A multimeter (digital or analog) is the most basic and important measurement instrument used in any lab and workshop. It is used to measure different electrical properties of other industrial tools and wiring. Here we are going to give an overview of its types, and what all it can measure.
It is of 2 types: Analog and Digital Multimeter. We have listed the differences between these 2 in a comparison table in this article.
What is a Multimeter?
According to Wikipedia,” A multimeter or a multitester, also known as a VOM or a Volt Ohm Meter, is an electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit.”
Now let’s understand it with a broad and easy definition.
A Multimeter is an easy to handle tool used as a tester to measure electricity, Ac & Dc voltage, current, resistance, and other electrical parameters typically over several ranges of values. It is also known as Volt-ohm-meter because of its voltage and current measuring property.
Today multimeters with a lot of functions are available in the market depending upon the requirement of the people. It is mostly used by peoples dealing in electricity, auto, laboratories, and other power sources and circuit required industries.
For selecting different electrical parameters for measurement most of the multimeters have a rotary switch or a dial on its front panel. We have covered this in our detailed guide on using a digital multimeter.
Types of Multimeter
There are 2 types of Multimeter; Analog and Digital. You can use any one of them for measurement as per your comfort level and requirements.
Earlier Analog Multimeter was used but now digital multimeter is used widely as it is easy to handle. Basic description and comparison of these 2 are given below:
(i) Analog Multimeter
(ii) Digital Multimeter
A Digital Multimeter is the most usable test equipment in the electronic and electrical industries. It uses a liquid crystal display screen and a frequency selector switch that gives a straight forward output in a decimal form.
To provide better accuracy, the digital multimeter obtains several samples of the signal during a short period of time and it also offers automatic ranging features so that the user does not have to select the measurement manually.
Nowadays we prefer Digital multimeter more than Analog multimeter because of its accuracy, faster response, LCD display screen, etc.
Difference between Analog and Digital Multimeter
Most of the time we are confused about which one to buy out of these two. So here we provide its comparison table below to clear your confusion. It will help you in selecting a good one for your work.
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| Analog Multimeter | Digital Multimeter |
| It is less costly due to simple construction and no power supply required | It is far more costly due to complicated construction and requires some power supply |
| The range is adjusted by the user manually | As these are digital in nature, Range is adjusted automatically |
| Visual indication of changes in the reading is not good due to the effect of damping torque | Visual indication of changes in the reading is excellent |
| Analog Multimers have Low Accuracy due to the magnetic effect in the coil being degraded after usage | Digital Multimeters are highly accurate than analog multimeters |
| Uses scale and pointer system to display the output | It gives output in the numerical form displayed on the LCD |
| These are calibrated manually | These are calibrated automatically before every measurement |
| The range of measurement is good | The range of measurement is excellent |
| It is not easy to handle | It is easy to handle i.e. can be used even by an untrained person |
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Functions and Use of a Multimeter
As we have been saying again and again and also, the definition also tells us that a multimeter can measure many electrical properties. But the question is what all can we measure? So we are writing all of them below. Once you get these points, you can choose which one to buy from our curated and tested list of best multimeters companies.
Well, many electrical properties can be measured. Advance multimeters from companies like Fluke come with additional features that make them “all in one” type. If you want to know how can you measure all these, you can go through our description article on measuring electrical properties using a multimeter.
- Voltages (Ac & Dc )
- Current (Ac & Dc ),
- Resistance
- Frequency
- Temperature
- Capacitance
- Continuity
- Diode check
- Conductance
- Decibels
- Inductance
Note: During the continuity check, it results in a “beep sound” when two circuits are electrically connected. The beep sound ensures that the circuit is connected correctly without any loose connections and prevent short circuits. During the Diode check, it ensures the direction of the flow of current in the circuit.
Basic Electrical Terms
Before doing any measurement, it is recommended to have some knowledge of basic terms. We are explaining some of the terms below, have a look over them.
(i) Voltage: According to Ohm’s law voltage is defined as the product of current and resistance. It tells us how much electricity is sent through the circuit. The higher the voltage higher the electricity was sent. Its unit is Volts and is expressed as V.
(ii) Resistance: It basically obstructs the path of flow of the current. More resistance will results in lesser current flow through the circuit. Its unit is ohms and is expressed as Ω.
(iii) Current: It indicates how much electricity flows inside the circuit. It is dependent on the resistance value because both are inversely proportional to each other. Its unit is Ampere and is expressed as A.
(iv) Alternating current voltage: This type of electricity generally flows in residential areas or in our houses. Its frequency is 50 Hz. If you need to measure alternating current in a circuit, different multimeters have different symbols to measure it. Most used symbols are “ACA” and “ACV,” or “A” and “V” with a squiggly line (~) next to or above them.
(v) Direct current voltage: This type of electricity generally flows in auto and household batteries like AA or AAA batteries. Its frequency is 0 Hz. Different multimeters have different symbols for measuring direct current. “DCA” and “DCV,” or “A” and “V” with a straight bar above or next to them are generally used.
(vi) Capacitance: It is a passive device used to store an electric charge. Its unit is Farad and expressed as F.
What Precautions you should take operating a multimeter?
(ii) Check Battery Regularly: Batteries are the main part of any electronic equipment because without this you cannot provide power to the device.
(iii) After use always return the meter to high voltage setting: To prevent the possibility of accidental damage by the meter being set to a current or low voltage range, it is always recommended to set the meter to high voltage after use even if there is an off button.
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