Traditional resistors have colour-coded bands on them that can be added together to let you know the resistance. However, if you don’t have access to the internet to decode what the colours mean, or just dozed off during that high school science class, this guide will show you how to determine their resistance using a multimeter.
If you don’t already own a multimeter, you can pick one up quite cheaply from most hardware stores and online retailers, like Rapid. Websites like this can be a good resource for electricians who are required to use multimeters and capacitors on a daily basis.
Once you have your multimeter, switch it on and turn the dial around to the 20k? setting. Take the two probes and press them lightly against the metal legs of the resistor; small components and the circuit board can be quite fragile, so it’s important that you don’t apply too much pressure.
At this point, the multimeter will display one of three things:
- 1 / OL – If the screen of the multimeter is displaying a ‘1’ or ‘OL’, it simply means that the device has overloaded. Don’t worry, you simply need to readjust the dial to a higher setting like 200k? or 2M?.
- 0.00 – Alternatively, if the multimeter displays ‘0.00’, then you’ll be required to lower the dial, so that it is in the correct range to measure the resistance. You may need to set it to 2k? or 200?.
- If you’ve done everything right, you should get a three digit number that displays the correct resistance. 5.50 will equate to a 5.50k? resistor, or 5,500 Ohms. Be aware that you’re measuring in the 20k? setting, so you need to move the decimal place down by three digits.
It’s important to know that measuring resistance can be a difficult exercise. Environmental factors such as temperature and nearby components can affect the recorded measurement you receive. There is also a five per cent tolerance within most multimeters. This means a 5k? could measure between 4.75k? and 5.25k?.
For further information, and to watch a video guide that explains the step-by-step process, visit Adafruit.
I remember this device was used by electrical workers, to ensure that certain wires is dead before they touch it.
oh, this made me miss my dad…I used to play with his work gadgets and I think one of them was a multimeter 🙂 I’d never fully understand how electronics and machines work and I admire experts on these things 🙂
We just bought one of this when my FIL’s electric plug got damaged..
My daughter had to this for her science project last year.
this is something we do not have at home, but yes, something that electricians always have.
My brother owns a tool like this and I never knew what it is until I came across this post of yours. Thanks, for sharing this great info.
This is so techie, but this info is so helpful to electricians. The steps seemed are so easy for them,
I’m sure I’m one of the many that dozed off during my science class haha. Gadgets like this one is not that easy to decipher… if you’re not that interested.
I just know of one probe, that is my oven probe. It sure makes my life easier. 🙂
My dad owns one like this and I would love to learn more on how to use it properly. ^_^ Thank you for sharing some important information.
This is what I always see with our building’s handyman, this is one of his many important tool or equipment when he checks the suites here. He sure knows when to use it!
I do not know about this thing. My husband does and he tried to explain to me but I do not have any interest. It is hard to comprehend 🙂
I still can recall the first time I used this meter. It was summer of 75, Fresh high school grad lang, but I must learn how to use it since my late dad had started teaching me practical electricity..
This topic seems very new to me. I haven’t used this kind of device. Thank you for this. New info for my brain. ^_^
How will you know if everything is right? How to do it? I wanna learn more about this.. 🙂
I think I have heard of a multimeter when I was taking up IT way back in college. This can be very useful!
I studied in a vocation school to use this.
I can still read this meter but I think I need refresher course.