A multimeter is an essential part of any electrician’s toolbox. It is tool that measures electric current, voltage, and resistance. Allowing electricians to “see” behind walls, a multimeter is incredibly important for any electrical work taking place in your home.
Play it Safe and Always Use a Multimeter
Whether you are installing a ceiling fan or changing an outlet, using a multimeter can make the job much safer by determining which wires are hot and which are not. Also referred to as a volt-ohm meter, a multimeter is a handheld tester that measures current resistance, electrical voltage, and other values. These devices are made available in both digital and analog versions.
When using if this tool, if you touch the two wire leads to any exposed wire, then the multimeter will give you measurement in volts, amps, or ohms. More expensive models will also measure inductance and capacitance.
Multimeters are great for troubleshooting electrical circuits. If a circuit is faulty, then your home could be at severe risk for an electrical fire. Aside from safety, multimeters are also super helpful with a variety of other things. Did you know can use a multimeter to test batteries? By using the multimeter’s voltage modes, you can check batteries to see if they are dead or if they have any life left in them. Additionally, you can test extension cords and old incandescent light bulbs.
While the basic model is encased by durable plastic, fancier devices used by electricians feature a rubber casing to safeguard it against scratches or other damage. Some models of multimeters cost as much as $1,000, but you can find a cheap option for $10. Some basic models, such as 10709 digital multimeters, can be purchased at Walmart and similar stores.
Tim Kyle Electric
For most people, it’s hard to determine the source of an electrical problem, even with the assistance of a multimeter. It can be dangerous for inexperienced homeowners to go poking around electrical outlets or wires. That is why you need to call Tim Kyle Electric. If you are looking for an electrician in Baltimore County, MD, our skilled technicians can work with you to identify the issue and safely address it.