Use a multimeter for home electronics

If you’re like most people, you have a multimeter lying around the house. You might don’t know what it’s for, but you keep it in case of emergencies. Well, that’s exactly what a multimeter is for!

It can be used to test automotive electronics and home appliances. In fact, multimeter for automotive is one of the most versatile tool in your toolbox. So, if you’re ever feeling lost when something goes wrong with your car or TV, don’t despair – grab your multimeter and start troubleshooting!

What is a multimeter?

A multimeter is a tool that can measure voltage, current, and resistance. It is sometimes called a volt/ohm meter.

Types of Multimeters

There are three basic types of multimeters: analog, digital, and dual range. Each type has its own pros and cons.

Analog multimeter

This is a basic, traditional multimeter. It has a needle that can tell you the voltage in different parts of your circuit. There are two probes that you use to find the current or resistance. The big drawback with this meter is that it can be difficult to read because there isn’t much light in some places.

Digital multimeter

This is a new kind of multimeter. It has a digital display and it is easier to read than the old kind of multimeter. This one does not need you to guess about the needle position, but it can be hard to see when trying to measure something that is very small, like less than 1 volt or 10 amps.

Dual range multimeter

As the name implies, this multimeter can measure both high and low voltages. It’s very useful for automotive work because you can measure both low (12V) and high (100V+) circuits with the same multimeter.

Where to use a multimeter?

You can use your meter to test various automotive components. Here are some examples:

Electric Motors

If you want to know if an electric motor is working, just turn on your car! If the fan turns on, then the circuit is good. If it doesn’t turn on, however, the motor may be burned out.

Battery Voltage

If you want to know how much voltage your battery has, just put the red probe into the positive terminal and connect the black probe to the negative terminal. Then look at the multimeter display. If it is less than 12 volts, then your battery is dead or dying and needs to be recharged. If it is over 12 volts, then your battery is fine and should start your car.

Heater (Fan) Voltage

If you are wondering if your heater fan is working, just put the multimeter in the high range. Make sure the fan switch is turned on, throw it into park or drive, and then look at your multimeter. You should have between 100 volts and 170 volts coming out of your socket. If you have less than 100 volts, then there is a problem in your wiring or with your switch. If you have over 170 volts, don’t touch the fan!

This is just one of the many uses for a multimeter. It can also be used to test: headlights and taillights, fuses and relays, circuit breakers, and batteries. Basically, if you’re ever wondering why something isn’t working, try using a multimeter to see if there’s a power shortage or an overload. Of course, that’s no substitute for normal troubleshooting procedures, but it can give you a quick answer.