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How to read a multimeter and multimeter symbols explained

How to read a multimeter and multimeter symbols explained main image

How to read a multimeter and multimeter symbols explained main image

In this article we will discuss the multimeter symbols on a multimeter and what there symbols mean. We will be using a very popular multimeter the fluke 177.

What is a multimeter?

A multimeter is a tool used to measure a multiple values related to electricity, hence the name multimeter. Most multimeters measure Voltage (V), Amperage (A), Resistance (Ohms), Continuity. A multimeter can have more functions but these are the most used.

We will use a multimeter with more functions when explaining there symbols. There are two types of multimeters used, a digital multimeter and analog multimeter. Digital multimeters are most commonly used today like the one in the image below.

Multimeter symbols and their meanings

Multimeter symbols
NumberSymbol meaningDescription
1Digital displayDisplays the status of what is being metered and functions of meter.
2Range ButtonAllows you to select a range to measure a value in
3Function Switch ButtonSwitches to the secondary option where applicable. Highlighted by the yellow symbol.
4BacklightDisables and enables the backlight feature.
5DC VoltageMeasures DC voltage, indicated by the V with a straight and dashed line on top.
6AC MillivoltsMeasures Millivolts for AC current indicated by the mV with the ~ symbol on top. The secondary function is used to measures DC Millivolts indicated by the straight and dashed line.
7OhmsMeasures the amount of resistance in a circuit indicated by the Ω symbol. It gives a value measured in Ohms.
8ContinuityUsed to measure continuity in a circuit, indicated by a symbol similar to WIFI. When continuity is detected an audible noise is made followed by a change in value on the display.
9Diode testerTests the status of a diode, indicated by the diode symbol. The secondary function is used to measures the capacitor indicated by the capacitor symbol.
10AC CurrentMeasures AC current, indicated by the A with the ~ symbol on top. The secondary function is used to measure frequency indicated by the Hz symbol.
11Multimeter Lead InputTerminal input for measuring continuity, capacitance, resistance, frequency, voltage, and testing diodes.
12Common TerminalMultimeter lead input for all measurements
13Current Multimeter Lead InputTerminal input for measuring AC and DC current up to 10A
14DC CurrentMeasures the DC current
15Rotary DialA rotary dial that switches between different functions of the multimeter
16AC VoltageMeasures AC voltage indicated by the A and ~ symbol on top, the secondary function is used to measure frequency indicated by the Hz symbol
17OFF positionWhen the rotary dial is in this position the multimeter will turn OFF.
18HOLD ButtonPauses on the the value displayed in the digital display until HOLD function stopped.
19MIN/MAX ButtonRecords the minimum and maximum values read by the multimeter.
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