Digital Multimeter Basic Guide

What is a Digital Multimeter?

A Digital Multi-meter (DMM) is simply an electronic instrument that measure electrical parameters.

A DMM measures
AC / DC volts, AC / DC current Resistance

DMM may have a variety of special features that are designed for a wide number of applications.
Frequency Temperature Capacitance Continuity in circuit Diode check

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Front Panel Symbols

Symbol
V

Meaning
V DC

V mV A mA A k ))))

V AC millivolts (.001V or 1/1,000V) Amps milliamps (.001A or 1/1000A) microA (.000001A or 1/1,000,000A) Resistance (Ohms) kilo-Ohms, Megohms Continuity beeper

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Front Panel Symbols

Symbol Meaning
Capacitance (uF: Microfarads) (nF: Nanofarads)
Diode test Hertz (cycles/sec) Relative or offset reading Manual override of autorange Touch Hold-last stable reading Highest, lowest recorded readings Dangerous voltage levels Caution: see manual

Hz REL Range Hold MIN MAX

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DMM Specifications
Display

Accuracy
Range & Resolution

Electronics

Electrical

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Understanding DMM Display Specs

Display is specified as Digits or as Count

20,000 count
Digits: 3 1/2, 4 1/2, etc. Example: 3 1/2: (read as three and half digit DMM) starting from the least significant digit (right most), 3 full digits from 0-9 Left most digit - 1 half digit (can read less than 9). Ex: 1999

Count: 3200, 4000, etc... 4000 count display reads from 0-3999 3200 count display reads from 0-3199

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Understanding DMM Accuracy Specs

Accuracy is specified in percentage %
Closeness with which an instrument reading approaches the true value being measured; or largest allowable error. Percentage of reading (digital multi-meters) vs. percentage of scale or range (analog meters): Example: 1%scale vs. 1% reading % scale: If scale or range is 1000V, an accuracy of 1% is equal to +/- 10V. 120V reading could = 110-130V. % reading: 1% accuracy with 120V reading= 118.8-121.2V. Least significant digit unstable: Example: Accuracy spec = +/-(1%+2) Reading of 200.0mV= 197.8 - 202.2mV

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Understanding DMM Specs

Range and Resolution
Resolution is the smallest change in measured value to which the instrument will respond.

As the range increases, the resolution decreases: Range: 400.0mV Resolution: .1mV (=1/10 mV)

4.000V
40.00V 400.0V 1000V

.001V (=1mV)
.01V 0.1V 1V (=10mV) (=100mV) (=1000mV)

For maximum resolution, choose the lowest possible range.

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Measurements using Multimeter

Measuring voltage
Testing for proper supply voltage is usually the first step when troubleshooting a circuit.

How to make voltage measurements :

Select V~ (ac) or V (dc), as desired.

Plug the black test probe into the COM input jack. Plug the red test
probe into the V input jack.

If the DMM has manual ranging only, select the highest range so as not to overload the input.

Touch the probe tips to the circuit across a load or power source (in
parallel to the circuit).

View the reading, being sure to note the unit of measurement.

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Measurements using Multimeter

Resistance Measurement
Most DMMs measure down to 0.1, and some measure as high as 300 M (300,000,000 ohms). Infinite resistance (open circuit) is read asOL on the meter display.

How to make resistance measurements:

Turn off power to the circuit. Select resistance (). Plug the black test probe into the COM input jack. Plug the red test probe into the input jack. Connect the probe tips across the component or portion of the circuit for which you want to determine resistance. View the reading, being sure to note the unit of measurement ohms (), kilohms(k), or megohms (M).

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Measurements using Multimeter

DC and AC current
Current measurements taken with the DMM alone require placing the meter in series with the circuit being measured. This means opening the circuit and using the DMM test leads to complete the circuit.

How to make current measurements

Turn off power to the circuit. Cut or unsolder the circuit, creating a place where the meter probes can be inserted. Select A~ (ac) or A (dc) as desired. Plug the black test probe into the COM input jack. Plug the red test probe into the amp or milliamp input jack, depending on the expected value of the reading. Connect the probe tips to the circuit across the break so that all current will flow through the DMM (a series connection). Turn the circuit power back on. View the reading, being sure to note the unit of measurement.

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True-rms vs. Average-sensing

What does rms mean
RMS is the Root Mean Square or effective heating value of any ac voltage or current waveform. RMS is the equivalent DC heating value of an AC waveform.

Power consumed in R1 is same for both AC and DC source if the VacRMS = Vdc.

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True-rms vs. Average-sensing

Average-sensing works for a perfect sinewave
An average-sensing meter assumes a non-distorted sine wave and does the following calculation: RMS value = 1.11 X Average value

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True-rms vs. Average-sensing

What if the waveform is non-sinusoidal?
For this current waveform, the effective or True-rms value = 1.85 x Average value.

An average-sensing meters reading (1.11 x Average) would be 40

% too low.

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True-rms vs. Average-sensing

What if the waveform is non-sinusoidal?
Average-sensing meters typically measure RMS high for voltage and low for current where there is waveform distortion. True-rms meter or clamp accurately measures both distorted waveforms and sine waves. Multimeter Type Response to sine wave Response to square wave Response to single phase diode rectifier Response to 3 phase diode rectifier Average True RMS

Correct 10% High 40% low 5-30% low

Correct

Correct
Correct Correct
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True-rms vs. Average-sensing

What is Crest Factor?
Crest Factor = Peak / RMS For ideal sine wave, CF = 1.414

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True-rms vs. Average-sensing

What is Crest Factor?
For this current waveform, Crest Factor = 2.9

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Crest Factor is an indication of harmonics
For current measurement, the higher the CF, the greater the waveform distortion. CF spec important for current clamp, since current distortion is typically higher than voltage distortion.

C.F. = 1.43

C.F. = 2.39

C.F. = 4.68

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True-rms vs. Average-sensing

Summary
Minimum specifications for measurements on electrical power systems: True RMS
Accurate for both linear and non-linear loads

Crest Factor

Accurate for current waveforms with CF not exceeding 3 CF=3 at max range; CF=6 at half-range

IEC 1010-1 CAT III-600 V

Distribution level: power distribution equipment.

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Some Digital Multimeters Provided by FLUKE

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Why Choose Fluke ?

Fluke designs its DMMs to the latest, most demanding safety standards. Fluke offers many DMMs with different combinations of features like Touch Hold, analog bar graphs, and enhanced resolution. Accessories for high current and temperature measurements are available to extend the capabilities of DMMs.

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 Company Name : Fluke Corporation - India Website: http://www.fluke.com/fluke/inen/home/default.htm Address: Division of DHR Holding India Pvt. Ltd. 10th Floor, Sigma Hiranandani Business Park, Powai Mumbai, Maharashtra 400076 Contact Number: 1 800 209 9110

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