Ohm is an electrical resistance between two points of a conductor.
Resistance is measured in ohms denoted as. A multimeter can be used to test ohms by measuring the resistance of a particular conductor. It can be used to measure the accuracy and functionality of a resistor.
Measurement of resistance is of great importance when you want to check for open or broken circuits, hence the need for a multimeter.
Analog and digital multimeters can be used to measure resistance in ohms. The concept is that a multimeter passes some voltage on probes, causing current to flow in the conductor to give resistance.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Ohms with a Multimeter
Select an Item to be Measured
Choose an item whose resistance is to be measured.
Test the component before connecting it to a circuit or remove it first from the circuit to get accurate results. Otherwise, you’ll end up with inaccurate results.
Insert the Probes in Sockets
A multimeter has several sockets for probes. Take the black probe with a banana shaped end and insert it in the COM socket.
Connect the other red probe to a socket labeled ohms. Do the same with the banana shaped end.
Turn on the Multimeter
In you’re using a digital multimeter, turn it on.
Select the Right Range
If you’re using an analogue multimeter, set it to the same range as the estimated resistance to be measured. The scale has a sharp needle for the readings. Make sure the far right reading can accommodate the estimated resistance of the object to be measured.
Therefore, you can derive the most correct resistance to be measured. If you’re using digital multimeters, select a range that can accommodate the estimated resistance for accurate results. A digital multimeter has values; so just adjust the knob to almost maximum to get the full range.
Zero the Meter
Take the two probes and connect them firmly together to short-circuit if using a digital multimeter.
Do this to ensure the multimeter reads zero ohms; if it doesn’t, manually adjust to zero.
Take the Measurement
Connect your multimeter probes to the item to be measured then read measurements on the scale or the screen in case of a digital multimeter.
Wait until the numbers stop going up and down to get the exact number of ohms.
Turn off Your Multimeter
After taking readings in ohms, you can turn your multimeter off at a high voltage.
If it is left at high voltage even without changing the range, the next time you use it, you’ll still obtain accurate results.
Conclusion
Measuring resistance or checking for ohms is easy to do and understand. It doesn’t matter what type of multimeter you use.
At the end of the process, you’ll still have resistance. Remember to take precautions when performing any electrical activity.
This was a fantastic read; after all, while a multimeter can be helpful, you do need to know how to use it. That is why it is great that you include such a detailed breakdown on how to use the machine. I imagine that that helps with getting the most accurate OHM readings possible.