User`s guide

Table Of Contents

Making Measurements 2

Measuring AC or DC Current

U1231A/U1232A/U1233A User’s Guide 57

Measuring AC or DC Current

Set up your multimeter to measure AC or DC current as

shown in Figure 2- 24 and Figure 2- 25. Probe the test points

and read the display.

WARNING

Never attempt an in-circuit current measurement where the

open-circuit potential to earth is greater than 1000 V. Doing so will

cause damage to the multimeter and possible electric shock or

personal injury.

CAUTION

To avoid possible damage to the multimeter or to the equipment under

test:

• Check the multimeter’s fuses before measuring current.

• Use the proper terminals, function, and range for your

measurement.

• Never place the probes across (in parallel with) any circuit or

component when the leads are plugged into the current terminals.

NOTE

• To measure current, you must open the circuit under test, then place

the multimeter in series with the circuit.

• Insert the black test lead into the COM terminal. Insert the red test lead

in an input appropriate for the measurement range.

• Set the positive input terminal to the A terminal and set the rotary switch

position to for currents above 600 μA.

• Set the positive input terminal to the mA terminal and set the rotary switch

position to for currents below 600 μA.

• Press to cycle between DC current measurement, AC current

measurement, or to measure the frequency of the AC current source.

See “Measuring Frequency” on page 62 to learn more.