Operating instructions

University of Saskatchewan
Electrical Engineering Laboratory Equipment Manual
Multimeters
There are a variety of both digital and analog multimeters available in the
laboratories. Their operation is straightforward, so this document will be very short.
The multimeters are very useful in measuring both dc and ac voltages and currents, and
they all are capable of measuring resistance as well.
The analog multimeters are battery powered, so make sure that you turn them off
before returning them to the shelves so that the next person doesn’t find the batteries
dead. You should always check the zero indication and the state of the batteries before
using one. They have abbreviated operating instructions on their bottom face that will
guide you through the zeroing and battery check procedures. Keep in mind that all
analog meters are designed to be read only while they are lying flat on their backs.
When used as an ammeter, a fuse found inside the meter offers protection against
excessive current. This fuse can only be replaced by the technicians in 2C94, as
changing it requires that the meter be taken apart. If you find that the meter indicates
that is no current flowing in your circuit, yet there should be, the fuse is the likely culprit.
The digital multimeters are easy to use and quite accurate. As with the analog
multimeters, their ammeter circuitry is protected by a fuse. However, this fuse is easy to
check yourself. It is found behind the + ammeter socket by pressing and rotating the
socket to the left. Always check this fuse before you use the multimeter as an ammeter,
as it is very common for people to blow that fuse and then put the meter back on the
shelf without replacing it.
You need not worry about accidentally grounding whatever circuit you wish to
measure with the digital ammeters. Neither of their inputs (whether you’re using them
as an ammeter or a voltmeter) are internally grounded.