Using a multimeter to test a switch

Very easy way to test light switch with multimeter. Make your to turn the power off at your breaker. Keep the circuit common light switch has two terminals. Multimeter measuring ohms, volts and amps.

A multimeter is used to test this switch.

A good fuse, for example, should have continuity.

The beep, an audible indicator, permits technicians to focus .

Switch it off, unplug it from the wall, and remove any batteries. Plug the black probe into the COM port on your multimeter. Photos show how to connect the ohm meter to the switch for testing. You simply dial the proper function and scale, touch the two test leads to the wiring or device in question and check the meter reading. With all its numbers, dials and switches , a multimeter . Testing switches or relays is another common use of the resistance- testing feature of your multimeter.

Start with the easiest fix first if you are not sure. Pinball machines have hundreds of switches. When you move the switch from the off to the on position, the meter reading should change from infinity to zero, which implies that the switch is working. Make sure you have checked the bulbs before proceeding.

It is equally important to have the test leads connected to the proper jacks as it is to have the selector switch range and test type (volts, amps, ohms) set. Continuity testing is the act of testing the resistance between two points. We will be using the SparkFun VC830L throughout the tutorial, but these methods should apply to most multimeters.

However, if you suspect that your circuit will be using close to or more than 200mA, switch your probe to the 10A side, just to be safe. A diode is best tested by measuring the voltage drop across the diode when it is forward-biased. Note that the two test leads are plugged into the appropriate sockets on the meter for voltage, and the selector switch has been set for DC “V”. The only difference in the setup of the . The common light switch has two terminals.

I am presuming for this that the light switch is removed from the circuit.