How to Test Amps With a Multimeter

Use a digital mutlimeter to test amps.

Measure the current flowing through a component in an electrical circuit with a digital multimeter. When used to measure electrical current, or amperes, the multimeter is called an ammeter. Wire the ammeter in series with the component to be measured; the meter could blow a fuse if it is not wired in series. Series wiring means there is only one path for electricity to flow into and out of the multimeter.

Things You'll Need

• Digital multimeter

Instructions

1. Connect the red multimeter probe to its positive port. Connect the black multimeter probe to its negative port. Sometimes the positive port is denoted with a capital letter "V" while the negative port is labeled "COM."

2. Turn on the digital multimeter then set the measurement dial to measure amps. Choose direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC), depending on the circuit under study. The symbol for DC current on the dial is a capital "A" with straight lines above it; AC current is denoted by a capital "A" with wavy lines above it.

3. Disconnect the wire leading to the negative end of the electrical component under study. Connect the red probe of the multimeter to the negative end of the device being studied. Connect the black probe of the multimeter to the wire that was removed from the component being tested. The multimeter screen will display the number of amps of current flowing into the component.

References

• Georgia State University: Ammeter
• Doctronics: Using a Multimeter

Resources

• Georgia State University: Electric Current