How to Read a Fluke Digital Meter
Fluke Corporation describes a digital multimeter (DMM) as "a tape measure for making electrical measurements" in its informational pamphlet "The ABCs of DMMs." Multimeters are often referred to as simply "meters." Digital meters display measurements on an LCD screen, while analogue meters use a needle on a dial gauge to display readings. All Fluke digital multimeters measure volts, amps and ohms, but some meters have special features to make them more useful in particular applications. Some meters may take finer measurements than others or make audible sounds to indicate conditions if circumstances make reading the meter difficult.
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Instructions
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Connect the probes to the meter. Connect the black lead to the port that reads "COM." Connect the red lead to the port designated for volts and amps.
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Turn the meter on and turn the knob to select the correct type of measurement. Select alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) voltage, resistance, continuity or current by turning the dial to the appropriate setting. Voltage is a measure of how much energy is present in an electric charge, while current measures the rate of flow of the electrical charge. Electrical resistance represents the measure of how much a material restricts the flow, or current, of electricity, and continuity occurs when a circuit is complete with no breaks or open points.
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Touch the metal probe tips to the wires or contacts of the circuit you want to test. Grasp the probes by the rubber or plastic protective coating and keep your fingers behind the probe's finger guard to avoid shock. Touch the red probe to the positive side and the black probe to the negative or ground side. Hold the probes in position until you get a reading on the display.
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Read and interpret the digital display. The display will show a numerical measurement of voltage, amperage or resistance, depending on what you are measuring. It may also display different codes if you are testing continuity or a diode.
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Remove the probes from the contacts you are testing and from the meter and turn the power off on the meter. Store the probes in the meter's case or another safe location.
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Tips & Warnings
Your meter may or may not make audible sounds, depending on the exact model. You may need a manual or guide to decipher the meaning of the beeps and sounds each meter might make.
Be careful when measuring voltages above 60 volts DC or 30 volts AC. These pose a shock hazard
Always make sure that your probes are configured correctly for the electrical property you are measuring. If you are measuring current, be sure to insert the red probe into the amperage port. If measuuring voltage, insert the red probe into the voltage port.
Never measure resistance on a powered circuit.
Don't attempt to measure sources that are more than the meter's rated voltage.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Digital Multimeter image by TekinT from Fotolia.com
