How to Fault Trace on a Small Appliance Using a Multimeter

[@anthonybirchley814]

I know this is an old vid but it is excellent. Wonderfully clear and concise. You are a really good communicator.

[@eSpares]

Hi Anthony, thanks so much for your comment on our video here. It's great to hear that you found this video useful. Hopefully we have helped you on your way to fixing your appliance!

[@MrRoryJames]

1:13 That's not zero/no resistance. O.L means open loop, which is infinite resistance.

[@eSpares]

MrRoryJames Thats the problem using actors, they some times fluff their lines (LOL). You are correct the meter is showing open circuit but we think that most people will be able to identify the problem even if on this occasion we used the wrong technical description of the 'condition'.:-}

[@Life_Is_Adventuree]

Is that true.? I thought all this long it means 'Over Limit'

[@vesnastankovic7542]

Not certain about the points made but ,if anyone else trying to find out electronics repair services try Saankramer Electronic Magazine System (just google it ) ? Ive heard some interesting things about it and my co-worker got cool results with it.

[@RG-tm7uq]

eSpares terribly misleading statement, should have been an edit

[@brucewood2295]

It confused the hell out of me, a newbie. I had to go to chat gpt and it explained that sometimes people ill-informedly say "0 resistance" when they mean infinite.@@eSpares

[@CharbonnetFun]

Thank you 🎉

[@majidmalakut3907]

I appreciate you.

[@eSpares]

Hi, thanks for your comment. It's great to hear that you appreciated this video, hopefully it has been able to help you!

[@maxnavsa4470]

hi, can you please tell how to test a vacuum motor with a multi meter, many thanks in advance.

[@eSpares]

Hi Max, check the resistance between the two connections on the motor A good motor will have a resistance of less than 100 ohms on a low power machine to 30 ohms on a high power machine. If the armature is blackened it is likely the brushes are worn and arcing.

[@herrareeeo]

Does the appliance need to be switched on (not plugged in at the wall obvs) to test other things like the cable etc or just to test the plug?

[@eSpares]

When testing although the equipment should be unplugged it should be switched on to check from the plug all through the cable, switches and connectors all the way to the motor and back to the plug to confirm 'the circuit'

[@herrareeeo]

eSpares ok i thought that, just wanted to confirm as this is the first time I have used a multimeter. Thank you

[@eSpares]

😊

[@adassa1132]

I am non the wiser after seeing this. Can you demonstrate on a faulty lawnmower please. Cos my ones died on me I have no idea how I would use that gadget to discover the fault oh my mower. Thank you. Its a Qualcast 400 powertrak

[@eSpares]

Sorry it would take several months to produce a video. The reason why I sent you to this video is it is electrically the same as it has a plug, switch and motor so it can be used to understand the connections of a mower or any other 'simple' or small appliance.

[@RG-tm7uq]

eSpares Your channel needs technical college training

[@BeachCat]

"O.L" on a multimeter's resistance scale does not mean "no resistance", it means overload for that range, or infinite resistance, the opposite of no resistance.

[@TiagoEdgar]

Actually it means Open Loop, which causes the infinite resistance as you mentioned.

[@Dog-whisperer7494]

It means over limit/ over range ie more than the meter can display. Also to do these tests correctly in accordance with the portable appliances testing (PAT TESTING) guidelines you should use a portable appliance tester not a standard multimeter, the earth continuity test should be less than 0.5 ohms, he should the carry out an insulation resistance test again using a PAT tester or an insulation resistance tester set to 500v and the minimum insulation resistance to give a pass is 1megohm or greater. If the appliance has any electronic components and or neon switches then the test is done at 250v .

[@razorray7688]

I'm testing a switch can I remove the capacitor to test the switch for contanuaty?

[@eSpares]

Hi Ray, the capacitor across the switch is to prevent arcing as the switch disconnects, It should not effect the resistance reading but can be removed if required.

[@bgregg55]

You left out the thermal cut-off on the motor which is very commonly the real culprit.

[@Dog-whisperer7494]

It means over limit/ over range ie more than the meter can display. Also to do these tests correctly in accordance with the portable appliances testing (PAT TESTING) guidelines you should use a portable appliance tester not a standard multimeter, the earth continuity test should be less than 0.5 ohms, he should the carry out an insulation resistance test again using a PAT tester or an insulation resistance tester set to 500v and the minimum insulation resistance to give a pass is 1megohm or greater. If the appliance has any electronic components and or neon switches then the test is done at 250v . I’ve been a qualified electrician for thirty eight years and I can tell you he’s talking crap and using the totally wrong instrument for Pat testing.