How to use a Volt Meter

[Paulypudding]

Hi guys

I know this might seem like a simple problem for you electorinics buffs but im trying to put a document together for some newbie guys in our industry (security alarm installation and service) which will instruct them on how to fault find using a test meter.

Just cant think of the best way of doing it or explaining it

What we need to achieve

Checking the charging voltage of a battery

fault finding a faulty zone by either testing the resistance of a circuit (each zone uses an end of line resistor) or using voltage to check it across the zone of the alarm panel (which is best in this case, I always use the resistance of the circuit, others use voltage)

finding the current draw of devices connected to an alarm panel

Any other relevant information. I know most of this is easy but want it to make sense too.

cheers

Paul

[bss904]

Have a look here. You will find the basics your after.

[trash]

If you have a circuit or a block diagram of a typical system, that might also help to write some simple instructions.

I can see in my crystal ball a lot of blown multimeter fuses.

[beer4life]

If you have a circuit or a block diagram of a typical system, that might also help to write some simple instructions.

I can see in my crystal ball a lot of blown multimeter fuses.

I dare say, that's a " Tesla Ball ".....
Kindest Regards, " The Druid ".

[GavinSV]

I know this might seem like a simple problem for you electorinics buffs but im trying to put a document together for some newbie guys in our industry (security alarm installation and service) which will instruct them on how to fault find using a test meter.

Unless they're an apprentice, wouldn't someone working in this industry already know how to use a multimeter?

[eeprommemory]

Unless they're an apprentice, wouldn't someone working in this industry already know how to use a multimeter?

you have high hopes and dreams.
i have worked with some and one didnot know how to turn on my fluke 87.
it has me stuffed how they know how to wire up the panels.

[trash]

It's not like some of us make the odd mistake and ooops... damn, left the probe in the amps connector !
The one that caught me out was solar panel testing. The test required a short circuit current measurement, as is standard. But when confronted with actually having to do it and 10A @ 80V .... I just wasn't going to do it.
I decided to leave it up to another tech to demonstrate it first. I wasn't keen to break $4000 worth of panels.

I try not to concern myself with the number of morons in the world these days. The army is having a hard time finding cannon fodder. The day will come when they might be useful ! I shouldn't talk that way about potential customers !

[eeprommemory]

Paulypudding you should not bother with current test unless you have a storeroom with a million fuses.
i normally check about 3 times before i do a current test on high amp stuff. fuses for a fluke cost a lot.

[rastus86]

this is a good link anyone got any more like theses
i showed it to a friend he was wrapped it has some good info on it
so anymore like this would be good

[Bluedog]

it concerns me that you are attempting to teach people who havent a clue, instead of hiring tradesmen who are trained to deal with these matters...
safety issues spring to mind, as does your liability if the newies wire up a system wrong and the building burns down etc.

[WhiteOx]

Wouldn't it be better to get someone who knows what they're doing write the doco?

Edit: Just noticed this thread is almost a month old ...... someones probably already been killed.

[iwacelect]

Edit: Just noticed this thread is almost a month old ...... someones probably already been killed.

LOL when i saw the title of this thread i audibly gasped, about the same amount i do when someone walks into our shop and wants to buy microwave parts

[dizzy]

its only low voltage
any monkey could do it

[WhiteOx]

its only low voltage
any monkey could do it

Ahhh ... but once they think they know how to use it they may decide to move onto bigger things.
You know what they say about a little bit of knowledge.

[iwacelect]

Ahhh ... but once they think they know how to use it they may decide to move onto bigger things.
You know what they say about a little bit of knowledge.

My point exactly whiteox, its all ok to change the light globe in a microwave, it's not that hard or even technically difficult, just when you slip with the screwdiver and it touches......

you then wake-up in intensive care wondering where most of your hand has gone, and why you have a heartbeat that now gets techno lovers on thier feet dancing all the way from the back of the bus, also people are starting to mention the "Don King" hair style really does suit you!!!