What is a Multimeter?
A multimeter is a basic measuring tool that can measure various electrical characteristics such as voltage, resistance, and current. The device is also known as a volt-ohm-millimeter (VOM) because it serves as a voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter.
Types of Multimeters
These measuring devices vary in size, features, and prices, and are designed to be handheld or used on a desk depending on their intended use. Types of multimeters include:
- Analog Multimeter (Learn how to read here)
- Digital Multimeter
- Fluke Multimeter
- Clamp Multimeter
- Automatic Multimeter
The Multimeter is one of the most used measuring devices nowadays. However, newcomers often face difficulty identifying the symbols on the multimeter. In this article, we will show you how to recognize the symbols on a multimeter.
Although there are various types of multimeters available on the market, they all use the same symbol system. The symbols can be divided into the following parts:
- On/Off icon
- Gate icon
- Voltage Symbol
- Amperage Symbol
- Resistor Symbol
Meaning of Symbols on a Multimeter
Symbols in a multimeter include:
| Symbol | Functionality |
| HOLD button | It helps to record and retain the measured data. |
| On, Off button | Open, turn off. |
| COM port | It stands for Common and is almost always connected to the ground (Ground) or cathode of the circuit. The COM port is usually black and is also usually connected to a black test lead. |
| 10A port | This is a special port usually for measuring large currents (> 200mA). |
| mA, µA | Low current measurement port. |
| mAVΩ port | This is the port where the red test lead is normally plugged in. This port can measure current (up to 200mA), voltage (V), and resistance (Ω). |
| oCVΩHz port | This is the port connected to the red test lead. Allows measurement of temperature (C), voltage (V), resistance (), frequency (Hz). |
| True RMS port | This is usually plugged in the red wire. To measure the true r.m.s. value parameter (true RMS). |
| SELECT button | It helps to switch between functions. |
| Brightness | Adjust the brightness of the display. |
| AC voltage | Alternating current. Some products are simply denoted as A. |
| DC voltage | Direct Current. |
| Hz | Measure frequency. |
| DUTY | Measure cycle. Measure the capacitance of the current. Check continuity, short circuit (Continuity check). |
| Waveform button | Diode test (diode test) |
| hFE | Transistor-Transistor Test |
| NCV | Non-contact current induction feature |
| REL (relative) button | Set the reference value. Helps to compare and check between different measured values. |
| RANGE button | Select the appropriate measurement area. |
| MAX/MIN | Store the maximum and minimum input values; Notification beep when the measured value exceeds the stored value. And then that new value is overwritten. |
| Hz symbol | Indicates the frequency of a circuit or device. |
Applications of a Multimeter?
- Used to measure voltage such as: Measure DC current, AC current.
- Measure resistance with constant voltage, current and small ohmmeter.
- Used for a fast time and frequency measurement. (1)
- Able to diagnose problems related to electrical circuits in cars, check batteries, car generators, etc. (2)
This article gives you all the symbol definitions for reference for recognizing all the symbols shown on a multimeter, if we missed one or you have a suggestion, feel free to drop us a line.
References
(1) frequency measurement – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
269464380_Frequency_Measurement
(2) diagnose problems – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/
pii/0305048393900067
