The Best Multimeter Tutorial in The World (How to use & Experiments)

#multimeter
#fluke
#DIY

This video compares a 10 dollar to a 170 dollar multimeter and shows the average person how to use the voltage, current, resistance, continuity, diode and battery options. I also cover safety concerns and run all tests simultaneous with both multimeters.

I cover:

Difference between 3 and 4 probe options on a multimeter

Tests include:
Voltage of Battery (DC)
Voltage of Outlet (AC)
-- discover something interesting in one of my outlets
-- discover a SERIOUS hazard with the 10 dollar meter
Current of a toaster (LIVE)
Resistor test
Metal tape test?
Probing a circuit board
Discovering schematic of a Emergency 4-prong switch
Conductivity of water & salt (an electrolyte)
Light bulb test (Same as a fuse test)

[powerofknowledge]

@1:00 Comparison of cheap multi-meter vs expensive one
@3:30 Overview of how a multi-meter works
@9:25 DC/Voltage : Battery
@11:08 Ohm/Resistance/Conductivity : Metallic tape (Note: He said keep everything where it is, but you need to switch it to Ohms. What he meant was, keep the leads plugged in where they are)
@15:00 Measuring AC/Voltage: Outlet.
@19:40 Continuity: Circuit Board
@22:22 Ohm/Resistance: Water/Saltwater
@27:33 Continuity AND Ohm/Resistance : Light bulb
@34:45 Current AC/Amps : Toaster (10 Amps Setting) (Changing Red Probe to Amps Side)

Hope this helps as it was a bit confusing for me to watch as a beginner.

[nadieaqui]

I only watched a few minutes and I noticed that you did not warn people that when checking AC voltage on a wall outlet, you should insert the neutral lead (black) first in order to avoid having live current on the other (red) lead. Maybe you mentioned it later, but I think that the safety warning should be the first thing that is mentioned. It also can't hurt to warn people that an improperly wired AC outlet could have the neutral and hot cables reversed, so they need to be careful with the leads regardless of how they are inserted.

[dialdude]

Dan, even 8 yrs later, you are still teaching us how to properly and safely use our tools. I have been using meters for many years, but I still learn how to get more for my money, and save time too. Thanks for a great video Dan. New sub here.

[sreilhac]

Thank you for this video, you are articulate and clear and just the right amount of safety warnings, this is an awesome start to working with meters! at 41 minutes I came in thinking I was never going to make it through, and yet breezed through the entire thing. Now subscribed and looking forward to more content.

[carmell]

Thanks, you probably saved my life! Replaced a kitchen outlet today & my circuit breaker labels are faded. I went to ACE hardware & got a Gardner Bender for $18. I had no idea how to use it. On the setting of 200, it showed a dead reading. I switched it to 500 & sure enough... 128 volts. The title of this video is correct! :)

[suzannebarrette]

excellent. learned SO much. thank you for your precision. right to the point without useless comments, camera work excellent. you are a great teacher!

[sundayuba]

I am a self-taught electronics enthusiast and many of the stuff covered resonates with what I have done. I have handled separate meters and analog multi meters including the bulky VTMM like the RCA WV 98C. I will welcome tutorials on fault tracings

[oldawg]

Very practical video...both products have their respective uses. I don't need a Fluke and now I know why...I was thinking of buying one. Thanks Daniel

[tompbmt]

Thank you for the info. I'm a professional handyman and was embarrassingly ignorant as to all the different functions and uses of my multimeter (same craftsman) also am convinced to upgrade to a better unit. Very informative and greatly appreciated

[julianlafreniere]

Thank you for making this video! It has been such a pain to find a video that takes you through what a multimeters features are and how to use it in different ways.

[seraglioborneo]

I live in India and have a Triplett Corp 2200, Taiwan make, multimeter bot 25+ years ago. This was inherited from my late dad. Still going strong. Has ACv, DCv, current, capacitance, resistance, test NPN/ PNP. The 9v box battery lasts 2+ years. The cost was R 200 = $ 5 then
I also have a M-830BZ Var Tech made in HK?. Bought 20+ years ago and costing $ 5. All the above functions + a test of continuity
Both are in excellent condition. If you are careful to select the right range for the test and don't drop them, they last for ever!

You should do a video comparing brands like others do for screwdrivers, torque wrenches, etc. One show for US brands and one for rest of the world!

[timesachanging]

I recommend owning both meters. If you own a fluke you lend out the craftsman. Twice I had coworkers borrow and smoke my meters.

[squeakycleannnn]

From the first few "best multimeter tutorial" videos this actually stands out, easy to follow, simple yet entertaining, adding experiments is brilliant idea, thank you.

[garyf]

Besides auto ranging, one of the big differences between economy meters and high end meters like Fluke is Tru-RMS capacity. Cheap meters are only capable of accurately reading AC voltages in the 50- 60 Hz range. Tru-RMS meters will pick up AC voltage of any frequency. Additionally a frequency counter in the meter will be able to identify what the predominant Hz. is. While a modest meter is Adequate for most handymen, trained and skilled electricians and engineers will always reach for the expensive meters especially when dealing with complex power quality issues.

[jcoverpass]

Excellent tutorial and demonstration of differences between process meters and it’s great that you had fun with it. Very good balance of information and entertainment.

[commonsenseisdeadin]

switch the leads, the craftsman will read exactly the same as the fluke all day. the continuity test you should mention that if it is static like the first time then you need better leads. Salt water test leads are down on the bottom and on top. Yes it doesn't automatically choose the range for you, well perfect time to learn what the decimal placement is representing and learn what you are working with. Should always know what you are working with and the equipment you are using.

It is a great in-depth video I applaud you for that. Your video auto played when i was looking up a function on my Bluetooth meter and just let it play out. Hands down the fluke is more user friendly and it better for that price, My craftsman that's exactly the same is going strong that I've had for a better part of 10 years as a auto mechanic, car audio installer and amplifier repair, I've blown the fuse many of times but she's still ticking. Which is a thing to note as well, there is quick blow fuses in multimeters to protect itself and you as well. Whenever dealing with high current it is smart practice to only use one hand to terminate the connection, It takes but 0.1 amp to kill you however that 0.1 amp needs to make it across your heart, with 1 hand you do not become part of the circuit nearly as easy. good tutorial, I just feel it is heavily biased towards fluke, with the hash tag and all as well which is unfair especially on a tutorial.

[SkyWire]

Just a note: The top pair of contacts (N. O.) are rarely, if ever, connected in any way with the bottom pair (N.C.). I guess it's a good idea to check them to make sure. This was/is an extremely good video on the different uses of your average Digital voltmeter (sometimes called a digital VOM ; Volt-Ohm Meter, or, DMM)
Very good tips included. Well thought out in advance.

[kishorkumarboro]

Perhaps the best multimeter tutorial. Enjoyed a lot☺️☺️

[stevet]

Used this video as the basis to check two fuses in an RV refrigerator circuit board. One was blown, one good. Replaced the blown one and my fridge was cooling my beer again. All in all, a good day.

[LennyCooke]

Well done video. No Ahs or Ums and memory gaps. Well spoken and fluid.