Multimeter Current Reading

[mcasey]

I'm sure the answer is obvious, but oh well, here goes...

If .239 amps is equal to 239 milliamps, why is decimal off two places on my multimeter? The fuse is good.

 

[Tha fios agaibh]

It should read 0ma because your red lead is in the 10A jack.
Move it to the jack on the right to read mA but do not go over its max. (200mA ? I cant read it clearly)

 

[mcasey]

It should read 0ma because your red lead is in the 10A jack.
Move it to the jack on the right to read ma but do not go over its max. (200ma? I cant read it clearly)

Manual says "0" to 10 amperes. What if the current was 201mA? It should read on the DC10A setting with the lead in the 10A jack, correct?

 

[Tha fios agaibh]

Yes, but you have selected DCma and it will only read when your lead is plugged on the right where ma is read (notice blue color)

Yes, you can read 201ma plugged in the 10A jack and 10A selected with the rotary knob, but it will read in amps, or .201A

You shouldn't use the ma jack unless you know its under 200ma. Always start with highest scale or 10A in your case.

 

[mcasey]

Yes, but you have selected DCma and it will only read when your lead is plugged on the right where ma is read (notice blue color)

Yes, you can read 201ma plugged in the 10A jack and 10A selected with the rotary knob, but it will read in amps, or .201A

But it does read. If it did not, as you mentioned above, it would show 0 on the display. Why does it show 2.18 instead of 218?

 

[Tha fios agaibh]

Probably because its reading inductively.

Like I said. Its designed to read on a range that the leads are plugged into.

If you jumpered (shorted) from com to ma jack, it will likely zero the display.

 

[Tha fios agaibh]

Don't select "DCma" unless you have the leads plugged into the proper jacks.

 

[mcasey]

I understand now. Thank you