Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am using a different multimeter than the one in the kit that science buddies provides. on the multimeter science buddies has the red cord goes into the V-MA port, but the multimeter I am using has the V and the MA. Which one should I plug it in to get the most accurate results? will have have to take measurements with both ports?

taamaraboyett - Most common multimeters have three inputs for the test leads. COM (common) which is connected to the black lead, VΩmA connected to the red lead, and often a high current socket that would connect to the red lead for measurements up to 10 Amps. Other multimeters may separate the voltage and current measurement sockets for the red lead. I assume there is a separate 'range' stitch to select the maximum range (voltage, current or resistance). If you are going to measure current, plug your red lead into the socket labeled MA. If you are measuring voltage, plug your red lead into the socked labeled V. I doubt you are measuring dangerous voltages in a Science Buddies experiment, but it is always good to read the instructions that came with the multimeter.

Rick Marz

taamaraboyett - Most common multimeters have three inputs for the test leads. COM (common) which is connected to the black lead, VΩmA connected to the red lead, and often a high current socket that would connect to the red lead for measurements up to 10 Amps. Other multimeters may separate the voltage and current measurement sockets for the red lead. I assume there is a separate 'range' stitch to select the maximum range (voltage, current or resistance). If you are going to measure current, plug your red lead into the socket labeled MA. If you are measuring voltage, plug your red lead into the socked labeled V. I doubt you are measuring dangerous voltages in a Science Buddies experiment, but it is always good to read the instructions that came with the multimeter.

Rick Marz

Hi taamaraboyett - we also have a very extensive multimeter tutorial that contains pictures of other multimeters and explanations of what the various symbols and letters mean that you may find useful:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... eter.shtml