For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.

[Key2871]

I got this book last summer at a neighbors house after he passed away. My wife and I took care of the estate and etc. Anyway I saw this book and decided it would be great for my kids so they can learn how to use a multimeter. I looked it over lots of times and thought you know there would be someone who could benifit from the book, so I looked up one on eBay.
It's not expencive and it's brand new.
So for those who might have a multimeter but are not really up to speed on using one safely, this is a great read.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Using%20your%20multimeter%20book

Loaded with a lot  of great information on using an analog or digital multimeter.
Here are a couple shots.

Sorry about the first, I forgot to change my camera position
( Edit: Image removed, rotated and re-attached )

[dsk]

Sometimes you fail, I had got a 12v 35W converter for xenon lamp. It did not work as it should, so I did put in my voltmeter. It should be about 400V so I started with the meter at max range 1000V   
By some reason the readable signals came as smoke signal but at least I could be sure that the unit did deliver power.

I had no meter with higher range, so what to do? I took a 36W fluorescent tube and connected one wire in each end, and yes it worked like a charm ..

I bought a new meter 

dsk

[Key2871]

Don't you hate that, when you smoke your meter...
Earlier on when I started using one, it was a cheap ten dollar meter, but I fried it so well even the needle curled. Over volting a analog meter is just not good.
I have meters now that can't over volt it blocks and so far just reads OV. It's digital so I think they are better these days. But 1 k volts is a lot of voltage.

[Doug Rose]

I still have a 30+ Year old Fluke in my B Box, it's been awhile since I've used it....that reminds me to check he batteries  ...Doug

[Key2871]

Yea, I always take the batterys out when I'm done. Especially my good meters.

[dsk]

Don't you hate that, when you smoke your meter...
Earlier on when I started using one, it was a cheap ten dollar meter, but I fried it so well even the needle curled. Over volting a analog meter is just not good.
I have meters now that can't over volt it blocks and so far just reads OV. It's digital so I think they are better these days. But 1 k volts is a lot of voltage.

Yes I hate it. it was a cheap meter, and I bought a replacement from China.   My best digital meter is a Fluke, I'm more careful with that. 

dsk

[tubaman]

Reminds me of when I was an apprentice - one of the other guys thought he'd try and measure how much current came from the 13A socket on his bench (ie UK 240V mains socket). He set his Avo 8 (analogue variety for those who don't remember them) to the 10A range and stuck a probe in each side of the socket before turning it on. There was a bang and a large flash. The trip on the Avo did pop but not before it had slammed the needle against the far end stop - the Avo was dead. Unsurprisingly our instructor was not amused! 

[dsk]

Reminds me of when I was an apprentice - one of the other guys thought he'd try and measure how much current came from the 13A socket on his bench (ie UK 240V mains socket). He set his Avo 8 (analogue variety for those who don't remember them) to the 10A range and stuck a probe in each side of the socket before turning it on. There was a bang and a large flash. The trip on the Avo did pop but not before it had slammed the needle against the far end stop - the Avo was dead. Unsurprisingly our instructor was not amused! 

About like when on of our students did put the Geiger counter in the microwave oven to test if it was radioactivity.  Conclusion, do not do that ...

[Key2871]

A Geiger counter in the microwave..
Wow I bet some sparks were flying.. Just before it went bang.

[Jim Stettler]

Harbor Freight sells/gives away a cheap multimeter that will work well on telephone circuits.
https://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-63759.html
$6.79

Jim

[Scott]

Now that is one interesting multi meter.

Scott K.

[FABphones]

Now that is one interesting multi meter.

Scott K.

I am loving this thread. Informative and a fun read who'd have thought that from a multimeter.

And that Harbor Freight price is throwaway good (not that we would). A burger and fries costs more.

[Jim Stettler]

Thanks FAb.
That back tool works well, but isn't a multi meter.
NOTE TO SELF:
Review your post before or immediately after posting.
Jim

[countryman]

Funny indeed. But the pic seems to be broken right on the Harborfreight page?
Anyway, the shown type of multimeter is fully sufficient for most common purposes.
I currently use a ADM08A type that I got directly from China. I really like it. It also measures capacitance and frequency, e.g. ringer frequency.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/162335641262]https://www.ebay.com/itm/162335641262

[Key2871]

Thanks FAb.
That back tool works well, but isn't a multi meter.
NOTE TO SELF:
Review your post before or immediately after posting.
Jim

Yes Jim I try that each time, and my phone loves to screw up, as in the header on this post.
it was supposed to read for those who don't...
But as anyone can see it didn't quite work out. I missed the header in my first few edits. Oh well.

I got a couple years ago from All Electronics Corp, about 10 bucks each.
Because I wanted a decent DMM I could take on jobs and if it got dropped or forgotten not really a big deal.
I modded the leads and put ABN clips on so I can test circuit protectors, and take voltage and other readings.

Since then I've picked up a couple more other DMMs and one with a NCV built in. NCV is a non contact Volt detector, that also doubles as a probe.
It's a bit quirky but it does work pretty well. I've had to use it several times when working on mains voltage, like figuring out a guys wiring problem in his house, he had an open but he didn't know where.
Instead of using open tiped probes I used the NCV and found the problem in the switch box. Killed the power and fixed the problem in about ten minutes.
I'll post some pictures if anyone wants a look.
I also saw a new meter, on eBay and it has a flash light and NCV built in, the flash light will light in presents of voltage and it will also beep.