How Do You Use A Volt-Ohm Meter To Test Potentiometers?
A potentiometer is a variable electrical resistor. It contains two end terminals and one “wiper” terminal. As the potentiometer wiper moves across the potentiometer, the resistance between the wiper terminal and either of the end terminals either decreases or increases. You can test a potentiometer with either a digital or analog multimeter. Turn on the multimeter, and set the measurement scale to “Resistance” or “Ohms.” Attach one of the potentiometer probes to one of the end terminals. Attach the other potentiometer probe to the wiper terminal. Turn the potentiometer knob all the way to the left, and note the measurement. Turning the potentiometer knob completely to one side should yield a “zero resistance” measurement. Turn the potentiometer knob all the way to the right, and note the measurement. Turning the knob completely to the other side should yield a “maximum resistance” measurement equal to the “both end terminals” measurement. Disconnect the probe from the wiper terminal, a
