How to Use a Multimeter - With Examples and Demonstrations

Word of Advice TV

14 Feb 201941:51

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this informative video, Jay discusses the functions and usage of a multimeter, specifically the UEI G2 Phoenix DL 389 model. He covers its sturdy construction, useful accessories like alligator clips and a temperature probe, and key features such as the backlight, voltage pen function, magnet, and Auto Range. Jay then demonstrates various measurements, including checking batteries, voltage, resistance, continuity, capacitance, microamps, amp draw, temperature, and non-contact voltage, providing practical examples and troubleshooting tips for HVAC and general appliance repair.

Takeaways

📏 The video introduces the UEI G2 Phoenix DL 389 Multimeter, a favorite tool for HVAC and appliance repair.
🔧 The meter comes with accessories like meter leads, alligator clips, and a temperature probe, enhancing its usability.
💡 The meter is robust and has withstood drops, showing minimal wear and tear over 3-4 years of use.
🔦 It features a backlight and work light for visibility in dark or tight spaces, and a voltage pen feature for non-contact voltage detection.
🔧 The Auto Range feature automatically selects the appropriate range for voltage and resistance measurements, simplifying the process.
🌡️ The temperature probe allows for measuring temperatures, with an option to adjust the reading if necessary.
🔌 The amp clamp has a lead holder for reaching tight spots and indicators for optimal clamping位置.
🔄 The meter can measure various electrical properties such as DC/AC voltage, resistance, capacitance, microamps, and temperature.
🔔 The continuity and diode tests help in checking the integrity of wires and the functionality of diodes, respectively.
🔋 The script provides practical examples of checking batteries, light bulbs, and furnace components, demonstrating the meter's versatility.
🛠️ The video concludes with a brain puzzle, encouraging interaction and engagement with the audience.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?
-The main topic of the video is how to use a multimeter, its functions, and a walkthrough of various measurements one can perform with it.
Which multimeter model is being discussed in the video?
-The multimeter model being discussed is the UEI G2 Phoenix DL 389.
What are the accessories included with the UEI G2 Phoenix multimeter?
-The accessories included with the UEI G2 Phoenix multimeter are meter leads and alligator clips for attaching to the leads, a temperature probe, and a carrying pouch for the meter.
What are some of the key features of the UEI G2 Phoenix multimeter?
-Some key features of the UEI G2 Phoenix multimeter include a backlight and work light, non-contact voltage pen feature, a magnet on the back, and an Auto Range feature that automatically detects and measures the voltage or resistance being read.
How does the Auto Range feature on the multimeter work?
-The Auto Range feature automatically detects and measures the voltage or resistance being read, adjusting the meter's sensitivity accordingly, which eliminates the need for manually selecting a range.
What is the purpose of the maximum and minimum capture function on the multimeter?
-The maximum and minimum capture function records the highest and lowest amp draw, voltage, or resistance readings, which can be useful for troubleshooting and diagnosing issues in HVAC systems or appliances.
How can you check the continuity of a component using the multimeter?
-To check the continuity of a component, set the multimeter to the continuity setting, disconnect any power source, and connect the meter leads to the component. If there is continuity, the multimeter will emit a tone.
What is the use of the microamps setting on the multimeter?
-The microamps setting is used to measure small DC currents, such as the flame signal current on a flame sensor in a furnace, which is crucial for diagnosing the proper functioning of the sensor and ignition system.
How does the non-contact voltage feature (voltage pen) work on the UEI G2 Phoenix multimeter?
-The non-contact voltage feature allows the user to detect the presence of voltage in wires without physically connecting to them. It is used by pressing the designated button and holding the meter near the wire to see if there is live current.
What safety precautions should be taken when using the multimeter?
-When using the multimeter, ensure that there is no live power connected to the component being tested, especially when measuring resistance or continuity. Always disconnect the power source and any wires before performing these tests to avoid damage to the meter or component.
How can the temperature probe that comes with the multimeter be used?
-The temperature probe can be used by connecting it to the bottom of the meter and using it to measure temperatures in various scenarios, such as checking the temperature of a supply duct, a return duct, or an air conditioner's refrigerant pipes.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Introduction to Multimeter Usage

The video begins with the host, Jay, introducing the topic of using a multimeter, a tool frequently inquired about in his furnace repair videos. He outlines the video's structure, which will first cover the multimeter itself and its functions, followed by practical demonstrations on a furnace. Jay highlights the UEI G2 Phoenix DL 389 model as his favorite, discussing its accessories, durability, and the various features it offers for HVAC and appliance repair tasks.

05:00

🌡️ Exploring Multimeter Functions and Accessories

This paragraph delves into the specific functions of the multimeter, emphasizing the Auto Range feature, backlight and work light, voltage pen functionality, and the magnetic back for easy attachment. Jay also discusses the amp clamp's effectiveness, the convenience of the lead holder, and the removable amp clamp adapter for tight spaces. He mentions the meter's ability to measure temperature and adjust readings, as well as the importance of checking the meter leads for integrity.

10:02

🔧 Understanding Multimeter Settings and Measurements

Jay explains the various settings on the multimeter, including voltage (both AC and DC), ohms (resistance), diode testing, continuity testing, capacitance (measured in microfarads), microamps, and temperature. He provides insights into the practical applications of each setting, such as checking batteries, outlets, and HVAC components. Jay also touches on the maximum and minimum capture feature for recording amp draws and the manual range selection for specific measurements.

15:05

🔌 Practical Applications of Multimeter Functions

The host moves on to practical applications, starting with DC voltage checks on batteries and AC voltage checks on outlets and furnace components. He demonstrates how to use the multimeter to test for proper voltage levels and explains the significance of these readings in diagnosing issues. Jay also shows how to use the continuity and diode test functions, although he admits these are not frequently used in his HVAC work.

20:06

💡 Testing Components with Multimeter

In this section, Jay focuses on using the multimeter to test various furnace components. He checks the pressure switch and igniter, emphasizing the importance of having the power off when measuring resistance. Jay provides detailed instructions on how to properly connect the multimeter leads and interpret the readings for each component, ensuring viewers understand how to assess the health of these parts.

25:09

🔍 Further Multimeter Applications and Precautions

Jay continues to explore the multimeter's capabilities, discussing the measurement of capacitance in capacitors and the use of microamps for flame sensor readings. He provides examples of how to perform these measurements and interpret the results, including a demonstration of checking the inducer motor's amp draw. Additionally, he explains the non-contact voltage feature, also known as the voltage pen, for detecting live wires safely.

30:10

📊 Summarizing Multimeter Use and Engaging the Audience

In the concluding paragraph, Jay summarizes the video's content, encouraging viewers to share any additional functions or clarifications in the comments. He expresses hope that the video was informative and helpful, and invites feedback to improve future content. Jay also poses a brain puzzle to engage viewers and concludes the video on an interactive note.

35:13

🎶 Video Sign-Off and Music

The video ends with a brief musical interlude, serving as a sign-off for the viewers. The music is likely used to create a memorable and enjoyable ending to the educational content.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Multimeter

A multimeter is a versatile electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit. It is used to measure voltage, current, resistance, and other electrical parameters. In the video, the UEI G2 Phoenix DL 389 model is highlighted as the favorite meter for its durability and wide range of functions, suitable for HVAC technicians and appliance repair professionals.

💡Amp Clamp

An amp clamp, or ampere clamp, is a tool that allows for the measurement of electric current through a wire without the need for cutting the circuit or disconnecting any wires. It clamps around the wire and measures the current flowing through it. In the video, the amp clamp feature of the multimeter is used to measure the amperage of the inducer motor and gas valve coil, providing insights into their performance and potential issues.

💡Backlight

The backlight on a multimeter refers to the illuminated display that makes it easier to read the measurements in low-light conditions or darkness. This feature is particularly useful when working in dimly lit areas or during nighttime operations. In the video, the backlight is activated by holding the hold button for 2 seconds, which also turns on a work light for better visibility.

💡Non-Contact Voltage

Non-contact voltage detection is a safety feature on some multimeters that allows the user to detect the presence of voltage in a circuit without making direct contact with the circuit. This is achieved by using the tip of the meter to sense the electrical field around the wires. In the video, the non-contact voltage feature is demonstrated as a means to check for live wires safely.

💡Temperature Probe

A temperature probe is an accessory used with a multimeter to measure temperature accurately. It is typically a thermocouple or thermistor that plugs into the multimeter and is placed in contact with the object or area whose temperature is to be measured. In the video, the temperature probe is used to check the temperature of an exhaust pipe, showcasing its utility in HVAC applications.

💡Alligator Clips

Alligator clips are spring-loaded clips often used to connect electrical wires to test equipment or to create temporary electrical connections. They are called alligator clips due to their resemblance to the jaws of an alligator. In the video, alligator clips are used with the multimeter leads to facilitate hands-free connections and to reach difficult-to-access terminals.

💡Auto Range

Auto Range is a feature on modern multimeters that automatically selects the appropriate measurement range based on the value being measured. This eliminates the need for the user to manually adjust the range, making the measurement process more efficient and less prone to errors. The video creator appreciates this feature for its convenience and time-saving aspect when taking various measurements.

💡Ohms

Ohms is a unit of electrical resistance named after the German physicist Georg Simon Ohm. It is the international standard unit for resistance. In the context of the video, measuring resistance using the multimeter is crucial for diagnosing issues with electrical components, such as checking the continuity of switches or determining the health of an inducer motor through its resistance value.

💡Microfarads (MFD)

Microfarads (MFD) is a unit of capacitance, where one microfarad is equal to one millionth of a farad. Capacitors in electronic circuits store and release electrical energy, and their capacitance value in microfarads determines their ability to store this energy. In the video, the multimeter is used to measure the capacitance of capacitors in an HVAC system to ensure they are functioning correctly.

💡Microamps

Microamps (µA) is a unit of electric current. One microampere is equal to one millionth of an ampere. In the video, the microamp setting on the multimeter is used to measure the small current associated with the flame signal of a flame sensor in a furnace. This measurement helps to determine the efficiency and proper functioning of the ignition system.

💡Duty Cycle

Duty cycle refers to the percentage of time that a signal is 'on' in each cycle. It is often used in the context of digital systems or mechanical devices that switch on and off repeatedly. Although the video creator mentions that they have not used the duty cycle feature in their HVAC work, it is a measurement that can be important in certain applications, such as measuring the operation time of a motor or the frequency of a signal.

Highlights

Introduction to the video's purpose: teaching how to use a multimeter and its functions.

The multimeter used in the video is the UEI G2 Phoenix DL 389 model.

Accessories included with the multimeter: meter leads, alligator clips, and a temperature probe.

The durability of the meter is emphasized, with the speaker having dropped it multiple times with no significant damage.

The meter's backlight and work light features are discussed, enhancing visibility in dark spaces.

The non-contact voltage pen feature is highlighted for detecting live wires safely.

The magnet feature on the meter is praised for its convenience during use.

The Auto Range feature is explained, which automatically detects and measures the voltage or resistance.

The amp clamp's functionality and best practices for taking readings are detailed.

The multimeter's temperature measurement capability and the use of the temperature probe are demonstrated.

The various functions and buttons on the meter are thoroughly explained, including voltage, ohms, continuity, diode test, capacitance, microamps, and temperature.

Practical application of the multimeter: checking batteries, outlets, and furnace components.

Explanation of how to measure resistance and continuity, emphasizing safety precautions.

Demonstration of measuring capacitance using the multimeter, with an example of testing capacitors.

The use of the multimeter for measuring micro amps, specifically for flame sensor readings.

Instructions on how to measure amp draw using the amp clamp adapter.

The temperature probe's functionality and its use in taking live temperature readings.

The non-contact voltage feature is showcased for quickly checking voltage presence in wires.

Closing remarks include a call to action for viewers to share their experiences and correct any omissions.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

How to use a multimeter like a pro, the ultimate guide

How to use a multimeter like a pro! The Ultimate guide

Why The Clamp Meter Is The Only Tester You Need | Pros and DIYers

The Best Multimeter Tutorial in The World (How to use & Experiments)

Continuity test |Explained

Electricity - Basic Introduction

Related Tags

Multimeter Tutorial HVAC Repair Electrical Testing DIY Guides Appliance Maintenance Furnace Checks Meter Functions Alligator Clips Temperature Probe Voltage Detection