What is the proper way to test grounds with a digital multimeter? What setting should it be on and what should I get for a reading?
Thanks, Montego
Replies (5)
swez on 01/12/2005 09:19:09
Use the ohms scale. To find "continuity" from one known good grounding point to another. (bare metal floor pan, firewall, rear seat bracing or seat belt anchoring bolts.
You know you have found a good ground when the meter registers Zero (0) ohms between points. If you get a reading higher than 1 ohm, may not be good enough as a true reference ground.
Swez
montego_27 on 01/12/2005 10:16:48
Does it matter what setting on the ohms scale?
ttocs on 01/12/2005 10:55:35
nope, but lower would be better.
montego_27 on 01/12/2005 16:13:45
I feel like a technical "duh" right now.When I set it to the ohms scale it reads 1. This should go to "0" ?
swez on 01/13/2005 11:16:03
Short the two leads together and see if the meter reads "0". Some digital readout meters will go right to "0" or give a numeric value less than 1. That's your calibration number.
Don't feel bad, a lot of very bright people I know are clueless on using a VOM or other electronic test gear.
Swez
PS When all else fails, read the instructions???? lol
Thanks, Montego
Replies (5)
swez on 01/12/2005 09:19:09
Use the ohms scale. To find "continuity" from one known good grounding point to another. (bare metal floor pan, firewall, rear seat bracing or seat belt anchoring bolts.
You know you have found a good ground when the meter registers Zero (0) ohms between points. If you get a reading higher than 1 ohm, may not be good enough as a true reference ground.
Swez
montego_27 on 01/12/2005 10:16:48
Does it matter what setting on the ohms scale?
ttocs on 01/12/2005 10:55:35
nope, but lower would be better.
montego_27 on 01/12/2005 16:13:45
I feel like a technical "duh" right now.When I set it to the ohms scale it reads 1. This should go to "0" ?
swez on 01/13/2005 11:16:03
Short the two leads together and see if the meter reads "0". Some digital readout meters will go right to "0" or give a numeric value less than 1. That's your calibration number.
Don't feel bad, a lot of very bright people I know are clueless on using a VOM or other electronic test gear.
Swez
PS When all else fails, read the instructions???? lol
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