The electricity meter is a common name for many electricity meters that perform many different measurement functions. This is a much-needed gadget for electricians, technicians, and engineers to get the job done.
Many digital multimeters are available in the market and online for testing currents, voltages, resistances, capacitances, and many other parameters. Digital multimeters are widely used in the testing, installing, and repairing of electrical devices.
With the exponential increase in demand for this testing equipment and the consequent increase in the variety of digital multimeters online marketplaces have been inundated with, it is not surprising if you find it challenging to choose your pick.
What is a power meter?
The power meter is also known as a multimeter. This is a commonly used device that supports many functions in the electrical industry. They are mainly used to measure AC voltage and DC voltage. In addition, this device also has the process of measuring DC, AC, resistance, capacitance, frequency, and capacitors or test diodes…
A multimeter is a device with a simple operating principle that makes it easy to convert electrical signals the fastest. By learning about different types of electricity meters, you can learn between two product lines: electronic meters and analog multimeters.
Structure of different types of electricity meters
We will learn about the multimeter’s design with the following two types
Construction of an analog multimeter
External structure: Indicator needle, P positive or semiconductor positive probe, Com or N negative semiconductor joint probe, graduated arc, static zero point adjustment screw, pure a.c. Voltage probe, front cover, indicator face, glass face, back cover, 0Ω (0Ω ADJ) adjustment knob, scale selector switch, AC probe.
Internal circuit: Test probe terminals (OUTPUT and COM), power block, temperature compensation resistor system, display block including M, protection block, and measuring block.
Construction of electronic meter
An electronic multimeter usually consists of the following parts: stop button, power button, digital display, small current probe, large current probe, joint COM probe, power resistance, and voltage. Not all multimeters have a structure that includes all of the above parts; depending on the manufacturer and version, some devices may have less or more.
What is the use of an electric meter?
Both analog multimeters and electronic meters have their uses. So let’s find out what is the use of an electric meter. You must know the use of a power meter to choose the right one to suit your needs.
Electromagnetic meter
An Analog meter, also known as a multimeter with needle indicator, is designed simply with the primary measurement function of measuring direct and alternating currents with the main criteria: current, voltage single phase, two-phase, and three phases. Use an electric meter to measure voltage and a multimeter to measure resistance.
In addition, the multimeter is also used to measure capacitors and measure temperature. This line of indicator meters allows the user to perform basic measurements with highly accurate results, especially for those of you who are electricians and want to learn how to use electricity meters in the civil and electrical professions. You can learn the functions of an analog multimeter in no time.
Digital digital multimeter
Meanwhile, electronic meters are appreciated for their quality in various uses. An electronic multimeter can be described as a type of multimeter that can perform a variety of measurements.
- Electronic meters are based on alternating current and direct current.
- Multimeters measure voltage, voltage and are also used to measure resistance.
- Multimeter to measure continuity and check circuit connections.
- The device can measure small currents even with large resistances.
- It can be used to measure the inductance of an inductor. ,
- Capacitance measurement with applications in testing and installation of electrical circuits.
- The device is used to measure and test diodes and transistors.
- The meter can measure low-frequency oscillation, measure frequency, and calculate audio gain to help you adjust the radio’s circuit.
- Use the watch to check your phone and the car’s electrical circuit.
- Save measurement data.
List of Important Things to Consider When Purchasing a Digital Multimeter
Seven points to think about before purchasing a digital multimeter are listed below:
- Details of digital multimeters (DMM Specifications)
- Accuracy of a digital multimeter (DMM Accuracy)
- Resolution of Digital Multimeters (DMM Resolution)
- Source Impedance
- Measurements of Frequency
- Energy Storage
- Measurement of Temperature
Details of digital multimeters (DMM Specifications)
The characteristics of a digital multimeter determine how well it performs. Understanding the DC, AC, DC voltage, AC voltage, and resistance capabilities of the multimeter are what we mean when we say that we comprehend the DMM Specification.
- Pick a digital multimeter with the primary voltage higher than what is necessary to run the electrical equipment you wish to monitor the readings for.
- It’s crucial to use the multimeter within the current range that it can handle. Serious risks can result from currents with higher amperages.
- Check whether a higher-end digital multimeter offers genuine RMS value, which may also consider any DC components.
Accuracy of a digital multimeter (DMM Accuracy)
Check the accuracy of the digital multimeter you plan to purchase. The highest allowable error limit in the observed readings is what is referred to as a DMM’s accuracy.
Resolution of Digital Multimeters (DMM Resolution)
The number of digits used to measure signal intensity is DMM Resolution. It involves measuring the difference between the output signal and the tiniest variation in the input signal. The downside of higher-resolution DMMs is that it takes longer to see the rightmost value when the rightmost digit stabilizes.
Source Impedance
If you wish to measure the more sensitive electronics, buying a multimeter with a high input impedance can help you make accurate results.
Measurements of Frequency
Some DMMs can monitor voltage and current within a frequency range by sensing the frequency. Ensure your equipment maintains the proper frequency if it receives power from a constant AC voltage source.
Energy Storage
Before beginning any work, it is usually a good idea to be aware of the circuit’s energy capacity. Understanding the highest transient voltage that the DMM can withstand is essential without experiencing any harm.
Measurement of Temperature
Get a digital multimeter with a dual differential temperature feature if you frequently need to measure two temperatures; its capability enables you to do so..
How to test resistance using a multimeter
Step 1: Leave the meter on the Ω resistance scale.
Step 2: The black rod plugs into the COM standard port, and the
red stick plugs into the V/Ω port.
Step 2: The black rod plugs into the COM standard port, and the red stick plugs into the V/Ω port.
Step 4: Put 2 test leads of the digital multimeter into two resistors (Measured in parallel). Select the scale so that when measuring the resistance to be determined, the deviation of the needle is about ½ of the scale.
Step 3: Plug the black probe into the COM end and the red search into the (+) end
Step 5: Measure the resistance; you can measure it a second time to get the most accurate result.
Step 6: Read the results on display.
Note:
- Do not measure voltage and current when the meter is on a resistance scale; the meter will fail immediately.
- Never measure resistance in a circuit that is being powered. Before measuring resistance in a course, turn off the power first.
- When measuring small resistance <10Ω, it is necessary to let the measuring rod and the resistance pin make good contact; otherwise, the results are inaccurate.
- When measuring considerable resistance > 10kΩ, hands must not be in contact with both probes simultaneously. If such a reference is made, the human’s opposition will be connected in parallel with the resistance to be measured, reducing the measurement results.
How to use a multimeter to measure continuity
Continuity measurement is a handy feature; when it is necessary to check whether the electrical switch is good, the conductor is intact, or the light bulb’s filament is broken, people will do it. Perform this measurement. The steps are as follows:
Switch the meter to the x1 scale on the Ohm measuring area. As for the digital meter, you switch to the continuity measurement mode with the symbol.
Pair 2 rods of the meter into two leads
The meter will not turn on if the wire is broken. Otherwise, the clock hands will go up, and the buzzer on the clock will sound (Depending on the type)
If the watch is on hand, the wire is still intact. When the wire breaks, the hand of the clock will stand still.
How to use a multimeter to measure capacitors?
One can use the resistance scale of a multimeter to check the discharge and damage to the capacitor.
When measuring capacitors, if it is a chemical capacitor, use the x1 Ohm scale or the x10 Ohm scale, and if it is a ceramic capacitor, use the x1K Ohm or 10K Ohm scale.
The measurement results are shown below:
- The charging needle, when measuring, shows that the capacitor C1 is still good.
- Needle up but not back to the old position, i.e., capacitor C2 is detected.
- The clock needle is on the 0 Ohm line and does not return, i.e., the capacitor C3 is shorted.
Note:
- When measuring the discharge capacitor, we must reverse the measuring rod a few times to see the discharge.
- Capacitor test measurements are rarely detected or shorted but mostly dry. Therefore, when measuring the capacitor to know precisely how damaged the capacitor is, we need to compare it with a new capacitor with the same capacitance.
How to measure current with a multimeter?
To measure current, follow these basic steps:
Step 1: Set the multimeter to A~ scale to measure AC and A- scale to measure DC.
Step 2: The black rod plugs into the COM standard port, the red rod plugs into the 20A port if measuring the current has a large magnitude of A, and the mA port, if measuring the wind, has a small volume of mA.
Step 3: Plug the black probe into the COM end and the red search into the (+) end
Step 4: Set the switch of the clock at DC.A – 250mA scale.
Step 5: Turn off the power of the test circuits.
Step 6: Connect the red probe of the meter to the positive (+) terminal and the black probe to the negative (-) terminal in the current direction. Connect the clock in series with the test circuit.
Step 7: Turn on the power to the experimental circuit.
Step 8: Read the result on the LCD screen.
Note:
- When the reading is less than 25mA, set the switch to the DC. A – 25mA position for more accurate readings.
- When the result is less than 2.5mA, put the switch to DC. A – 2.5mA position.
- When using a multimeter, the black rod will be (-) battery power, and the red rod will be (+) battery power.
Some digital multimeters I can recommend for you.
| Image | Name | Price Link |
 | Klein Tools MM600 Multimeter, Digital Auto-Ranging | On Amazon, you can see the price right here. |
 | Testo 760-2 Digital Multimeter | On Amazon, you can see the price right here. |
 | INNOVA 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter | On Amazon, you can see the price right here. |
Final thought
You will be able to find the best-quality digital multimeter that meets your needs by keeping the seven considerations above in mind.
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Digital multimeters are available online from top manufacturers, including Fluke, Meco, Mastech, Rishabh, HTC, Extech, Motwane, and Sigma.
You may get reputable multimeters from these companies that can take precise measurements. Above I have provided you with knowledge and experience in choosing a suitable digital multimeter.
I am sure the inside I just mentioned will be beneficial for you in deciding to buy a suitable digital multimeter for yourself.