Multimeter Symbols and What They Mean

This is especially helpful if you’re doing a project that requires you to keep an exact measurement at your fingertips. It’s also a great feature if, during testing with the probes, you can’t immediately read your multimeter due to an awkward or dimly lit location.

This multimeter symbol is identified as a capital ‘V’ with a wavy line above it, akin to an accent mark in the Spanish language.

Likely, this will be the setting you use to take electronic measurements of alternating current machines — such as kettles, fans, Christmas lights, and televisions. It displays the voltage of your equipment or mains supply.

Usually, you should expect to see readings between about 100-240 Volts. I’ve put together a handy 101 on checking AC voltage here.

This is the setting you’ll use when you’re measuring smaller circuits that run off direct current — such as batteries, cells, and even indicator lights.

That’s because the multimeter emits an audible beeping noise when it detects a complete circuit. It’s a straightforward and awesome way to check for connection problems in electrical tools and toys.

The port where the black lead must only be used.

This button will usually be found at the top of your multimeter and has a ‘Lo/Hi’ symbol above it. It will help you click through different meter ranges.

While today, a great majority of multimeters — such as the Fluke 117 — have auto-ranging, you can also choose a specific range on some models – like switching from ohms to megaohms.

It’s identifiable by — you guessed it — a small drawing of the sun.

Switching to millivolts will help you to get a precise and more accurate reading.

Like the AC millivolts function, it’s utilized for precise measurements or in circuits where the voltage is minimal — however, it should only be used on equipment that uses direct current, such as power from cells and batteries.

No, you’re not chanting this as a Buddhist yoga mantra. At least, not when you’re reading multimeter symbols. It looks like the Greek letter Omega, and it helps you establish the most accurate resistance reading possible.

Want more? This button can also help you to figure out whether or not a fuse has blown. If your meter displays ‘OL’, then the fuse has gone and needs to be replaced.

Note: Make sure you’ve taken fuses out of the circuit when you’re using the ohms setting on your multimeter. Whether you’re working on your own or with a team, over 100 electricians die every year from electrocution. Better safe than sorry!

It works by passing a small voltage across the diode and checking the resulting voltage drop. Though some people use the ohms setting to test them, this is a more accurate procedure.

Be careful — capacitors can deliver a nasty shock, even when disconnected from a power supply!

Though you’ll usually need a clamp attachment to perform functions associated with this option, it’s a great way to investigate the current loads in AC circuits.

There’s a reason for this!

That’s because your red jack measures pretty much everything except for current. That means it can help read the temperature, duty cycle, frequency, resistance, and voltage, among others.

We know understanding multimeter symbols can feel like a chore at times, but thanks to this handy guide, hopefully, you’ve realized the process isn’t as stressful as you once imagined it was!