A multimeter is also known as a multi-tester. This small device helps you to find the accurate measurement of voltage, current, resistance, and power. With the help of an analog multimeter, you can troubleshoot the electrical problems with accuracy with the help of pointer on a scale. You can also use this multimeter in technical industries as well as in domestic appliances. You can use this multimeter for testing heavy motors, machines, wiring systems, and power supply and in home appliances like television, refrigerator, washing machine, air conditioner etc. Hence, it is a very useful device for both domestic and professional use.
How do needle based multimeters work?
The main work of needle based multimeter is to pass the current through a coil which is suspendedbetween two permanent magnets. After choosing the voltage scale, when the voltage is applied, a resistor of known value is placed in series with a measurement lead. This multimeter is a very sensitive piece of electrical testing device. It is common not only in home appliance installations but isalso very useful in servicing and repairs. Sometimes, when there is fluctuation in power supply this needle based multimeter gives you an accurate reading, which is not possible in the digital meter.
Advantages of using the needle based multimeter:
As you know that multimeters are of two types, analog and digital, the former one is very low in cost and available at every hardware store. You can get an accurate measurement by an analog meter, and you don’t even need a battery to operate it unless you have to measure the resistance. But in digital meters, you need a battery to operate it. While an analog meter needs DC power to measure resistance, it forces the current to flow in the capacitor and when it is stabilized, you will get the reading of the faulty wiring.
How to check the voltage by an analog meter?
If you want to check the voltage with the help of a needle based multimeter, you have to just follow a few tips. Thenumberto which the needle moves from 0 is known as “deflection “and full scale deflection is that goes till the end of the scale, anything beyond the scale is not measurable. In other words, this process is also known as full scale deflection. Users mostly drop the deflection part because it is rarely relevant anymore.
Current measurement by an analog meter:
Both AC and DC current can be checked with the help of needle-based multimeter by connecting the series in the meter in the circuit. For AC current measurement, an analog meter consists of diode rectifier that converts AC to corresponding DC current. Before measuring the current, one should consider the following:
- Insert the red and the black leads in their respective slot depending on very high or very low current measurements.
- Set range selector switch to DC current, and also select the expected range. Multimeter users can also ensure maximum range for measurements. They can also reduce the range if needed.
Read Also:
