Measuring in Circuits

1
Measuring in Circuits

• How to use a multimeter!

2
Taking Measurements

• Placement of meter depends on what you want to
  measure.
• 1 Goal the meter should not alter the behavior
  of the circuit.

3
Measuring Current

• The current must flow through the meter.
• Circuit must be broken to place the meter in
  series.
• Ammeters must have very low resistance!

4
Measuring Potential

• The voltmeter is connected in parallel between
  the two points where the measurement is to be
  made.
• The voltmeter provides a parallel pathway and
  should take very little current.
• A voltmeter must have very high resistance!

5
Measuring Resistance

• The component must be removed from the circuit.
• Ohmmeters work by running a current through the
  component being tested!

6
The Meter
Volts AC
Always start HIGH! If you are unsure of the
measurement range, begin with larger values and
reduce multiplier until you get a reading.
Volts DC
Amps
CURRENT Red lead
Ohms
Volts and Ohms Red lead
Ground Black lead