Multimeters made by Cen-Tech all have the same instructions of use. It makes it easier to use so that each new model won’t be too complicated. One multimeter from Cen-Tech has the same functions and navigation with the same tasks of testing AC and DC voltages, and can efficiently perform a test on batteries and transistors. Here’s a guide in how to use a digital multimeter and its functions by Cen-Tech.
Contents
Preparations for using the Cen-tech multimeter
- Look for the main dial on the multimeter. Note that it has many functions that you can use when working on a circuit as well as the range.
- At the bottom to the left side are the three ports marked with COM, 10ADC, and VΩmA. It has a pair of lead test probes, one coloured black and the other with the colour red to differentiate them from one another since they each have designated ports. When in doubt, read the digital clamp meter instructions if using a clamp type.
- You’ll find the ON and OFF button at the left side that awakens the LED display. You’ll also see the multi-pin transistor.
How to measure the voltage
- Turn the dial straight to 750. You can find it at the AC voltage area right at the top. Connect the black test lead to the port with COM and red test lead probe to the port labelled VΩmA.
- Touch the tip of the test leads to the wires of the circuits under testing. Record the reading. At the AC section at the top, turn the dial to 250 if the reading measures under 250 volts to improve the accuracy of the measurement.
- To measure the DC voltage, leave the test probes connected to their designated ports. Switch the DC voltage area to 1000. Touch the leads to the circuit wirings and take the reading. Any result less than 200 and 20, the dial must be adjusted to a thousand. To get the best accuracy, keep turning even if it reaches 200mV.
How to measure continuity and resistance
- Electrical noise must not hinder the reading. The circuit gives off a tiny current for measuring resistance. The meter should first read 0 so make sure to check the voltage function. Connect the black test probe to the COM port and the red one to the VΩmA port. After turning the meter on, switch the dial to 200 ohms with the omega symbol (Ω). Before starting a reading, make sure that the display reads 0 by touching the tips of the probes together. Connect the test leads to the wirings of the circuit and take the reading. Turn the dial counterclockwise if the display showed 1. Keep switching the dial until you get something other than 1.
- Set the dial to 200k ohms to measure the circuit’s continuity similarly to the resistance. It’s an open circuit if the display shows 1. Other readings meant that it’s a closed circuit.
How to measure current
- Detach the red test probe from the VΩmA jack and switch it to 10 ADC port. Leave out the black lead to where it is. Connect the tips of the probes to the exposed wires of the circuits and take the reading.
- Turn the meter off if the reading is at 0.2 amps. Connect the red test lead to the “VmA” port, Set the dial counterclockwise to 220m at the DC amp section. Turn on the device then record the reading. If it’s necessary, keep turning the dial to get the best reading.
How to test diodes
- Switch the dial to the diode area at the lowest of ohms. We can test the voltage drop of a diode to determine if it’s still in good working order. Attach the red test lead to the VΩmA. Do the same with the black test lead but connect it to COM and run the meter. Connect the red probe to the diode terminal while the black links to the other. The reading will display in millivolts.
Test your batteries
- The multimeter is capable of testing batteries at AAA, AA, C-cell, 9V, and D-cell. At the top is the ACV area. Switch the dial there and connect the black lead to COM and the red to VΩmA port. Connect the tip of the black lead to the negative terminal and the red lead tip to the positive terminal until a reading surfaces. Do not use this on a 6 and 12-volt car batteries. A voltmeter is best for the task.