Essential Parts And Basic Functions Of Digital Multimeter

Digital multimeters have become very versatile nowadays. Earlier they were used by electrical technicians or engineers only. Digtial multimeter can be used now by anyone for gauging current, resistance, and voltage. Fluke, Mastech, Tektronix and Extech are some of the most popular brands manufacturing digital multimeter.

These multimeters are available in various price ranges. For basic model its price starts from $10 to around $5000 for high end models. If we ignore the price ranges for once, we will find that all the digital multimeters have some common functions.

Basic Functions:

First major function is to test the continuity in two ends of an easy electrical cord. You need to first disconnect the meter from power supply.

It can be used to check a motor. Zero indicates the continuity of motor.

AC or household current or DC or battery present also can be measured through this device.

With some practice it can also be used to reduce voltage in home equipment. This multipurpose tool can be used in DC batteries also if they are weak of fully charged.

Essential Parts:

1. Display:

A digital multimeter is generally simple to use and has a big display which makes the reading easy. There are four digits display which starts from either zero or one and there are display for positive and negative also. Some equipment have special reading for AC/DC also.

2. Connections:

There are two connections in all the digital multimeters, some multimeters might have three, four or more connections. These connectors are connected to well insulated and flexible leads. The main connectors used in these devices are:

a. There is one negative or black lead which is usually attached to common connections. Common connector is used for all kinds of measurements.

b. There is another red lead which is used for most of the measurements. This connection is known as Voltage, ohms and frequency connector.

c. There is one Amperage connector which is used for measuring current. This connector also has red probe. These are the essential connectors used in digital multimeters

3. The Main Switch:

The purpose of main switch is to turn the device on or off. Every electrical device is connected to the main switch. Digital multimeters usually have a rotary switch which is used to turn on or turn off the device and for making a selection on the type of measurement.

4. Other Features:

Other than all the above mentioned features of digital multimeters, there are many customized features in the digital multimeters. There are various companies providing user specific features in the multimeters. They provide customized features like additional displays and controls. There are some more features like a probe for measuring temperature, capacitance, transistor gain, wiring continuity, decibels, scales for measurement, insulation tests and so on and so forth.

Generally a standard layout is followed by manufacturing companies for making digital multimeters, their emphasis is in keeping it simple and not to make it complicated. Companies have been following this standard layout for many years and are supposed to follow the same standard in the coming years also. Chances for revolutionary design in multimeters are rare.

In the final concluding words it can be said that whatever changes will be brought into electrical measuring devices, these devices will always remain one of the vital tools used by electricians in their kit.