Multimeters use batteries. This one uses a single 9V battery and should be turned off after use.
This meter was purchased at Home Depot for about $20.
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 Digital Meter
When you are working on kilns you will predominantly use two settings on this simple Digital Multimeter. The meter has to be set before testing. This is a multi meter, 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~ (White Numbers on this meter at the top right) 200 or 600
2. Resistance, Ohms, Ω (White Numbers at the bottom left on this meter) 2M, 200k, 2k, 200
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
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.
1. On this meter the AC Voltage can be set to 200 or 600 as the max. 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.The number shown on the screen is your voltage (no multiplication needed).
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 range can be set to 2m, 2M, 200k, 20k, 2k, 200
2. Start at the 200 Ohm Setting when working on kilns. If you get an OL reading turn the meter up to the next setting and try again. You will rarely get a reading over 200 Ohms when working on a kiln.
3. The number you see on the screen is your resistance in Ohms. Watch the decimal.