How to use a Multimeter for beginners: Part 1 - Voltage measurement

This series of videos is a tutorial on how to use a digital multimeter for beginners. It will also explain the basics of electricity and address some safety issues.

This first video covers how to measure AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) voltage.

I use a Fluke 177 multimeter for this demonstration provided by Comtest: www.ComTest.co.za

Items covered in this multimeter tutorial:
* Multimeter safety
* How to measure battery voltage; how to measure a car battery / lead acid battery; how to measure mains electricity / power outlet / 220 volt / 110 volt.
* What is electricity; how does electricity work; what is voltage; what is current / amps / ampage / ampere.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• mutimeters
• for
• dummies
• novice
• technician
• auto
• electrican
• multi-meter
• voltmeter
• volt
• meter
• electrocution
• electric
• shock
• electricity
• electronics
• resistance
• ohms
• continuity
• silicone
• test
• leads
• probes
• polarity
• Automobile

[genezero12]

What type charger can I use with the 12 volt battery? Thanks

[mjlorton]

@genezero12 If you look at the video details / show notes you'll see a link to my Amazon store. There's a category for batteries and chargers where you can find a 12 volt battery charger. cheers. Martin,.

[StopSocialismUSA]

I just bought the fluke 179. 330$ tax included.

[mjlorton]

@StopSocialismUSA Excellent buy, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[lolek12345kmet]

I am going to say AC voltages since it takes much less mA to cause serious damage + when you touch AC line your muscles contrats(specialy at higher mA) and they just freez so you basicly grab the cable and never let it go, while with DC you get temporary shock but you are able toremove hand if it doesnt kill you in first place :D

[mjlorton]

@lolek12345kmet Thanks for posting a response...see Part 2 for the answer.

[kibi15]

...and another thing. Forget about all this urban myth about AC giving you a chance to "let go". At 50Hz the CYCLE lasts 0.02 seconds. The voltage will switch between 282.2v positive to 282.2v negative in 0.01 seconds. Even Chuck Norris wouldn't be able to react that quick! Well, maybe he could but, you get it. In America it's 60Hz giving you even less time to "react"

[kibi15]

I'm going with AC being more dangerous.

The reason why is that DC voltage is measured at it's peak, usually because it does not vary a great deal from it's peak measurement. AC voltage is measured as it's RMS value (true RMS meters). The RMS value is 0.707 times it's peak value. So, an AC voltage measured at 200v, has a peak value of 282.2v. Therefore more current passes through your body at the peaks of the AC RMS voltage than the same DC voltage making the AC more dangerous

[RapshadyAvin]

* AC is dangerous

[RapshadyAvin]

Well AC dangerous than DC as it has an attractive tendency rather than DC which has a repulsive one So a guy fingering over an ac circuit is more likely to stick with it rather than DC in which he'l be thrown away. :D