USING A MULTIMETER

Summary. –

This laboratory report is based on the use of the multimeter, also the reading of the color code of a resistor,
presenting in a clear and effective way the theoretical and experimental foundation of each of them. In the
work carried out, an analysis was obtained through the use of a multimeter, which helped us to measure the
output voltage of a connector or plug, the measurement of resistances and both find the absolute and
percentage error by comparing the figures delivered by the manufacturer with those obtained with the
multimeter.

Keywords:
Multimeter, voltage, resistance, current.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022.

INTRODUCTION
Within a physics laboratory where the laws and concepts that relate electrical phenomena are studied, such as
the intensity of electric current, electric field, electric particles, among others, it is extremely necessary to
carry out experimental tests in order to support the theory with mathematical analyses that allow
corroborating this information.
The multimeter is an electrical instrument that allows to directly measure active electrical magnitudes such as
currents and potential difference; or passive as resistances and others. Measurements can be made in DC
direct current or AC alternating current. It is important to learn how to handle and interpret it. In this way, the
report was developed with the intention of understanding the basic functions of the multimeter, the physical
quantities it measures and its units to make voltage, current and resistance measurements using multimeters
and interpret the results obtained. In addition to comparing the nominal values with the actual values
obtained with the multimeter.
Thus, the key question is what are the variations between the Nominal Value and the Real Value?

MATERIALS AND METHOD

- The voltage of the power outlet of a wall was used, in addition to a power extender and four resistors.
- The extender was connected to the power outlet for convenience and the multimeter was configured for use
with alternating current. For use with resistors it was also configured properly.

- Once the multimeter was configured in alternating current, the test tips of the multimeter were placed on the
current extender, in such a way that it yielded the voltage of that moment (Figure 1).

- With the second configuration (resistance) we proceeded to place the test tips of the multimeter, in the four
different resistors thus obtaining the value of each of them, being careful not to touch them with the hands or
fingers, (Figure 2).

- All the actual results obtained were stored in a table to compare them with their nominal value and thus
obtain the absolute and relative percentage error (Figure 3).

The following images put on are for illustrative purposes.

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 Figure 1. Figure 2.

-The equations used in this practice are: Absolute Error, it is given by the difference of Real Value and the
Nominal Value with which the data are obtained to find the Relative Error
(Ec. 1) . The equations mentioned
(Ec. 2)

are given as follows:

(Ec. 1) Eab
(Ecc. 2)

Eab = │vr - vn│ Er =

RESULTS

Figure 3. - Data table.

In the table you can see the Nominal Value (v n) delivered and read by the manufacturer, the Real Value (v r)
obtained with the multimeter, the Absolute Error is given by the difference of Valor Real and Valor Nominal
c on which the data is obtained to find the Error Relative.

DISCUSSION
With the data obtained and put in the table you can show the difference between the value delivered by the
manufacturer and the value obtained with the multimeter both in the outlet and in the resistors, the values
indicated by the manufacturers are not exact, but they have approximations in different cases, however, these
variations are given for various reasons, including human error, error in the measuring instrument and error in
manufacturing.

CONCLUSIONS
The multimeter is a useful instrument for directly measuring active electrical quantities such as voltage or
passive magnitudes such as resistors and others. Measurements can be made for direct or alternating current
and in several measurement margins each. The use of the multimeter requires an adequate inspection of it to
be able to manipulate it, its misuse can deteriorate its internal components, often irreparable, so it is necessary
to configure and select the scale with which you want to use.

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It is necessary to be careful not to touch the resistors with your hands or fingers when measuring them since
the measurement is altered.
The values delivered by the manufacturer were observed and compared with the values obtained with the
multimeter, small approximations and variations between the nominal values and real values were observed,
through these data their error percentages were obtained which range from 0.4% to 2.7%, being in an
acceptable range when comparing their tolerances that are based on their color code.

BIBLIOGRAPHY REFERENCES

José Luis R. (2016, November 4). How a multimeter works