On Sat, 09 Jun 2007 14:26:05 -0500, dpb wrote:

Smitty Two wrote:
In article ,
"DanG" wrote:

The upside down U - Omega is a continuity tester. DO NOT have it
in this position if there is any current involved, it will fry the
meter. This setting demands a battery inside your tester. When
you touch the two leads together you should read wide open.

I assume you want to measure AC current in the house. Set it on
ACV. Set the scale multiplier to be able to read what you think
should be in the circuit. If you are measuring 110 volts, make
sure you are on a scale that has 110 about in the middle.

DCV same game, direct current - e.g., automotive

...


Let's not confuse the OP anymore than he already is. Micro amps *is*
current. So he *should* use that setting for current -- but by putting
the probes in series with the flow of electricity. Now you tell him to
check for the presence of current, he should set it on voltage. Sorry,
but voltage and current are decidedly not the same. Using incorrect
terminology isn't going to clear up any confusion.

Amen...the "continuity" tester is actually an ohmmeter, also. A
continuity tester is for resistance, granted, but it is only a pass/fail
reading and not what an analog VOM will provide.

Also, OP should be cautioned to _NOT_ try to test household currents
with this meter -- it simply is not designed for such high currents and
at best he'll get away w/ simply blowing the input fuse if he tries...

A lot of these meters don't have very high current ranges. The limit
is probably around 200uA (.0002A). Also, those ranges may be for DC
only. There MAY be a fuse to protect the meter against higher current.
--
Mark Lloyd
http://notstupid.laughingsquid.com

"Properly read, the Bible is the most potent
force for atheism ever conceived." -- Isaac Asimov