very easy to use and does not represent any threat to life. But after all, it is not recommended to give it to it.
