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Faizan
Current is measured in amps or amperes, named for the French physicist André-Marie Ampère who conducted pioneering work on electricity. Unlike voltage, which is measured parallel to a circuit, current is measured "in series." This means that the multimeter is inserted into the circuit and electricity then flows through it. Measuring with a multimeter requires no previous electrical experience but care, attention to detail and a methodical approach are essential.
Step 1
Switch off the power to the wire you intend to test. If it is an appliance cord, remove the plug from the outlet. If it is part of the household wiring, trip the circuit breaker for that circuit or remove the fuse at the supply board. Do not continue until you are certain that the power is off and the cord you are handling is free from damage, cuts, burn marks and exposed wires.
Step 2
Break the wire at a convenient point. Breaking the wire means forming a gap in the wiring across which the multimeter is connected. For example, unscrewing a wire from the back of a switch or from a plug terminal "breaks the continuity" of the circuit at that point.
Step 3
Set the multimeter to measure either AC or DC current. The symbol for AC is a wavy line and DC current is represented by a flat line with three dots below it. Unless the meter is auto-ranging, select the highest available range.
Step 4
Connect the multimeter probes across the break in the circuit. For example, if a wire was removed from the back of a switch, connect one probe to the switch and one to the wire. Ensure that the meter probes are firmly connected to both sides of the break and that they are not touching other exposed electrical components.
Step 5
Switch on the meter and then switch on the power supply. Observe the meter reading. It shows the current flowing through the wire. Record the value.
Step 1
Switch off the power to the wire you intend to test. If it is an appliance cord, remove the plug from the outlet. If it is part of the household wiring, trip the circuit breaker for that circuit or remove the fuse at the supply board. Do not continue until you are certain that the power is off and the cord you are handling is free from damage, cuts, burn marks and exposed wires.
Step 2
Break the wire at a convenient point. Breaking the wire means forming a gap in the wiring across which the multimeter is connected. For example, unscrewing a wire from the back of a switch or from a plug terminal "breaks the continuity" of the circuit at that point.
Step 3
Set the multimeter to measure either AC or DC current. The symbol for AC is a wavy line and DC current is represented by a flat line with three dots below it. Unless the meter is auto-ranging, select the highest available range.
Step 4
Connect the multimeter probes across the break in the circuit. For example, if a wire was removed from the back of a switch, connect one probe to the switch and one to the wire. Ensure that the meter probes are firmly connected to both sides of the break and that they are not touching other exposed electrical components.
Step 5
Switch on the meter and then switch on the power supply. Observe the meter reading. It shows the current flowing through the wire. Record the value.
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