General || Multimeter: Measuring voltage and draw

General || Multimeter: Measuring voltage and draw

Using Multimeter to Test DC Voltage on a Power Supply

 

Set your multimeter to read DC Voltage.

 

Plug in power supply and turn on the multimeter. Stick the positive test lead (red probe) into the power supply connector. And hold/place the negative test lead (black probe) on the outside of the connector.

 

 

 

A functional power supply will read 12V on your multimeter (or as close to 12V as possible). The example below shows a stable 12.1V.

 

If there are any issues with the power supply, the multimeter will show a different number than 12.1V. In the power supply for the example below, the multimeter showed multiple readings: 8.5V, 9V, 11.3V, 12.3V. A power supply that is working properly will show ~12V without any changes.

 

 

If your positive and negative test leads are reversed, your multimeter will show a NEGATIVE (-) voltage reading. Example shows a -12.1V reading.

 

Using a Multimeter to Measure DC Voltage with Pigtails

 

To test the voltage when wiring with pigtails, connect the power supply to the pigtails. Live wire to the positive end (red) of the pigtail. The ground wire of the power supply to the red/black pigtail wire.

 

Twist together with wire nuts. Touch the red test lead to the live wire connection and touch the black test lead to the neutral wire connection.

 

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Using a Multimeter to Measure DC Voltage with 18/2 Cable

 

To test the voltage of a device that is wired with 18/2 cable, the process is the same.

 

Connect your live wire to the positive terminal of the connector. Connect the neutral wire to the negative terminal of the connector.

 

Then, touch the red test lead to the positive terminal. Touch the black lead to the negative terminal. The multimeter should show a 12V reading.

 

 

Using Multimeter to Test IP Camera Current Draw

Configure your multimeter to read current. For this multimeter, the knob is set to measure up to 20 Amps. The red test lead has been moved to the 20AMax connection. Your multimeter may be set up differently.

Connect the multimeter between the power supply and the camera.

 

Switch on the power supply and the multimeter will the amount of current the camera is using.

 

If the camera has IR, cover the camera and wait for the IR to turn on. The multimeter will show the amount of current the camera draws when IR is on.

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