Test Batteries With a Multitester
Updated: Jun. 30, 2017Find out fast if a household battery is still good
Testing procedure
Photo 1: Set voltage selector to battery size
Set the voltage selector to the 1.5V setting (1.5 volts) and touch the red probe to the (+) end (with the nub) and the black probe to the (-) end of 1.5-volt batteries.
Multitester readout for 1.5V battery
Read the battery test scale. Red is bad and green is good. This battery is bad.
Multitesters have many uses, and one of the handiest is testing common household batteries. A weak or dead smoke alarm battery in a fire, or a dim flashlight bulb during a blackout, can be downright dangerous. Pull out that multitester and check those vital batteries so they're ready when you need them.
Insert the black probe into the (-) terminal, and the red probe into the (+) terminal. Rotate the voltage selector switch until it points to the voltage you're testing, and then test batteries as shown in Photos 1 and 2.
