Measuring current with a multimeter, polarity?

H

halleffector

Member

• May 22, 2016

• #1

Is it possible to damage a multimeter when measuring polarity, if the probes are connected reversed, i.e. ignoring the polarity?

 

Nigel Goodwin

Super Moderator

Most Helpful Member

• May 22, 2016

• #2

halleffector said:

Is it possible to damage a multimeter when measuring polarity, if the probes are connected reversed, i.e. ignoring the polarity?

Click to expand...

Not on a digital meter, as it reads negative as well as positive.

 

dr pepper

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• May 22, 2016

• #3

As Nige says the meter will just show -

 

B

bountyhunter

Well-Known Member

• May 23, 2016

• #4

The topic specifically mentions measuring current and yes it's easy to damage a meter doing that wrong.... although probably not because of polarity as much as blowing fuses.

 

M

MrAl

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• May 23, 2016

• #5

Hi,

The old rule of thumb is to set the meter on the highest range to start with, then back down once you have some idea what the current really is. If it is high, then dont back down.

The polarity doesnt matter on most digital multimeters though, but on panel meters most often it does matter. I guess it depends on the panel meter then, if it gets damaged.

 

dr pepper

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• May 23, 2016

• #6

A decent panel meter would take sull scale reverse without any harm too.