How Do You Use An Electrical Voltage Meter?
The voltmeter is an easy test instrument to master. Although there are stand-alone voltmeters, in most cases they are just one function on multifunction test instruments like a DMM (digital multimeter) or on a VOM (volt-ohm-millimeter,) the older analog predecessor of the DMM. The voltmeter as a stand-alone test instrument comes in three configurations, an AC (alternating current) voltmeter, a DC (direct current) voltmeter, or a combination AC/DC voltmeter. Everyone who works with electricity must learn to use a voltmeter correctly, whether it’s a stand-alone meter or just one function of a DMM or VOM. Locate a blown cartridge fuse with the AC voltmeter by placing one test probe on each of the brass end caps. If the fuse is blown, line voltage will read on the meter. A good fuse will read “0” volts. Cartridge fuses are used as OCPD (over current protection devices) for high current loads such as central air conditioning units, deep well pumps, electric furnaces, etc.; in older homes, t
