How to use a multimeter or voltmeter: Basics you need to know.

[@BuzzCap7]

GREAT JOB!!! To the point. Simple. Spoke clearly. No extraneous anything. WELL DONE!!! Thank you.

[@otishorton823]

I have been working with computers for many years and have seen multimeters laying around on the technicians' desks. Never knew how to use one and needed to do some electrical work at home. After a LOT of searching I found this page and it all became very clear. Well done!!!

[@MaThalent]

I just bought my analog multimeter and I was searching for a tutor on how to use it. This is the best tutorial I have seen. Thank you for sharing.

[@tomaud]

SOUTHWIRE manufacturer did not bother to provide a video and online instruction manual... I suspect they sold all the dysfunctional ones to Walmart and we have bought one which does not work as new....

[@9q7a5z]

Good video, one important point though. Always test your voltmeter on a known live circuit before trusting it to identify a dead circuit.

[@user-hm5nu8yh1q]

to the people who add their own explanation to other peoples video comments. Please save it..for your own videos guys c'mon now!?

[@gregoryagogo]

Thank GOD for youtube and folks like you educating me on random stuff...I'd be lost otherwise! Thanks!

[@NerdOutWithMe]

Found my grandfather's old multimeter, never knew how to use it. now I know. Thanks so much.

[@Nabokov50]

That was a crystal clear explanation. Right at my knowledge level. Thank you.

[@mackenzieallen9033]

Excellent, straightforward, clearly explained video! Thanks so much!

[@TomAllenBird]

Thank you Jay! I identified a bad electrical cord on my washing machine thanks to this video. This saved me about $80!

[@axelfaltin]

Our gas range stove was failing to heat yesterday (trust me that is a bad thing one day before turkey day) and it has two glow devices (same part) one for broil and one for the oven. With my voltmeter I was able to test|confirm that one was broken. After swapping them the broil part is faulty but the oven works fine. Wife happy - turkey can come. Gives me enough time to order a replacement.

[@christopherfrye3545]

Bravo!

[@marnez390]

For the longest time I've wanted to learn how a volt meter works but never found a good video, thanks awesome detailed video for noobs like me. Just subscribed!!!!

[@tomaud]

Thumbs down for Southwire manuf. for NOT providing a video and an online manual and more thumbs down to Southwire for selling these in dysfunctional condition to Walmart and defrauding many now ex-customers of Southwire.

[@adriangombault1810]

Superb video, crystal clear illustrations and commentary. Reminded me how to use a device I have had for years but only use spasmodically. Brilliant!

[@sterlingholobyte]

I just had to sign in to upvote this video. It was simple and understandable to a multimeter amateur like me. Just what I needed! Thanks!

[@iambbweiners]

Great video. He gets right to the point and explains things very efficiently.

[@danalaniz7314]

Excellent demo and explanation. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@DaleHarris-sl3ci]

You answered a lot of my questions. Thanks I'll rewatch it and take notes this time.

[@grantgoodman1533]

This was a really good video and explanation. I was able to see where the leads and settings were going because of the stable camera work and time on images. I wasn't able to see the microscopic analog readings and think this might motivate me to buy a digital meter. Deciphering readings isn't something I really want to leave to chance. Thanks for making the video!

[@hellbuck]

If measuring something like a 120V wall outlet, insert the black probe (neutral) first so that you don't risk giving yourself a shock. Otherwise, inserting the red probe first will turn your black probe into a live wire through the voltmeter.

[@jaygarret2377]

Just gonna say that, and put black probe in longer slot too

[@kylehenschen0290]

Its just 110 no harm done

[@garyh1407]

So in this video he put the red wire in the larger socket but he should have ve put it the smaller one?.

[@user-hm5nu8yh1q]

Thank you i have been looking for the straight to the point and descriptive details in lamans terms type and now I have found you sir. Thank you man. I get it now. !!!

[@ltsgobrando]

Ye, I just used mine to test my soldering iron that just decided it was tired of living. I was in the middle of making a non contact ac detector but I guess thats back burned till the iron is working... was hoping to get to the bench supply but Idk if that'll happen. P.s. i think auto play took me here because I watch a lot of tutorials, though most of them are for pcb design and fabrication. This popped up and I watched not for the content but the delivery, 10/10 content my friend 🤙

[@unx3]

Great video tutorial.. I have looked all over KZbin, talked to people, and looked up instructions but none helped me out. Watching your video really helped me understand how to use my voltmeter. Thanks.

[@ericotterness4264]

I had no idea how to use my voltmeter. This video was great for me! Thank you!!

[@garyfussell2486]

I enjoyed this video because it was simple to follow along with. I have had one of these meters for years and never able to understand how to use it nor how to read the scales. I still do not understand all of this but thanks for a great start, you are doing a great video.

[@thomascollins72]

I used my volt meter to check the battery and alternator in my car. With every thing off the battery should be about 12.5 volts DC and with the engine running (and the alternator charging) the voltage should be around 14 volts DC. Doing this let me know my alternator was not working and needed to be replaced.

[@HGforMereMortals]

Tom C That's a good one!

[@susanertelt4751]

Thank you for a detailed tutorial on the meter. How would you test appliances please.☆

[@stephen153]

Great job super clear to understand functions. Thanks!

[@nogwater]

Is the test at 4:50 really complete? What if the hot wire is still hot and the neutral is disconnected (unusual, I'm sure)? Would it still show no voltage, or would it show a little just from the capacitance of the neutral wire? Seems like it wouldn't hurt to test the other combinations too.

[@shaggyone3924]

You are correct sir. You should always test each lead to ground. The ground and neutral (white) wires are bonded at your main service panel (unless your on a sub panel circuit), so just because the neutral is open it doesn't mean the ground is as well. If the neutral was disconnected or open, you would not get a reading, because your not closing the circuit. So if that was the case and you happened to touch the hot and to something grounded, you would get a shock. Plus, there can be a residual current running through the neutral, so take the same precaution with the neutral as you do with the hot wire.

[@2adamast]

We also use insulated screw drivers with a voltage indicator (a small light bulb), the 'earth' is the hand, allowing to test for voltage and work in the same movement. I guess because 110V is so safe nothing equivalent seems to be offered at Harbor Freight. I had something more modern, a meter with an AC voltage proximity sensor, but it exploded when I tried to measure 400V directly.

[@sethkazarians402]

Another option would be to use a non-contact voltage tester.

[@ThatMontanaMom]

Excellent breakdown and I love the channel name! Looking forward to your other tutorials.

[@brothyr]

I would strongly suggest getting a Digital Multimeter (DMM) instead of an Analogue Multimeter. The readout on a DMM is clear and leaves less room for interpretation. Low end DMMs are about as cheap as an analogue multimeter but do require batteries.

[@ToonDeGroote]

Also, they don't break if you switch polarity.

[@sethkazarians402]

Not only switching polarity, but protection against overdriving them. The higher end ones also autorange, so you just have to set it to volts and it'll pick the right setting to get you the right reading.

[@sparkyprojects]

Couple of things, the first is minor, when you check continuity with an analogue meter, you should short the leads together, then adjust the control (usually on the side, not the one on the top below the needle) so that it reads zero. When testing mains voltages, there is a possibility that you could stick the probe in the live terminal, then touch the other probe that will have live flowing through the meter Also, don't take it for granted that the circuit is dead, always prove the meter works first on a live circuit before testing the 'dead' circuit, even then, a disconnected neutral may give a false reading, test with one probe in ground pin. No mention of digital meters ? they are about as cheap as analogues these days, and are better protected for overvolt and reversal of dc (32 years electrical in UK)

[@cherylschuh8043]

Yes, all good except if you have already inherited an analog meter and want to know how the heck to use it. I just discovered I can validate the quality of Shungite via the OHM feature....what a prize!!!

[@bryanmoore843]

@@cherylschuh8043 really! I’ll have to try that today!

[@TubeInspire]

Best video for anyone that has no idea how it works like me ... 👍🏼

[@randyrattan5171]

Thanks for this easy to understand tutorial. Is there a good way to detect which of the wires is the hot wire?

[@daabsolutetruthis455]

red is usually hot; black is ground. In a house white is positive; black is negative, and the bare copper is ground (right guys?)

[@arjunaugarow]

Thank you so much for making this wonderful video

[@randywelch6150]

One suggestion: When I first went through the video, I was confused by the tests of the extension cord. At first, the test showed a closed circuit was flowing, and that was good. Then the next test showed a closed circuit was flowing, but that was bad. On the second viewing, I realized that the first case was testing the same wire at both ends of the cord, while the second was testing different wires, which should not have created a closed circuit. You might clarify that for those of us who don't know which end is up. Thanks for the video!

[@sjckb04]

Great teaching video

[@funstuff24]

Best explanation I've seen all day. Thanks!

[@juanvillareal9610]

How would you test a chevy Silverado knock sensor with the same analog multimeter if you please.

[@JedTreeman]

Hey great video I'm loving this new channel you guys put together. One thing though from a camera standpoint, don't use such a shallow depth of field for "how to videos", it's better to have everything in focus so we can see what's going on. Like the outlet and the multimeter around 4:30, I'd really only use a real shallow depth of field in prettier videos where you're trying to show off something nice cool.

[@strrchristmas]

Jay, Thank You for all of your efforts on this channel. I am sure there are a lot of people who are going to take advantage of your expertise. I grew up when there were no digital meters. Reading all the comments about digital meters made me think about how important it is to be able to use ANY meter when/if you only have an analog meter to use. One thing about using the "ranges" on the meter. I was taught to start on the highest range for the first test, then move down one setting at a time until a satisfactory setting was reached. Often, a person may not know what the voltage/amperage/resistance is and starting at the highest will protect the meter as much as is possible. Definitely not the ultimate safe practice, but a good one none the less. Good Luck,

[@arnoldcagley7412]

Great video. Very helpful to us newbies.

[@timspence7843]

Good job Bud... I KNOW you are going to ignore those individuals who think they know more, This is a great primer for multimeter reading and the choice if an analog meter is appropriate for learning purposes. Ignore the haters as IF they had any kahunas, they would have their own channel and they would not not commenting here with "Their Opinions" Great Job!!

[@garciasschevy]

What is the right setting to check fuses from a dryer?

[@puppier]

In your video you put the black lead into the smaller right slot on the outlet. Isn't that the hot side?

[@dannychuqui4797]

Hi, thanks for explaining about the voltage! well my question is, when you did it in the battery w/18 voltage. I have those battery s but I did and came out like 11:25 voltage..... I was thinking because the battery got to be in a fully charged to get 18V?? I did it in a dewalt battery and my battery is OK.....thank you again!!!

[@ethancaballero6402]

Hi Danny, to answer your question yes. Lithium ion batteries will display a lower voltage depending on how much you have used your tools in between charges. If your tool stops working and your battery "dies" that means the voltage being supplied by the battery is not pumping out enough volts for your tool to operate. After a long time you may see a slightly lower voltage output after a full charge because the materials within a battery degrade over time. Hope this helps. I'm an engineering student at the University of Florida if that provides credibility.

[@Janus5691]

When you tested the 18 volt battery and it read 18 volts I noticed the needle also fell in the "replace battery" section of the bottom most scale. Obviously the battery is good so how is the "replace/good" scale at the bottom of the meter used? I'm a bit confused. Thanks.

[@bibiet94]

So the other day i was trying to get the voltage reading of a pole light, opened the little hatch opening at the bottom and pulled out the wires and undid the wire nuts, so technically i would have to put my common black probe on the live wire and the red probe wire on the neutral wire?

[@brianlasch144]

Nice, for US based folks, Harbor freight has coupons for free volt meters about once every 3 months. Keep an eye out.

[@JayBates]

Nice! I didn't know that.

[@davidbraun1404]

Thanks for the great video and getting me started with my multimeter 👍

[@pattheprop]

Super helpful! Thank you!! Helped me troubleshoot my clothes dryer and find the loss of continuity. Cheers!

[@hapamane7630]

Great basics and explanation of them. Thanks for the video.

[@diazroman5296]

Thank you ... I like the easy and simple explanation you do.

[@StephenTack]

I'd recommend paying a few dollars more and getting an auto-ranging digital VOM, the red-black one at Wal-Mart for ~$20 isn't too bad, and has an actual battery test function. Also a warning is in order, based on something my dad did with a free-at-the-door Harbor Freight meter...He wanted to to see how many amps a circuit was, so he set the meter to Amps and stuck the leads in an outlet. smoke and sparks resulted! Never set a meter to Amps/Current and put it across a power source. The amps mode is meant to be connected in line (series) with other component in the circuit. If you are confused, don't use this mode. :-)

[@Cubrooski]

The selection on your voltmeter below the DC, is that for amps?

[@ominousred]

Awesomely helpful. Thanks for the time and presentation.

[@webius502]

Thanks man, wanted to test electrical outlet wires before touching them. Nice refresher on measuring volts AND a REALLY well way of expaining resistance. I get ohms now!

[@asabove_sobelow_333]

It would be so helpful if you showed the multimeter closeup so that we could see what setting you used for say, different types of light bulbs (candelabra vs regular socket). As you can tell, I know Nothing about multimeters except for testing batteries but would love to see you do a "beginners" multimeter video! I'm sure having an electrical training would make this a lot more understandable for me and other multimeter newbies. By the way, I discovered TOO late that testing my sons Lionel train battery, plugged in, was a big no no. Thank you for this video too!

[@nixonsmateruby1]

Maybe you could do another video explaining the symbols as mine and others don't have DC on. Thanks from England.

[@k.b.woodworker3250]

Thanks. I got one of these from Harbor freight free, but all the numbers made it look very complex and I never got around to figuring it out. This video gives me a start, and certainly not as complex as it looks. I've been using one with a light that you stick into the socket, but this obviously has more uses since it has two leads and you can check bulbs and batteries, etc. Also, nice to know what you are doing instead of just using a light. The one with the light is handy, though.

[@itz4u]

Thanks that was so easy to understand the way you explained it. Only thing I didn’t understand was the reading on it. I see the 15 for the a/c and dc but I’m not certain how to look for the right reading on the scale.Too many numbers and increments

[@ofeliacardona8293]

Where do I set up this multimeter to test round battery

[@russwebster3302]

Love the channel Jay. I had never really used the multimeter and this gave me the basics.

[@Blessd-savingrace]

Thanks for this video bc I have NO CLUE how to use mine! 💯

[@manuelitorosales7787]

Thanks! It helps me a lot on my subject. Iam prepared for the performance tommorow!

[@CorbinLindsey]

Very well explained

[@Farmer_Pickles64]

Cool video. Ive always wanted to know how to use a multimeter. Thank you

[@TimKeeley]

Crimping alligator clips on the end of a spare set of probes and covering with heat shrink is a great little DIY upgrade..... But only for ohms and low voltage. Stay away from high voltage and amperage.

[@meeno_the_man]

Wicked helpful. Many thanks.

[@robertyoung2279]

How would you test a time clock for a pool pump to see if power present and should that read like a house wall socket, about 120...I can tell you have a teacher in you thank you

[@MrKellyndonna]

ty so much. started a new job. this helped alot

[@alanw64]

Very informative -- thank you for posting!

[@joecleveland6525]

I wouldn't recommend using cheap dollar store meters to measure mains, especially 240. Cheaper meters often don't have essential safety components such as MOVs and worse case no fuse. If something were to go wrong you could be risking your life. For example, trying to measure voltage when set to resistance mode could result in a short, which could melt through the leads you are holding. Spend a little money in a quality brand name meter to be on the safe side.

[@GeorgeTsilikas]

I will second what Joe Cleveland said, stay clear of cheap analog or digital multimeters for measuring mains. They lack a lot of safety features a good multimeter should have such as, input trotection, proper test leads of the correct rating and guards, blast proof casing etc. You are better of with a mains testing screwdriver or even better a non-contact voltage detector.

[@wexaztor9394]

Thanks, i think this might have helped me understand what i need to do. Thanks for uploading this.

[@Rusty-Brown_]

I JUST LEARNED SOMETHING THANK YOU SIR

[@cherylspringtime]

I want to know if the wires are live coming out of my wall fixture.

[@donireland6218]

If you're trying to figure out what the voltage is, how can you "go to the next setting"?

[@deepsender]

I'm testing the strength of AAA batteries. I set the dial to DCV 5. Every battery I test has the same reading. Brand new battery or 10-year old battery. The needle goes to between 1 and 2, or 2 and 4, or 5 and 10, or 25 and 50. How the heck do I know which of these rows of numbers to look at?

[@nickpelov]

you should also make a video about digital multimeters

[@goliac492]

Great Job!!

[@sweeper420]

Thank you for the video! Very helpful

[@rameshpandey1417]

can we measure 220 volt directly to socket board

[@freedom341]

how to measure amps on this?

[@denicedavis5020]

Thank you ... This video explains it perfectly!

[@timgazsy666]

Helpful thanks!

[@CharlesLi1]

Perhaps out of scope for this channel but would love to see some soldering videos. I'm tweaking my garage to get more range. Speaking of garages your storage solution Jay Bates would fit nicely in this channel (along with a lot of Steve's vids). You guys should reference some of them on the new site.

[@DaleHarris-sl3ci]

And; I'll subscribe to see what else I might learn. Thanks again.

[@GTLee9]

If you volt tested the black and white wires and had no reading, couldn't you then do a continuity test to see that they are connected?

[@davidharris8171]

Fuses are one of the best uses for an ohm meter. Remember to pull the fuse out of the circuit before testing. I have several meters both digital and analog. These things will save you a ton of money and time once you become familiar and comfortable with them.

[@vonshango6311]

3:12 you need a close up on meter as you describe it aka cant see what you do.

[@alpelayo4630]

thanks for sharing this. i have a multitester but couldn't figure out how to use it.

[@frankorona1]

Thank you very much for the explanation, greetings from Mexico.

[@robkunkel8833]

I like the term you used for OHMs … resistance. “A clear path” A closed path”.

[@theguys1051]

Excellent mate thanks

[@ghettomt]

Very useful thank you

[@Rusty-Brown_]

GREAT VID !!!!

[@briangingerich7632]

Awesome I love the new channel! Great job guys!

[@cyanworm1545]

Thanks mr, it helped alot

[@marjorieborgen7175]

Thank you so much! You taught me how to test my keyboard battery to know that it needs to be replaced.

[@smeermypaint]

Great video, it was hard to read the meter would of liked a close up when reading it. Thanks 👍👍

[@NJVernick1]

ALWAYS check your hot (Black) to ground as well. I have been in several houses where the switch is cutting the neutral instead of the hot. Black is hot, white is not, green is ground the world round. Goofy poem i know, but 110 hurts for a second and can make you stand up and bash your head on a shelf... So I've heard.

[@chuckhyde7099]

Never knew how it really worked. Only had mine … 40 years. And … yep … I changed its battery. Blessings!