Multimeter or VOM (volt-ohm-milliammeter) is a measuring instrument that comprises of different measurement functions into one unit. It is specialized in measuring voltage, resistance and current. Basically two types of multimeters are available in the market namely analog multimeter and digital multimeter. They find their application in residential as well as commercial areas. So, if you want to purchase a multimeter then you can buy the best multimeter from the market.
Common terms related to a multimeter
- Display digits – A digital multimeter has a three and a half display with three numeric characters on the right side showing the values ranging from zero to nine. A digital multimeter displays numbers from zero to one thousand nine hundred ninety nine. Hence, a digital multimeter is also known as two thousand count digital multimeters.
- Resolution – The resolution of a digital multimeter relies on the maximum number of analog to digital converter. The theoretical resolution of a three and a half display multimeter is point zero five percent whereas the practical resolution of these multimeters is a number of least significant counts such as accuracy rating. The accuracy of a multimeter depends on its resolution. A four and a half digit meter displays up to 19,999 counts of resolution.
- Accuracy – Accuracy is basically the indication that how much the value measured by DMM is close to the actual value of the measured signal. If you hear accuracy of one percent is given by a multimeter then it means that for the display with 100 volts, the actual value must be near 99 and 101 volts. Hence, accuracy is maintained by the measuring instrument.
- Auto ranging – Auto ranging in multimeters is often referred to as dialling which is one of the features of digital multimeters. Auto ranging is basically done to maintain accuracy while taking measurements. Through auto ranging user can quickly navigate through the instrument.
Benefits of using multimeters
Multimeters are generally used by electricians while performing repair work for the sake of obtaining accuracy. A digital multimeter is user friendly and easy to use by technicians, automatically changing range values such as millivolts to volts. Digital multimeters have enhanced feature of computer connectivity in which measurements are displayed on the computer screen with the help of user interface. This usually resembles the value of multimeters. This type of multimeter is usually designed for electronic engineers where the computer screen displays electronic voltage, amperage and resistance values.
Warnings while using multimeters
If the multimeter is set to a wrong measurement then it might get damaged by the regular use. Make sure while measuring the circuit, the multimeter should be set to read voltmeter to give readings in volts. If the multimeter is set to ohmmeter then the voltage flowing in it might damage the internal components of the multimeter.
Practical applications of the multimeter
Practically multimeters are used for temperature and environmental applications. For measuring low cost weather stations, DMM internal temperature, high and low value DC measurement, peak to peak and DC average measurement, current measurements, measuring resistance with constant voltage, measuring resistance with constant current, measures fast frequency and time, multimeters are used.
