How to Use a Digital Multimeter and Analog Multimeter

Updated: Jan. 18, 2024

Test batteries, electrical circuits, broken appliances and more with this helpful tool.

dfh5_shutterstock_630037208 multimeterjcm32/Shutterstock
We'll show you how to use this monster of a tool for troubleshooting almost any type of electrical wiring or appliance. Once you understand how it works, you can use it to test your batteries (including tool batteries), dead electrical circuits and even your automatic sprinkler system. This article explains everything you need to know.

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Time
An hour or less
Complexity
Beginner
Cost
Less than $20

How to use a Multimeter

Photo 1: How to Test Batteries

Test battery life using a multimeter or volt-ohm meter (VOM). Analog-type multimeters use a needle and printed scales to display results from a variety of electrical tests.
Function setting: Direct current (DC) voltage
Scale setting: 12 volts
Test probes: Match the polarity (“+” to “+” and “-” to “-”) of the test probes and the battery.
Good reading: 6 volts (this battery’s original rating)
Bad reading: Batteries with voltage readings 20 percent below their original rating should be replaced.

What is a Multimeter and How Do You Use a Multimeter

A multimeter is a black box of electronic circuitry that allows you to troubleshoot just about any type of electrical wiring or device. How do you use a multimeter? You simply dial the proper function and scale, touch the two test leads to the wiring or device in question and check the meter reading. Depending on the setting, the multimeter will tell if you have a broken connection, no power, poor connections, faulty parts and more.

With all its numbers, dials, and switches, a multimeter (also known as a volt-ohm meter or VOM) can be pretty intimidating. Yet its symbols are worth learning, is relatively inexpensive and should be in the toolbox of anyone seeking to do wiring diagnostics and appliance repair. Here, we’ll walk you through the basics and show you six quick, down-to-earth tests you can safely use today.

Your voltmeter can pay for itself quickly by simply analyzing whether the dozens of batteries devoured by toys and electronic devices are still good (Photo 1). But only using these instruments to check batteries is like harnessing a draft horse to pull a roller skate. Explore a sampling of other possible uses, as shown in Photos 2 – 6.

Multimeter Terms

It’s hard to visualize electricity, so I’ve always thought of it like a river. In a river, there’s a certain volume of water (similar to electrical amperage, or amps) flowing with a certain potential force (like voltage) that encounters obstructions as it flows (resistance measured in ohms). Hold that big picture in your mind, then add these key concepts about both electricity and VOMs:

  • Alternating current (AC) voltage: The type of electricity that powers your house.
  • Direct current (DC) voltage: The type found in auto and household batteries.
  • Resistance (measured in ohms): The lower the reading, the easier electrical current (measured in amps) flows through circuit material.
  • An open circuit equals trouble: There is high resistance from a broken connection, a faulty part or a switch that’s been turned off. There isn’t a complete circuit path and no current will flow.
  • A closed circuit is good: It means a minimum of resistance is present because a connection or part is working. Note: Check the pathways in the wiring or device being tested for any random loose wiring that’s touching the circuit you’re testing. Sometimes a broken connection (“short circuit”) can look like a closed circuit. Short circuits can harm you, destroy equipment and start fires.
  • Continuity testing determines if an open, shorted or closed circuit exists in an appliance, electrical or electronic device and is a common use for multimeters.
  • On a VOM, infinity signifies an open circuit. On an analog multimeter, infinity shows up as an unwavering needle that won’t move off the far left side on the display. On a digital multimeter, infinity reads “0.L.”
  • On a VOM, “zero” means a closed circuit has been detected. The display needle moves to the far right side of an analog scale; “zero” reads “0.00” on a digital VOM.
  • Selecting the proper range is very important and refers to setting the function switch on your multimeter to a voltage or amperage value that’s higher than the top value you anticipate testing. Digital multimeters have a nifty feature, auto-ranging, that automatically selects the widest possible range once you set the function switch for ohms, current and voltage (AC or DC). Auto-ranging gives you the safest testing capacity each time you change back and forth from, say, measuring resistance to voltage readings.

Safety Above All

VOMs are tools that an impulsive and foolish person should avoid. When it comes to electricity, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

When I got my first multimeter, I was so excited to start using it, I gave a quick glance at the owner’s manual and then proceeded to stick the multimeter’s probes into the closest appliances and wall outlets to see what the tester could do. I fried that VOM. I was more studious and careful with the next multimeter. Even now, there are still some repairs I let the electricians and repair technicians handle—with their VOMs

Using VOMs

Photo 2: Testing a broken extension cord

Check for a broken wire or bad plug connection in an extension cord by bending the cord along its length.
Function setting: Ohms.
Scale setting: Auto-ranging.
Test probes: Connect the prongs together at one end of the cord with a jumper wire, creating a closed circuit. Insert the testing probes in the other end to complete the circuit, and then turn on the multimeter. Don’t forget a second test to check along the safety ground wire too.
Good reading: A “0.00” reading would indicate “zero”—a closed circuit.
Bad reading: This “0.L.” reading indicates “infinity”—an open circuit. This cord has a broken wire or loose connection.

Photo 3: How to test a light switch

Test whether this wall switch is bad. First, shut off the power to the main electrical panel. Then disconnect one terminal wire—so you don’t measure the entire circuit a switch is tied into—and turn the switch “on” to test for a short circuit inside the switch.
Function setting: Ohms (continuity).
Scale setting: “X-1.”
Test probes: Hold them steady on the terminals. You don’t have to match the polarity.
Good reading: A “zero” reading would indicate a closed circuit, a good switch.
Bad reading: This needle reads “infinity”—an open circuit. The wall switch is bad.

Reading a Multimeter

Both types of multimeters (digital and analog VOMs) require you to decide which to test for first: ohms, voltage or current. Next, select the range you’ll be testing. For example: On an analog multimeter, if you were to test AC voltage in a 120-volt wall outlet, but only set the function switch to 30 AC volts, you’d overload and damage the multimeter. Instead, select a setting greater than 120 AC volts.

VOMs come with two colored testing probes that connect to jacks in the meter. The probes have electrically insulated handles with metal tips. Generally, the red probe plugs into the “+” meter jack and the black probe plugs into the “-” jack. When the test probes contact a circuit, the findings are displayed on the LCD readout or analog meter scale.

A test for voltage and amps uses the electricity present in a live circuit to power the meter. For resistance (ohms) and continuity tests, batteries inside the VOM send a weak current through the circuit being tested to get the reading. We suggest you stay away from live circuit tests until you’ve mastered using the VOM on the resistance and continuity tests we show.

CAUTION!

Before running a resistance test, avoid possible injury to yourself and damage to the multimeter by disconnecting power to appliances and shutting off circuits.

Digital Multimeter Verses Analog VOMs

For appliance and electronic repairs, buy a digital, not analog, multimeter. Learning how to use a digital multimeter is much simpler to read and you can change the functions on it more easily. Digital multimeters (Photo 2) have LCD readouts and do continuity testing. Some digital multimeters also feature auto-ranging and overload protection and other advantages analog multimeters lack.

Analog multimeters have multiple scales on the dial (Photo 1), a moving needle and many manual settings on the function switch. It’s tricky spotting the correct scale to read on the dial, plus you sometimes have to multiply the reading by 10 or 100 to get your final value. Depending on features (make sure it can do continuity testing).

For easier, hands-free viewing, choose a multimeter with a stand that will prop it up or hang it on a wall. If a multimeter doesn’t come equipped with either jumper wires or alligator clips, buy them.

Alligator clips are often used to firmly grip wiring or contacts for hands-free safe and accurate readings. Both types of multimeters and these accessories can be purchased at electronics stores, home centers and hardware stores.

Using good techniques

Photo 4: Check household appliances

Troubleshoot a food blender that isn’t running or is running sluggishly by testing the blender’s switch block. UNPLUG the blender, set up the VOM and probes, and push each of the blender’s speed switches.
Function setting: Ohms (resistance).
Scale setting: Auto-ranging.
Test probes: Attach alligator clips (a must-have accessory) to the testing probes, connect the clips to the power plug, and turn on the VOM.
Good reading: This low reading (28.4 ohms) indicates a good switch. Check the manufacturer’s specification for the “good” reading on your blender.
Bad reading: A “0.L.” reading (“infinity”) indicates a switch that’s dirty or defective.

Photo 5: Test electric stovetops

Investigate a possibly faulty electric cooktop heat element.
Function setting: Ohms (resistance).
Scale setting: “X-1.”
Test probes: Attach alligator clips to each lead on the heating element and turn on the VOM.
Good reading: This low reading (22.5 ohms) indicates a good electric range element. Check the manufacturer’s specification for the “good” reading on your stove’s element.
Bad reading: An “infinity” reading or one exceeding 120 ohms.

Photo 6: Troubleshoot large appliances

Determine why a dehumidifier won’t run by first testing the humidistat switch for continuity. UNPLUG the appliance, remove the front panel and disconnect the mounting bracket that holds the switch. Label and disconnect the two switch wires, set the VOM, and slowly twist the switch several times from on to off.
Function setting: Ohms (continuity).
Scale setting: Auto-ranging.
Test probes: Attach the alligator clips to the switch’s flat prongs and turn on the VOM.
Good reading: If the humidistat is functioning, each time the switch “clicks,” the reading should change from “0.L.” for “infinity” (if switch is off) to “0.00” for “zero” (if switch is on).

  • When testing DC voltage or amps, match the polarity of the probes to the “+” and “-” terminals of the DC source being measured. Matching polarity isn’t necessary for testing either AC voltage or amps, or for continuity or resistance readings.
  • For the most accurate readings, hold the probe tip points (not the sides) tightly to a contact. Avoid touching the metal tips with your fingers. Your body could act as a circuit and influence a reading (and get you zapped!).
  • Each time you do an ohms test using an analog multimeter, touch the two probes together and use the calibration dial to “zero it out.” For a digital multimeter, touch the probes together and it automatically calibrates itself.
  • Ensure accurate readings by periodically cleaning oxides off the metal probes and keeping the tip points sharp with fine-grit sandpaper or emery cloth.

Required Tools for this How to Use a Digital Multimeter Project

The only tool you need is a multimeter.