On 10/11/2019 07:43, harry wrote:

If your meter is one of these cheap "mickey mouse" ones. they often
give spurious readings.

That's not even wrong...

With analogue meters, the better the quality, typically the higher the
input impedance. This is in the majority of measurement circumstances a
desirable characteristic since it reduces the parasitic effect of the
meter on the circuit under test.

With digital meters the input impedances are typically significantly
higher. Again in many cases this is a "good thing", although it is a
trap for the unwary with "floating" circuit cables in close proximity to
mains voltages.

It's on account of the tiny current they draw.

An ideal meter would draw no current at all when measuring voltage.


--
Cheers,

John.

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