How to use a multimeter or voltmeter: Basics you need to know.

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Home & Garden for Mere Mortals web site:

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© ZRAM Media, LLC

[BuzzCap]

GREAT JOB!!! To the point. Simple. Spoke clearly. No extraneous anything. WELL DONE!!! Thank you.

[otishorton]

I have been working with computers for many years and have seen multimeters laying around on the technicians' desks. Never knew how to use one and needed to do some electrical work at home. After a LOT of searching I found this page and it all became very clear. Well done!!!

[qaz]

Good video, one important point though. Always test your voltmeter on a known live circuit before trusting it to identify a dead circuit.

[MaThalent]

I just bought my analog multimeter and I was searching for a tutor on how to use it. This is the best tutorial I have seen. Thank you for sharing.

[TubeInspire]

Best video for anyone that has no idea how it works like me ... 👍🏼

[gregoryagogo]

Thank GOD for youtube and folks like you educating me on random stuff...I'd be lost otherwise! Thanks!

[NerdOutWithMe]

Found my grandfather's old multimeter, never knew how to use it. now I know. Thanks so much.

[Nabokov]

That was a crystal clear explanation. Right at my knowledge level. Thank you.

[TomAllenBird]

Thank you Jay! I identified a bad electrical cord on my washing machine thanks to this video. This saved me about $80!

[axelfaltin]

Our gas range stove was failing to heat yesterday (trust me that is a bad thing one day before turkey day) and it has two glow devices (same part) one for broil and one for the oven. With my voltmeter I was able to test|confirm that one was broken. After swapping them the broil part is faulty but the oven works fine. Wife happy - turkey can come. Gives me enough time to order a replacement.

[grantgoodman]

This was a really good video and explanation. I was able to see where the leads and settings were going because of the stable camera work and time on images. I wasn't able to see the microscopic analog readings and think this might motivate me to buy a digital meter. Deciphering readings isn't something I really want to leave to chance. Thanks for making the video!

[adriangombault]

Superb video, crystal clear illustrations and commentary. Reminded me how to use a device I have had for years but only use spasmodically. Brilliant!

[marnez]

For the longest time I've wanted to learn how a volt meter works but never found a good video, thanks awesome detailed video for noobs like me. Just subscribed!!!!

[hellbuck]

If measuring something like a 120V wall outlet, insert the black probe (neutral) first so that you don't risk giving yourself a shock. Otherwise, inserting the red probe first will turn your black probe into a live wire through the voltmeter.

[ltsgobrando]

Ye, I just used mine to test my soldering iron that just decided it was tired of living. I was in the middle of making a non contact ac detector but I guess thats back burned till the iron is working... was hoping to get to the bench supply but Idk if that'll happen.

P.s. i think auto play took me here because I watch a lot of tutorials, though most of them are for pcb design and fabrication. This popped up and I watched not for the content but the delivery, 10/10 content my friend 🤙

[mackenzieallen]

Excellent, straightforward, clearly explained video! Thanks so much!

[strrchristmas]

Jay,   Thank You for all of your efforts on this channel.  I am sure there are a lot of people who are going to take advantage of your expertise.  I grew up when there were no digital meters.  Reading all the comments about digital meters made me think about how important it is to be able to use ANY meter when/if you only have an analog meter to use.

One thing about using the "ranges" on the meter.  I was taught to start on the highest range for the first test, then move down one setting at a time until a satisfactory setting was reached.  Often, a person may not know what the voltage/amperage/resistance is and starting at the highest will protect the meter as much as is possible.  Definitely not the ultimate safe practice, but a good one none the less.

Good Luck,

[ericotterness]

I had no idea how to use my voltmeter. This video was great for me! Thank you!!

[sterlingholobyte]

I just had to sign in to upvote this video. It was simple and understandable to a multimeter amateur like me. Just what I needed! Thanks!

[randywelch]

One suggestion: When I first went through the video, I was confused by the tests of the extension cord. At first, the test showed a closed circuit was flowing, and that was good. Then the next test showed a closed circuit was flowing, but that was bad. On the second viewing, I realized that the first case was testing the same wire at both ends of the cord, while the second was testing different wires, which should not have created a closed circuit. You might clarify that for those of us who don't know which end is up. Thanks for the video!