Analog Multimeters use batteries. This one uses a single AA battery and should be turned off after use.
This meter was purchased at Home Depot for abut $12.
WARNING - Some electrical measurements are done with energized circuits and if you do not feel comfortable testing energized circuits DO NOT attempt to test them. Getting electrocuted can seriously hurt or kill you.
Face of Analog Meter
When you are working on kilns you will predominantly use two settings on this simple Analog Multimeter. The meter has to be set before testing. This is a multimeter, meaning it tests multiple things, but it is not smart enough to know what you want it to test without you setting it.
1. Voltage, AC (NOT DC) or V~ (Yellow/Tan Numbers on this meter)
2. Resistance, Ohms, Ω (White Numbers at the bottom left on this meter) Ωx10 or Ωx1K
If you have questions about what Voltage and Resistance are you didn’t read the first section, “What Is Electricity?” For shame.... Go read it! I will wait..
Reading AC Voltage and Resistance (Ohms)
Warning - Voltage is always tested with live circuits. SO BE CAREFUL! If you do not feel comfortable testing live circuits, don’t. Get help from a qualified person.
Reading the Meter - Voltage, AC
1. On this meter the AC Voltage scale is show in in black and labeled as V.mA
2. Always set the meter to the highest setting available to start and then, if needed, lower the setting for a more accurate reading.
3. Make sure to look at the correct scale. If you set the meter to 250V~ use the scale with the 250 labeled in black. Below it you will see scales for 50 and 10 as well.
Reading the Meter Ohms, Ω
Testing resistance is always done with the power off, so it’s not as dangerous as testing Voltage.
1. On this meter the resistance scale is show in in green and labeled as Ω.
2. Always set the meter to the highest setting available to start and then, if needed, lower the setting for a more accurate reading.
3. When testing resistance, it is necessary to use the green scale and multiply the reading by the number your meter is set to. For example, if your meter is set to “Ω x10” and you get a reading of 2 your resistance is 20 Ohms not 2 Ohms. If your meter is set to “Ωx1k” and you get a reading of 2 your resistance is 2000 Ohms not 2 Ohms. On a kiln you will almost always read between 0 - 50 Ohms and rarely over.