How to Use a Volt-Ohm Meter Safely

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Save yourself time and money by purchasing a volt-ohm meter. Volt-ohm meters are used to find electrical malfunctions in your home. Electricians use them all the time; so why not save yourself the money of hiring one by learning how to use one of these meters safely. Read on to learn more.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Test devices in your home with an analog volt-ohm meter. Analogs have the needle that makes it easy to detect the subtle fluctuations of devices. These meters also are available in digital--which are good. But the digital meters do not detect subtle fluctuations of voltage as it travels into the device. Volt-ohm meters test voltage, ohms and amps. Touch the two probes together prior to testing then "zero out" the meter for an accurate test.

Step2

Test the resistance of devices by using the ohms scale on the meter which shows how devices conduct electricity.

Step3

Test how much electrical current a device is using by utilizing the amp scale on the meter.

Step4

Test the life of batteries safely by using a volt-ohm meter. The meter will show if there is still life in the batteries. Use the meter to test battery operated toys also. Match the polarity of the probes with the batteries.

Step5

Test with a digital volt-ohm meter to get the "auto range" which automatically selects the highest range the device can have safely before you test the device. This is helpful when you are switching back and forth between testing for volts, ohms and amps.

Step6

Unplug then test extension cords and cords to devices with the meter. Zero indicates a closed circuit, while infinity indicates an open circuit. If the reading is infinity, that means the cord has a break somewhere and should be replaced.

Tips & Warnings

Volt-ohm meters are great for testing toys and small appliances. Testing anything larger such as an appliance like a washer, for example, would be best left up to an electrician.
Do not touch the metal tips of these meters. Doing so would influence the meter reading, and also you would be part of the circuit which would result in severe electrical shock.
Never test microwaves with the volt-ohm meter. Microwaves emit dangerous waves and should be left to be tested by a professional.