Multimeter or multitester or VOM is standardized at measuring voltage, resistance, and current in one system. It is a handheld device that is generally used for finding basic faults and field service work.
This electronic instrument can give the measurement to a high degree of accuracy. These can be brought into use for troubleshooting various electrical problems in a wide array of household and industrial devices such as power supplies, wiring systems, batteries, appliances, and motor controls.
Both analogs as well as digital multimeters give an accurate measurement. They come in a wide range of features and prices. Resolution of multimeters can be expressed in digits of resolution. So, if you want to purchase a new multimeter then you can go for Klein multimeter as they are branded and the company will give warranty period during which repair services are free.
Troubleshooting a Multimeter
As multimeter is an electronic device hence it will last long if handled with care. A time comes when your multimeter does not function well and at that time you have to decide to take accurate action whether to repair the old multimeter or replace it with a new one.
First of all check for the battery, if the battery is over then change it to supply power to your multimeter, fade display is also a remark that the battery of your multimeter is dead. You just need to replace the battery for proper functioning.
If even after changing the battery, a multimeter is not giving a correct reading of the test leads then you need to set your VOM to read resistance and the first reading given by it should be zero ohms. If still the issue is not resolved then disassemble your digital multimeter.
For disassembling your digital multimeter, make use of a screwdriver to open it, after opening it locate the fuse of the multimeter and remove it. If your digital multimeter is provided with a fuse in a glass box then it will be quite easy for you to inspect and see if the thin wire inside it is broken and if it is broken then replace it because it might be the reason for improper functioning of your multimeter.
If you have a ceramic fuse then you have to measure the resistance of the fuse with another multitester and if there is no resistance in the fuse then, in that case, you have to replace your old fuse with a new one.
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Another step in case issue which is not resolved is that you need to look for the broken or corroded wires. If you find any such issue then desolder the wires with a soldering iron and wick. You also need to look for the loose parts inside your multimeter which are attached to your multimeter with screws, if found fix them in appropriate manner inside the multimeter.
Refer the manual guide of digital multimeter provided to you to reassemble it. Set your multimeter to measure resistance and touch both the probe leads together. Your multimeter should give reading under one ohm. If this time also your multimeter is not giving appropriate reading then your multimeter is suffering from a problem that cannot be troubleshot at home or by the repair team or mechanic and its time to buy a new multimeter if you don’t want to compromise with the accuracy.
