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How do I set my multimeter to DC volts?
To measure DC voltage using a multimeter, simply turn the selector dial on the multimeter to the DC voltage setting. On an auto-ranging multimeter such as the one shown in the video, there will only be one DC voltage selection on the dial.
What should I set my voltmeter to?
You have to set the multimeter to a range that it can measure. For example, 2V measures voltages up to 2 volts, and 20V measures voltages up to 20 volts. So if you’ve measuring a 12V battery, use the 20V setting.
What setting should a voltmeter be on to test a battery?
For testing the electrical output from a vehicle battery, the multimeter dial should be turned to the “20 volts” setting. But before the multimeter can be used, all surface charge from the battery must be removed to allow for an accurate reading.
What should a 12 volt battery read on a voltmeter?
A fully charged battery will typically display a voltmeter reading of about 12.6 to 12.8 volts. If your voltmeter is showing a voltage anywhere between 12.4 and 12.8, that means your battery is in good shape. Any voltage above 12.9 volts is a good indicator that your battery has excessive voltage.
How do you set up a voltmeter?
How to Use a Voltmeter
- Plug the probes into the meter.
- Turn the selector dial or switch to the type of measurement you want.
- Choose the range setting.
- Turn the meter on.
- Hold the probes by the insulated handles and touch the red probe to the positive side of a DC circuit or either side of an AC circuit.
How do you test a battery with a voltmeter?
Touch the black test lead to one part of the circuit. Test circuits for voltage by attaching the leads in parallel. In other words, you’ll touch the probes to two points an already-closed circuit, with current running through it. On a battery, touch the black lead to the negative terminal.
How do you test the voltage of a DC Circuit?
To test the voltage of an AC circuit, set the knob to V~, ACV, or VAC. Household circuits are almost always Alternating Current. To test voltage of a DC circuit, choose V–, V—, DCV, or VDC. Batteries and portable electronics are typically Direct Current. Choose a range above the max expected voltage.
Which is the DC voltage on a multimeter?
Select the DC volts position on your multimeter (or the 12V setting if you have a dedicated car battery test range). DC voltage is usually marked as a V followed by a short line with a dotted line beneath it. The wavy line after a V is AC (alternating current) voltage and is for checking the mains voltage in your house.
How do you set a voltage measuring device?
Setting the Device. Set your device to measure voltage. Most voltage-measuring devices are actually multimeters, which can test several aspects of electrical circuits. If your device has a knob with several settings, set it to one of the following: To test the voltage of an AC circuit, set the knob to V~, ACV, or VAC.