How to Use a Cen Tech Multimeter? (7 Function Guide)

In this article, I’ll teach you how to use all seven functions of a Centech digital multimeter.

The Cen Tech multimeter is a little different from other digital multimeters. The 98025 seven-function model is capable of completing various tasks. I’ve used this in many of my electrical projects and hope to teach you everything I know.

In general, to use a Cen Tech multimeter:

• Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
• Connect the red jack to VΩmA or 10ADC port.
• Switch ON the power.
• Turn the dial to the appropriate symbol.
• Adjust the sensitivity.
• Connect the black and red leads to the circuit wires.
• Note down the reading.

Read the guide below to learn about the seven functions of the Cen Tech digital multimeter.

A Complete Guide on How to Use a Cen Tech Multimeter

Need to Know Things About Seven Functions

Understanding the functions of the Cen Tech multimeter will come in handy while using it. So, here are the seven functions of the CenTech digital multimeter.

1. Resistance
2. Voltage
3. Current up to 200 mA
4. Current above 200 mA
5. Diode testing
6. Transistor condition testing
7. Battery charge

I’ll later teach you how to use all seven functions. For now, here are the respective symbols for all the functions.

1. Ω means ohms, and you can use this setting to measure resistance.
2. DCV stands for DC voltage. 
3. ACV stands for AC voltage.
4. DCA stands for DC current.
5. The triangle with the vertical line on the right is for testing diodes.
6. hFE is used for test transistors.
7. Two vertical lines with a horizontal line are for the battery testing.

All these symbols can be located on the multimeter’s dial area. So, if you are new to Cen Tech models, remember to inspect them before getting started.

Ports and Leads

The Cen Tech multimeter comes with two leads; black and red. Some of the leads might have alligator clips on them. And some might not.

The black lead connects with the multimeter’s COM port. And the red lead connects with the VΩmA port or 10ADC port.

Quick Tip: When measuring current below 200 mA, use the VΩmA port. For current above 200 mA, use the 10ADC port.

Using All Seven Functions of the Cen Tech Multimeter

This section will teach you how to use the seven functions of the Cen Tech multimeter. Here you can learn from measuring resistance to testing a battery charge.

Measure Resistance

1. Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
2. Connect the red jack to the VΩmA port.
3. Switch ON the multimeter.
4. Rotate the dial to the 200 mark in the Ω(ohm) area.
5. Touch the two leads and check the resistance (it should be zero).
6. Connect the red and black leads to the circuit wires.
7. Note down the resistance.

Quick Tip: If you get one as the reading, change the sensitivity level. For instance, turn the dial to the 2000 mark.

You can also check the continuity using the resistance settings. Turn the dial to 2000K and check the circuit. If the reading is 1, the circuit is open; if the reading is 0, it is a closed circuit.

Measure Voltage

DC Voltage

1. Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
2. Connect the red jack to the VΩmA port.
3. Switch ON the multimeter.
4. Rotate the dial to the 1000 mark in the DCV area.
5. Connect the leads to the circuit wires.
6. If the reading is less than 200, turn the dial to the 200 mark.
7. If the reading is less than 20, turn the dial to the 20 mark.
8. Keep rotating the dial as needed.

AC Voltage

1. Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
2. Connect the red jack to the VΩmA port.
3. Switch ON the multimeter.
4. Rotate the dial to the 750 mark in the ACV area.
5. Connect the leads to the circuit wires.
6. If the reading is less than 250, turn the dial to the 250 mark.

Measure Current

1. Connect the black jack to the COM port.
2. If the measuring current is less than 200 mA, connect the red jack to the VΩmA port. Turn the dial to the 200m mark.
3. If the measuring current is above 200 mA, connect the red jack to the 10ADC port. Turn the dial to the 10A mark.
4. Switch ON the multimeter.
5. Connect the lead to the circuit wires.
6. Adjust the sensitivity according to the reading.

Testing Diodes

1. Turn the dial to the diode symbol.
2. Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
3. Connect the red jack to the VΩmA port.
4. Switch ON the multimeter.
5. Connect the two multimeter leads to the diode.
6. The multimeter will display a voltage drop if the diode is working properly.

Quick Tip: If you get one as the reading, reverse the leads and check again.

Testing a Transistor

1. Turn the dial to the hFE settings (near the diode settings).
2. Connect the transistor to the NPN/PNP jack (on the multimeter).
3. Switch ON the multimeter.
4. Compare the reading with the rated value of the transistor.

When it comes to transistors, there are two types; NPN and PNP. So, before testing, you’ll have to identify the transistor type.

Also, the three pins of the transistor are known as the emitter, base, and collector. The middle pin is the base. The right-hand side pin (your right) is the emitter. And the left-hand side pin is the collector.

Always correctly identify the transistor type and three pins before connecting the transistor to the Cen Tech multimeter. A wrong implementation might cause damage to the transistor or the multimeter.

Testing a Battery (Measure Voltage of the Battery)

1. Turn the dial to the battery testing area (near the ACV area).
2. Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
3. Connect the red jack to the VΩmA port.
4. Switch ON the multimeter.
5. Connect the red lead to the positive battery terminal.
6. Connect the black lead to the negative terminal.
7. Compare the reading with the rated voltage value of the battery.

With the Cen Tech multimeter, you can test 9V, C-cell, D-cell, AAA, and AA batteries. However, don’t test 6V or 12V vehicle batteries. Instead, use a voltmeter for that.

Important: The above article focuses on the 98025 seven-function Cen Tech model. However, the 95683 model is a bit different from the 98025 one. For instance, you’ll find a 10A port instead of the 10ADC port. Also, you can locate an ACA area for AC current. Remember to read the Centech digital multimeter manual if you get confused about this. 

Take a look at some of our related articles below.

• Cen Tech 7 function digital multimeter review
• Multimeter diode symbol
• Multimeter symbols chart

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Video References

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