To determine whether a voltage/current is an AC signal or DC one

A

abdulbadii

Member

• Sep 19, 2021

• #1

How can we determine whether a voltage/current is an AC wave/signal or
DC signal by use of DMM aided with other basic/simple kits ?

 

MaxHeadRoom78

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Sep 19, 2021

• #2

A DC signal will only pass a current one way if a diode is used to test.
AC will conduct either way.
.

 

alec_t

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Sep 19, 2021

• #3

You could also try taking your current/voltage reading via a capacitor in series with the DMM. The capacitor will block DC.

 

unclejed613

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Sep 22, 2021

• #4

stick two bare copper wires into a freshly cut potato about an inch apart. if it's DC a green spot forms around the negative wire, if it's AC green spots form around both wires

 

Nigel Goodwin

Super Moderator

Most Helpful Member

• Sep 23, 2021

• #5

unclejed613 said:

stick two bare copper wires into a freshly cut potato about an inch apart. if it's DC a green spot forms around the negative wire, if it's AC green spots form around both wires

Click to expand...

I like that!

 

danadak

Well-Known Member

Most Helpful Member

• Sep 23, 2021

• #6

Magnitude, range, frequency, waveshape of signal has impact on solution to use, what are these
values ?


Regards, Dana.