teddy@teddyele.com
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+86 13968749891
Jun 21,2024
The digital multimeter is one of the most essential tools in an electrical engineer's or electrician's tool kit. The electrician uses these frequently to measure voltage, current, and resistance. Although the primary purpose of the digital multimeter is to measure current voltage and resistance, many multimeters also have other built-in functions to measure capacitance, temperature, and diode testing.
An analog, digital multimeter has a display with a swinging needle. These multimeters are not as popular and have been replaced by digital ones. The digital multimeter is utilized to measure AC and DC voltages.
A multimeter is a simple instrument and relatively easy to use. It is instrumental in running diagnostics of an electrical system. The main components of a multimeter are;
Digital Multimeter (DMM) has an LCD screen, whereas the latest smart has a backlit colored LCD. The latest DMM has touch controls and significantly more options than older versions.
The selection knob of a multimeter is the main switch to alter the measurement mode of the meter. The knob rotates clockwise as well as anticlockwise, and the measurement options consist of resistance, voltage, and current measurement.
Multimeters consist of two measurement probes placed in the wiring to measure. The COM probe is connected to the Ground and is colored black. The other investigation is colored red and connected to a fused port for recording microcurrent, voltage, and resistance measurements.
A digital multimeter'smultimeter's accuracy is simply the measurement of how close the reading is to the actual value of the electrical signal. Accuracy is denoted as the percentage of the measured reading. Usually, DMM of a reliable quality has an accuracy of 1%. For instance, a recorded voltage measurement such as 120V will be accurate within the range of 1.2V, give or take. However, analog multimeters are less precise, and the accuracy range for such meters is 2%. The accuracy is the maximum at the middle portion of the scale.
However, accuracy falls significantly at the lower and upper end of the analog scale. If the reading is measured within the tenth portion of the scale, the accuracy level drops by 20%. Using inaccurate equipment in electrical projects can become risky, so the user must know the downside of using an analog multimeter for very high or shallow readings. The analog multimeter is helpful for medium current and voltage readings as the measurement would occur within the center part of the scale.
Various factors can affect the accuracy of a multimeter reading accuracy. Some of the factors are within our control, while others are not. Let us take a look at various factors that play a role in making the multimeter accurate.
1. Sensor Types
2. Environmental Conditions
3. Internal Components Quality
4. User Skill
Sensor type between various multimeter types varies. An analog multimeter tester uses different kinds of sensors for measurement, which are less accurate. Digital multimeters, on the other hand, use more advanced and precise sensors.
Environmental factors also impact the accuracy of a measurement, and these factors affect all kinds of multimeters. Humid and hot environments expand the electronic components, while freezing temperatures cause the multimeter's millimeter's internal components to contract, raising inaccuracy. Dust in the atmosphere causes electrical interference, negatively affecting the precision and leading to erroneous recording.
There is a significant difference between various multimeter brands. Regarding the construction quality of digital multimeters, Low-quality brands utilize cheap resistors in their mechanism, resulting in less precise readings. Top-quality multimeters use higher-quality resistors that deliver reliable readings.
User skill is another vital aspect that can affect readings and is well within our control. A newbie using a multimeter will not know how to calibrate it properly to match environmental conditions. However, a more experienced user will have this knowledge and take measurements skillfully.
In contrast to an analog multimeter, a digital multimeter has a much more readable display and excellent options for the user to control accuracy. The analog scale consists of marked values on a line, and the needle can stop between two marked values. In this case, the user must interpret the value, which is usually limited to one decimal place. This does not occur in a digital voltmeter where the electrician can alter the setting of the DMM to display the reading according to more decimal places. This raises the level of precision.
High-end DMMs also have an additional display feature called a bar graph that enhances the accuracy of the reading. This graph can display the fluctuation of the recorded signal. This extra information makes for a more precise reading.
Resolution is defined as the degree of change the multimeter can record. So, for instance, in the 150V range, if the meter can show a 1-V rise, then the resolution is 1 Volt. A different TA multimeter would be required to measure a change of 0.5 Volt. Typically, multimeters have the capability of recording one-digit increments. Most multimeters can show readings in one decimal place. A more excellent resolution is possible in DMM but not for analog multimeters.
The accuracy and precision of your tools can make a significant difference. Digital multimeters, with their advanced technology, provide superior measurement accuracy and reliability, which are crucial for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of your tasks. Accurate measurements help diagnose issues correctly, prevent potential hazards, and ensure that systems operate optimally. Precision in readings allows for fine-tuning and precise adjustments, essential in professional settings where even minor deviations can lead to significant problems.
