Article
Article
Multimeter
Article By:
Knight, R. B. D. Division of Electrical Science, National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex, United Kingdom.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.438200
An instrument designed to measure electrical quantities. A typical multimeter can measure alternating- and direct-current potential differences (voltages), current, and resistance, with several full-scale ranges provided for each quantity. Sometimes referred to as a volt-ohm meter (VOM), it is a logical development of the electrical meter, providing a general-purpose instrument. Many kinds of special-purpose multimeters are manufactured to meet the needs of such specialists as telephone engineers and automobile mechanics testing ignition circuits. See also: Ammeter; Current measurement; Ohmmeter; Resistance measurement; Voltage measurement; Voltmeter
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