Oh no! Not again. The wires on your house aren’t working. The light switches are also not functioning. But then, you remembered that your friend – a technician, gave you a craftsman digital multimeter. Your friend said that a digital multimeter is a handy electrical tool when you need to check your circuits at home or do troubleshooting.
The problem is – it’s your first time to use a multimeter. Don’t worry! By the time you finish reading this post, you will know how to use it properly. But first, let’s talk about the digital multimeter, it’s many uses, and parts.
What’s A Digital Multimeter?
A digital multimeter (DMM) is an essentially electrical device that allows you to measure, current, voltage, and even resistance. A multimeter is a reliable tool when screening circuits and electronic parts. Multimeters integrate three essential functions, such as an ohmmeter, voltmeter, and an ammeter.
Using digital multimeter, you would understand what’s inside circuits. (Technicians know if there are problems in a circuit by using a multimeter.) For example, if a circuit isn’t working properly, a digital multimeter helps in the troubleshooting process.
What Does A Craftsman Multimeter Measure?
As I’ve mentioned above, digital multimeter measures current, voltage, and resistance. But that’s not all. Most multimeters in the market let you perform a continuity check. Continuity is helpful when you’re building a circuit or soldering. (Aloud beep indicates that two points are correctly connected.)
Many multimeters also have the diode check feature. Think of this feature as a one-way valve that enables electricity circulation in a single direction.
Take note: The diode check feature might differ from other multimeter models. If your DMM has the diode feature, read the manual carefully.
Advanced DMM models have other awesome functions and features. For example, a DMM could measure and determine electrical components such as capacitors and transistors.
Parts of a Digital Multimeter
A DMM has four major components, such as the following:
- Display – Shows the dimension or readout
- Ports – You connect probes on this part of the meter.
The different ports are the following:
- COM – also referred to as “- ‘” port, where you connect the black probe.
- 10A – you use this for measuring large currents above 200mA.
- µAmA – effective for measuring currents.
- VΩ – allows you to measure resistance, voltage, and continuity.
- Probes –There are two probes in a DMM – red and black. The probes look like a banana kind adapter on end. Most multimeters having a banana is compatible with most outlets or circuits.
- Selection Knob – Chooses what you like to measure, for example, voltage, current, milliamps, and resistance.
Each setup might have a diverse number worth that measures resistances, voltages, and amps. If your multimeter collection is 20, it can measure voltages up to 20 volts.
Keep in mind: Plug the red probe in the 10A port rather than 200mA port. Why? You can blow a fuse inside your multimeter. Also, if you measure over 10 amps, the fuse might blow, or the multimeter could be broken.
The multimeter you’re using might have different ports in measuring amps. Other ports might be for measuring resistance, voltage, and continuity. But other less expensive multimeters have shared ports.
How to Use a Craftsman Digital Multimeter?
Now, you already know what a digital multimeter is, it’s parts and functions. Let’s now answer the big question in this article – how to use a craftsman digital multimeter 82141? Well, even if you’re a beginner, you can use a craftsman multimeter successfully.
Follow the following steps:
1st Step
Find the ports on your multimeter. You would see the main dial behind the multimeter’s window. The craftsman multimeter has a pointer that’s similar to that of the clock’s hand. The pointer points on different numbers you see on the dial.
2nd Step
Here, you set the multimeter to test the AC voltage of a circuit. The good thing about digital multimeters is you can set it to other settings. Then, you follow the directions so you can test other leads like DC.
3rd Step
Now, you find the jacks on the meter. (These jacks are essential for testing electrical current. You look for the symbols “- “or “+” on the bottom corner of the DMM. Then, look for the test leads. (The leads are black and red.) Here, you would insert the wires carefully for the voltage or current you want to test.
4th Step
Into the “- “ jack, try inserting the black probe. Then, try inserting the red probe to the “+” jack. You find an outlet that you want to test and insert the probes in the outlet.
What would happen to the pointer? The pointer would then move on the voltage number. Now, you can check the electrical current of an outlet.
5th Step
In front of the digital multimeter, you check the selector switch. You would select what you like to measure, such as amps or volts.
If you’re an electrician or anyone who often works on electrical units, the digital multimeter is a handy tool to use. A digital multimeter would enable you to check for AC or even DC voltages, continuity and resistance. So, it’s best to use the craftsman multimeter correctly.
You can use the digital multimeter effectively and measure the AC or outlets. Get ready to utilize the multimeter in each concern involving electronics. In using DMM, you always have an idea on what’s the condition of your circuits or outlets at home or office.
Don’t forget to follow the above-mentioned steps carefully so that your use of the multimeter is successful at all times. Be familiar with the multimeter parts to ensure you have correct measurements of amps or voltage using the digital multimeter.
Now, you’re ready to use a digital multimeter anytime by following the easy steps above. Oh, next time someone asks you “how to use a craftsman digital multimeter 82141?”, you know the answer already. Remember: Beginners need to follow the instructions on the multimeter manual to use the tool successfully. Follow other precautions or Warnings on the manual to ensure your safety. Also, be careful in operating the DMM so that you don’t suffer from electric shocks.
