Multimeter symbol table: explanation
Content
What is a multimeter?
A multimeter is a basic measuring tool that can measure various electrical characteristics such as voltage, resistance, and current. The device is also known as a volt-ohm-millimeter (VOM) because it serves as a voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter.
Types of Multimeters
These measuring devices vary in size, features and prices and are designed to be carried or used on a table depending on their intended use. Types of multimeters include:
- Analog multimeter (learn how to read here)
- Digital multimeter
- Fluke multimeter
- Clamp multimeter
- Automatic multimeter
The multimeter is one of the most commonly used measuring instruments nowadays. However, beginners often find it difficult to identify symbols on a multimeter. In this article, we will show you how to recognize characters on a multimeter.
Although different types of multimeters are available on the market, they all use the same symbol system. Symbols can be divided into the following parts:
- On/Off icon
- gate icon
- Voltage symbol
- Current symbol
- Resistor symbol
The meaning of the symbols on the multimeter
The symbols in the multimeter include:
| Symbol | System functionality |
| HOLD button | It helps to record and save measured data. |
| On/off button | Open up, turn it off. |
| Com port | It stands for Common and is almost always connected to the ground (Ground) or cathode of the circuit. The COM port is usually black in color and is also usually connected to a black probe. |
| port 10A | This is a special port, usually designed to measure high currents (> 200 mA). |
| mA, μA | Low current measurement port. |
| mA ohm port | This is the port that the red probe is usually connected to. This port can measure current (up to 200mA), voltage (V), and resistance (Ω). |
| port oCVΩHz | This is the port connected to the red test lead. Allows you to measure temperature (C), voltage (V), resistance (), frequency (Hz). |
| True RMS port | Usually connected to the red wire. To measure the true root mean square (true RMS) parameter. |
| SELECT button | It helps to switch between functions. |
| brightness | Adjust the brightness of the display. |
| Mains voltage | Alternating current. Some products are simply referred to as A. |
| DC voltage | D.C. |
| Hz | Measure the frequency. |
| DUTY | Measurement cycle. Measure the current capacitance. Check continuity, short circuit (Continuity check). |
| signal button | Diode Test (Diode Test) |
| hFE | Transistor-transistor test |
| NCV | Non-contact current induction function |
| REL button (relative) | Set the reference value. Helps to compare and verify different measured values. |
| RANGE button | Select the appropriate measurement area. |
| MAX / MIN | Store maximum and minimum input values; Beep notification when the measured value exceeds the stored value. And then this new value is overwritten. |
| Symbol Hz | Indicates the frequency of a circuit or device. |
Using a multimeter?
- Used to measure voltage, for example: measure DC current, AC current.
- Measure the resistance with constant voltage, current and a small ohmmeter.
- Used to quickly measure time and frequency. (1)
- Able to diagnose electrical circuit problems in cars, check batteries, car alternators, etc. (2)
This article provides all symbol definitions for reference to recognize all symbols displayed on the multimeter. If we missed one or have a suggestion, feel free to email us.
Recommendations
(1) frequency measurement - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
269464380_Frequency_Measurement
(2) diagnosing problems - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/
pii/0305048393900067
