Brief Look at Digital Multimeters

This article provides a brief overview of what digital multimeters are, what they do, and how they are used in practical applications.

A digital multimeter is a specialized electronic device that measures amps, volts, and ohms.  This versatile tool combines the functions of three individual meters into one integrated instrument.  The three individual meters contained in the multimeter are the ammeter, which measures current,  a voltmeter, which measures voltage (potential difference between two points), and an ohmmeter, which measures resistance.

Multimeters are often used as hand-held tools for doing basic troubleshooting and field service measurements.  They can also be used in a shop or manufacturing facility as a bench test instrument for measuring electrical output with a high level of accuracy.  Additionally, multimeters can be used to service electrical problems in many different home and industrial applications such as batteries, motor controls, large and small appliances, electric power supplies, and all manner of wiring systems. 

Multimeters come in two basic forms: digital and analog.  An analog device has a needle; the digital counterpart has a LED or LCD display.  Of the two, analog is the oldest technology.  Although digital units have largely supplanted the analog devices in daily use, there are still many analog devices that are still used today throughout the world.

As with digital versions of other types of equipment, a digital multimeter provides a more accurate readout of what is being measured than its analog counterpart.

Digital multimeters, also known as DMM's are sophisticated instruments that are used to troubleshoot electrical problems in many fields requiring electrical service and maintenance.  These devices are widely used by electricians, electrical engineers and service technicians in a wide range of industries including the automotive, manufacturing, computer, construction, and machine repair fields to name a few.

Inexpensive DMM's can perform the basic tasks of measuring of amps, volts, and ohms quite easily, but there are not too many bells and whistles with these devices.  Even so, these cheap instruments probably have more features than the average person will ever need or use.

More expensive units on the other hand have many specialized features that can handle the most intricate and complicated electrical measurements needed for any job in any industry.

Digital multimeters are available at traditional brick and mortar retail stores that sell electrical test equipment, and online merchants.  Features and prices vary greatly with each model.  The least expensive multimeters can be purchased for about $10, while the more expensive premium digital multimeters can cost several hundred or even several thousand dollars.  The price you pay all depends on what features you need, and how much you are willing to spend.

Read more about digital multimeters here.