#HOW TO USE A VOLTAGE METER IDEAL HOW TO#
#HOW TO USE A VOLTAGE METER IDEAL PROFESSIONAL#

A reading of zero indicates no voltage difference, so the fuse is good. Use the multimeter to measure any voltage drop across the fuse. It doesnвЂ™t matter which is red and which is black. Connect the probes to the two visible test points on the fuse. Test a fuse in situ to check if itвЂ™s blown. Read our post on campervan batteries for information on charging profiles and expected voltage. Connect the black probe to the -ve terminal and the red probe to the +ve terminal. Test a batteryвЂ™s voltage to indicate its charge level. Use the multimeter to test DC voltage at different points of a circuit to help with troubleshooting.В Here are a few examples: You check this by measuring voltage (after making sure itвЂ™s switched on). If an appliance or component isnвЂ™t working as you expect, the first question youвЂ™d ask is if itвЂ™s getting any power. Measuring voltage is one of the most common uses for a multimeter in a conversion project and troubleshooting electrical problems in your campervan. How to Use a Multimeter to Test DC Voltage Read the multimeter instruction book for information about the display screen and how the readings or errors are presented.Store it somewhere safe and protected from being knocked about and damaged when driving.If you donвЂ™t use it often, remove the battery between uses. DonвЂ™t forget to switch it off when youвЂ™ve finished, so the batteries donвЂ™t flatten.Set the expected scale before taking any measurements.ThereвЂ™s usually a retractable stand on the back panel. It sounds easy enough, but itвЂ™s not always so simple when youвЂ™re rolling around on a tiny van floor. Position the multimeter so you can see the display screen from your measuring position.Do not allow the probe tips to contact one another when taking measurements on live terminals.Always keep your fingers on the plastic handles to avoid nasty shocks. DonвЂ™t touch the business end of the probes when theyвЂ™re connected to anything.If youвЂ™ve done it the other way around, the reading will be -ve. Connect the red probe to the positive side of the circuit the black to the negative or ground.Plug the black probe into the COM port.

#HOW TO USE A VOLTAGE METER IDEAL HOW TO#

WeвЂ™ll cover how to take each measurement below. Here are some general hints and tips about using the device that apply to all situations.

#HOW TO USE A VOLTAGE METER IDEAL PROFESSIONAL#

Their models range from ultra basic features to professional versions, and their prices range from around $45 to $400. Rugged construction with a track record for quality, you canвЂ™t go wrong with a Fluke. Fluke 114 ElectricianвЂ™s MultimeterДЇluke branded multimeters are top of the range devices. If you opt for the lower end product, make sure it has good reviews from other buyers and includes a protective casing. We bought ours in the UK from a local hardware store for less than ВЈ20, and 4 years later, itвЂ™s still working well. They are widely available the world over, so easily replaced. They may not last a lifetime or be 100% precise, but for a campervan conversion or fault-finding while on the road, they have everything you need. Low-cost brands, often unheard of, provide the same essential functions. Is it worth paying for the top brands like Fluke and Keysight? These top brands offer reliability, durability, and precision measurements but at a top-end price. Some carry hefty price tags of hundreds of dollars, and others are great budget versions for a little over $10. There are dozens of multimeters available. There are loads of ways a multimeter comes in handy when living in a van. 8 Ways to Use a Multimeter in a Campervan When installing any aspect of campervan electrics, youвЂ™ll use a multimeter every step of the way.В Make sure to include one in your camperвЂ™s toolkit. Without it, the only safe way to diagnose problems is to call in an electrician вЂ“ who will bring their own multimeter with them. You need a tool to pinpoint where the problem lies in the system and help identify the cause.ДЄ multimeter is the tool for the job. When something goes wrong, it could be a troubleshooting minefield. Why You Need a Multimeter in Your RV ToolkitД¬ampervan electrical problems arenвЂ™t great, but they are par for the course.ДЄppliances can breakdown components can develop faults, and batteries can seem to drain fast.ДЄ camper has hundreds of metres of wire and dozens of appliances and components in its electrical design. YouвЂ™ll find a multimeter in every electricianвЂ™s toolkit, but with minimal вЂtraining,вЂ™ a novice can take some measurements safely too. Modern digital multimeters measure voltage, resistance, and other values well beyond most RVers and campervan ownersвЂ™ needs. A multimeter is a battery-operated, handheld device capable of taking multiple electrical measurements, hence its name.

How to use a voltage meter ideal