Re: Is my DMM broken (cannot read current)?

On Jun 25, 1:15 am, Martin Cote <mental...@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Phil Allison wrote:
** Even the cheapest DMMs have a fuse for the 200mA range.

Open it up and have a look - expect to see a 20 x 5mm, 0.5 A fuse.

That's right. I'll replace it an see how it goes.

Thanks,
Martin

Also, all the current measuring ranges (and resistance, and diode-
check, etc) are basically a short circuit. If you touch the meter
leads to the wrong place for even a fraction of a second with the
selector set to that, you will be replacing that fuse again.

And be ESPECIALLY careful with the leads plugged into the 10 amp
socket, thats an unfused piece of wire connected internally to the
sockets ... hook that up to the wrong thing, and you will be making
big sparks, blowing breakers, or setting wiring on fire.
For the 10 amp socket, it doesn't matter what the selector switch is
set to, with the leads plugged into that socket, the leads form a
direct short.

So make SURE the setting is correct BEFORE you hook up the meter.
(and buy the fuses in a bulk pack ... cause sometimes one forgets ...)

John alluded to this, but I just thought I'd make it blindingly
obvious.

Martin Bakalorz

.

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