If you are deliberately looking at your digital multimeter, you know that often, the difficulty of the multimeter symbols could stop you in your tracks.
Even though it might look like that at first, you should know that multimeter symbols are not hieroglyphics. Actually, they are relatively easy to learn after you perfect the fundamentals of reading them. A digital multimeter is a cheap way to ensure you’re getting the most precise measurements possible.
In today’s article, we are going to present you with a quick peek of how to read multimeter symbols, particularly the RX1 setting, what it means, and how to measure it, allowing you to measure and perfect your next project with much comfort.
What Does RX1 Represent in a Multimeter?
To make it short, the RX1 setting refers to the word resistance measured in ohms in your digital multimeter. Here’s a breakdown of the three figures:
- R means resistance
- X means times
- 1 means one
Therefore, RX1 stands for resistance times one.
What Does Resistance Mean in a Digital Multimeter?
The meaning of resistance is quite easy—it’s the measurement of the total resistance through every possible path between lead probes. It’s measured in ohms, but you can come across other ancient measurement units, depending on how the multimeter is distributed.
Nevertheless, you don’t need to be acquainted with other units as ohm is a widely utilized SI unit. Hence, it’s the one used for measuring resistance. One ohm is equivalent to a one-volt difference per one ampere of current.
That formula isn’t as meaningful, especially if you’re a dedicated expert. The resistance of a specific thing could be measured with an analog or digital multimeter.
How Do You Measure Resistance in a Multimeter?
Here are the crucial steps you need to follow if you like to measure resistance using a digital multimeter.
- Select the component you like to measure the resistance and turn off any current flowing
Would you like to measure the resistance of an item that is incorporated into an existing circuit? Your safest option is to remove it from the circuit. You can do that by demounting it.
Please take note that measuring while it is connected could produce incorrect data. More often, you will have inconsistent readings because the other component interferes in the circuit.
The best thing you can do here is to bring your object without the scheme and remove any unnecessary interference. Ensure that you also turn the power circuit off before accessing the board.
- Insert the leads into corresponding sockets
Most newbie multimeter users are more likely to plug in the leads very aimlessly despite the color patterns. Many modern digital multimeters feature a black and red lead and matching colors on the unit’s casing.
In short, plug the red one into the red socket and do the same with the red one. Doing this helps you ensure there are no mistakes along the way. Most units won’t produce results if the leads are not properly plugged into the proper socket.
Moreover, many models have some sockets given on the casing. Some ports are utilized for measuring voltage and amperage. One resistance is typically categorized as COM, where the other is categorized with the Ω symbol for ohm.
Plug the red lead into the Ω socket and the black lead into the COM.
- Choose the range
Your goal is to obtain the most accurate reading. You must pick the proper range. This step can be a bit annoying for some, particularly if you are not confident about which range to pick.
The overall spectrum could differ from 1 ohm up to 1 megaohm.
A few modern digital multimeter units have an auto-selecting mode, while others don’t have it. If you don’t have a multimeter with such features, you can still find the equivalent range by using the steps detailed below:
- Begin with the middle range settings (20-kilo ohms)
- Touch one end of the component with one lead and vice versa
- The range is too high if the presented resistance is 0
- The range is too low if the presented resistance is OL
- The range is set if the presented resistance is a number except from 0
Always remember to check the used range when reading the values. For instance, let’s say you acquire a value of 30 after picking the k Ω scale. That only indicates the value is 30 kilo-ohms rather than being 30 ohms.
Would you like to double-check your reading? You can do that by reducing the range and checking if you receive the same or similar results. If you want a higher accuracy, try to lower the scales.
- Confirm your results
It’s about time that you check the final reading. Keep in mind that it does not vary much from the last step. The only difference is that you have the best spectrum to go with.
For this step, place one lead on one end and the other one on the component’s end you are measuring. Take your time and wait for the numbers to stop increasing. After they do, it should present the resistance.
Ensure you don’t forget the scale you are on. For instance, let’s say you receive a “.1” reading on the kilo-ohm scale. That only indicates the component’s resistance is 0.1k Ω.
- Turn off your digital multimeter
For the last step, make sure you turn off your device and store it properly.
Final Thoughts
To sum everything up, anyone can easily measure resistance if they understand how to perform it correctly. Misappropriation of a digital multimeter could be risky in some scenarios. However, the major threat you face is breaking the device itself by doing measurements while the incorrect scale spectrum is picked.
You will find a plethora of objects that need a checkup now and then. Rather than employing an electrician and paying them for their services, you can do most of the testing yourself with a proper and highly efficient digital multimeter.
