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Benefits of using a Multimeter at home


A multimeter is very useful around the home for testing any electrical connections and circuits. They are used to measure voltage, resistance and current. Unless you are a qualified, licensed electrician you are not permitted by law to do and electrical work on any buildings, apart from 12 or 24 volt systems that are not connected to the mains power. For all your household electrical work call your local electrician in Gold Coast.

Multimeters are easy to use, the most common type being a digital model that displays the readings on an LCD screen, some older styles such as an analog multimeter use a needle on a variable scale to show the values.

Some of the useful things you can do with a multimeter:

·         Test Batteries

Often people have a few old disposable batteries lying around that have kept because it’s uncertain if some of them still hold a current of it they have expired. A multimeter will very quickly tell you if they are worth keeping or not.

·         Checking Light Bulbs

Your multimeter will help you sort out any old light bulbs to see if the filament is still intact. This is done in the continuity mode; some types of multimeter will give a beep sound when they find a complete circuit so you know the bulb is ok.

·         Checking Extension Cords

Before you test an extension cord ensure its disconnected and make a visual check to see that all the insulating cover is intact. Then, with your meter set to the continuity setting, use the meter to test each side of the extension cord using the probes provided.

Testing 12 Volt Circuits

By law you’re not allowed to work on any 210 volt electrical systems or fixtures unless you’re a certified and qualified electrician anywhere in Australia, you need to have your local electrician in Gold coast do any electrical work  and check all your electric circuits.

But you can work on your 12 or 24 volt systems such as swimming pools and water features, outdoor lights and pumps that are not connected to the mains power grid.

Many rechargeable power tools such as electric drills, saws and grinders that are becoming very popular can be checked. Using your multimeter is a good way to test them and ensure your battery is still in good condition.

A home handy-person can also work on solar power and other forms of home power generation, but if you want to use an inverter to increase the current from 12 or 24 volts to 210 volts you have to use the services of your friendly Gold coast electrician.

The continuity feature helps you find if there are any broken wires or circuits in your electrical devices and well as helping to discover if a switch is not working

Whenever you use a multimeter it’s a good practice to start with the highest range and work down the scale until you find the correct range to test.

Multimeters range in price from very inexpensive models that are perfect for home use, to more expensive professional models. Your electrician in Gold coast can advise you on the right model for you and show you how to use one properly and safely around your home and workshop.

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