The term ‘digital multimeter‘ can be a very confusing one if you are not an individual who enjoys hiking or exploring the outdoors in any way. In fact, a digital multimeter and its function can be confusing to any individual who has not taken the time to learn about its purpose or abilities. This article will help alleviate any confusion, remove any stress of not knowing, and help individuals who want to know (or need to know) what a digital multimeter is and why an individual would choose to use one of these contraptions.
What Is A Digital Multimeter?
The digital multimeter is a device that you either know how to use or you do not. If you are completely unaware, then this contraption can be challenging to manage and confusing to look at with its dial, electrodes and LCD display. However, despite the confusion of the little item the multimeter is a highly effective electronic tool and is used to measure volts, amps and ohms. The more expensive digital multimeters will present with additional features, such as an ability to measure temperature with current, voltage and resistance.
What Does A Digital Multimeter Actually Do?
As is mentioned above, the digital multimeter is used to measure volts, amps and ohms. For the individual who is unaware what these items refer to: a volt is a measurement for voltage; an amp is a measurement for current; and an ohm is a measurement for resistance. Taking this measuring ability into account, it can be noted that the multimeter is used primarily to measure electrical output in the field. This is used in a plethora of situations ranging from checking electricity currents in the car to voltage of a battery or household appliances.
Currently, there are two basic types of multimeters available for usage: the analog multimeter and the digital multimeter. The analog multimeter is the older, simpler and traditional type of multimeter. Despite its traditional and rather non-contemporary fashion, this type of device is still used widely across the globe. The analog multimeter alternative utilizes a dial for a display with a needle to indicate the electrical measurement result.
The second type of multimeter is the digital multimeter. This type of device is the more contemporary or modern form and tends to be used in larger companies. The difference between the analog multimeter and the digital multimeter is the display. Whereas the analog alternative has a needle and dial display for measurement, the digital option utilizes an LCD or LED when indicating results. It must also be noted that the digital display of the digital multimeter tends to be far more accurate than the analog needle and dial style. Oddly enough, the analog is the more expensive of the two options and digital devices are quickly replacing analogs due to the lower cost of manufacturing. Yet, the analog is still the preferred option among household owners and people who are not working within the technical industry as digital multimeters can be complicated to control.