Eliminating the Guesswork: Using a Multimeter Device to Save Time, Money and Aggravation Around Your Home

Hello World!  Welcome Friends!  If there is one thing that a DIY enthusiast always needs to be wary of it is working in an area where there might be an electrical current, and a really dangerous idea in those circumstances would be to guess rather than check.

Using a multimeter is a real no-brainer when you consider how it can not only protect your health but save you time and money by avoiding a potential accident.

Here is a look at why a multimeter is a must for your toolbox, what sort of tests you can use the device for, and some safety tips on using this handy tool in the right way.

source

If you respect the power of electricity you need to get a multimeter

You will probably meet a fair number of DIY fans who won’t go anywhere near a job that involves electricity and that are scared of working in an area where there might be live wires present.

It is definitely a good idea to have a healthy respect for electricity and the damage it can cause but you can reduce the risks and remove the guesswork if you use a multimeter.

There is a range of multimeters available from suppliers like RS Components and all budgets are catered for. You can pick up a basic unit for under $10 and more robust versions for greater accuracy and durability, but they all serve the same important purpose of helping you identify what sort of voltage you are contending with.

Multi-purpose multimeters

If you want to check how much juice is left in a battery your multimeter provides a simple and accurate way to see when it needs replacing.

All you have to do is match the polarity of the test probes and the battery, then check the reading. If you get a reading of 6 volts the battery is almost as good as new, but any voltage reading that is 20% or more below that figure is a sign that it needs replacing.

Another useful job you can use a multimeter for is to test a broken extension cord.

It easy to check for a broken wire or see if you have a bad plug connection by creating a closed circuit and seeing whether you get a good or a bad reading.

As with all these safety-checking tasks, you should check the instruction manual for your multimeter so that you know who to set up the test correctly for an accurate result.

Take care

Using a multimeter should help you to identify an electrical fault and prevent an electric shock, but you have to use the device correctly and with care if you don’t want to unwittingly end up getting a shock when carrying out a test.

Avoid touching the metal tips with your fingers, as your body could potentially act as a circuit, adversely influence the reading and give you an unexpected zap.

Used correctly, when you consider what a multimeter offers and how little they can cost it is hard to see why most homeowners wouldn’t want to have one on hand when they are considering any sort of DIY task.

Be careful while working around electricity.  Have a productive day/night depending on where you are in the world!  Go with God and remember to be kind to one another!

Toodles, 

   

 

Sharing this at these lovely parties:

Between Naps on the Porch, Stone Gable, Home Stories A to Z, Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern Style, Just a Girl and Her Blog, DIY by Design, No Minimalist Here, From my Front Porch to Yours, Christman’s Creations, The Charm of Home, French Country Cottage, DesignThusiasm, Bygone Vintage, Bluesky Kitchen, Poofing the Pillows, Celebrate & Decorate, LouLou Girls, My Thrift Store Addiction, Remodelaholic, Suburban Simplicity, The Chronicles of Home, 21 Rosemary Lane, Noting Grace, Peonies & Orange Blossoms.