Whats the correct setting for a multi meter

[Tylersloan]

Hey I got this multi meter for free and don't know how to use it can you guys please help .
Here are the instructions don't understand them all I want to do is test 110 outlets and sockets with it

LCD Auto Range Multimeter (220-0163) Operation Faxback Doc. # 6291

Using the Stand

The fold-out stand lets you set the multimeter on the benchtop or hang it
from a hook.

NOTE: The upper and lower mounting holes are located on either side of
the tab on the mounting bracket.

To set the multimeter on a benchtop, remove the stand by pressing in on
its sides, then attach it to the two lower mounting holes.

To hang the multimeter from a hook, remove the stand by pressing in on
its sides, then attach it to the two upper mounting holes.

NOTE: Do not use the concave holes above the upper mounting holes.

Using the Test Leads

Use only the same type of test leads as those supplied with the
multimeter. The local Radio Shack store sells replacement test leads.

1. For all voltage, resistance, and current measurements of less than
400 mA, plug the red test lead's right-angled end into the
multimeter's + V ohms A jack and push in.

For current measurements of over 400mA (and under 10 A), plug the red
test leads' right-angled end into the multimeter's 10A MAX jack and push
in.

2. Plug the black test leads' right-angled end into the multimeter's
-COM (common) jack for all measurements and checks.

Warning: Always turn off power from the circuit you are about to
measure before you probe the test leads into high-voltage
points.

Cautions:

Although these test leads are rated for 1200 volts, the maximum rating of
this multimeter is 1000V DC or 750V AC. Do not try to measure any
voltage that exceeds the multimeter's ratings. Use extreme care
when you measure high-voltages.

Be sure you always select the correct function before you attach the test
leads to the circuit or component to be tested.

3. Connect the test lead's probe ends (thin straight ends) to the
circuit or component to be tested.

Learning the Controls

Warning: Do not operate the multimeter until you insure that the
batteries are correctly installed and the battery compartment
cover is properly closed.

Before you operate the multimeter for the first time, follow these steps
to confirm that the multimeter is operating correctly and to familiarize
yourself with the multimeter's operation and displays.

1. Press POWER to turn on the multimeter.

All the display elements appear on the display for 1-2 seconds as a
self test. Auto range and the function buzzer automatically turn
on.

2. Set the function switch to V "equals" key or V "approximate" key.
The multimeter automatically selects the DC measurement mode. AUTO,
"equal", The Speaker symbol, and V appear on the display.

3. Push RANGE SELECT to set the multimeter to the manual range control
mode RS appears on the display

4. Press RANGE SELECT several times to familiarize yourself with the
display. The decimal point shifts as shown in the following table
as you move through the voltage ranges.

Function Range Display

DCV/ACV 4 V .000 V
40 V 0.00 V
400 V 00.0 V
1000 VDC/750 VAC 000 V
400 mV 00.0 mV

5. Press SELECT to select the AC measurement mode V, "approximate" key,
and Speaker Symbol will appear on the display. Then repeat Steps
3 and 4.

NOTES:

In the 400 mV range (DC and AC), with leads not connected to any circuit,
the display might show a phantom reading. This is normal. The high
input sensitivity produces a wandering effect. When you connect the test
leads to a circuit, a real measurement appears. (You can use the 400mV
range only in the manual range control).

See the unit of measure on the display to distinguish the range when two
ranges have the decimal point in the same position. For example, on the
400mV range the multimeter display is mV versus V on the 400V range.

6. Set the function switch to ohms ))). The multimeter automatically
selects auto range and the resistance measurement mode.

7. Push RANGE SELECT to set the multimeter to the manual range control
mode. RS appears on the display.

8. Press RANGE SELECT several times to familiarize yourself with the
display. The decimal point shifts as shown in the table below as
you move through the resistance ranges.

Functions Display Range

Resistance O.L Mohm 40 Mohms
OL. ohms 400 ohm
.OL Kohms 4 kohm
O.L kohm 40 kohm
OL. Kohm 400 kohm
.OL Mohm 4 Mohm

9. Press SELECT to select the continuity check mode, OL., Speaker
Symbol ))), and ohm appear on the display.

Functions Display Range

Continuity Check OL. ohm 400 ohm (Fixed)

10. Set the function switch to A "equals" & A "approximate" key. The
multimeter automatically selects auto range and the DC current
measurement mode.

11. Plug the test leads into the multimeter as follows:

Plug the black test lead into the -COM jack.

For current measurements under 400 mA, plug the red test
lead's right-angled end into the multimeter's + V ohms
A jack.

For current measurements of over 400 mA (and under 10 A),
plug the red test lead's right-angled end into the
multimeter's 10A MAX jack.

Caution: Always start with the 10A MAX jack if you do not know the
amount of current to measure.

12. Push RANGE SELECT to set the multimeter to the manual range control
mode. RS appears on the display.

The decimal point shifts as shown in the table below as you move through
the two DCA/ACA ranges below 400mA.

13. Press RANGE SELECT several times to familiarize yourself with the
display.

For current measurements under 400 mA:

Functions Display Range

DCA/ACA 0.00 mA 40 mA
00.0 mA 400 mA

For current measurements of over 400 mA and under 10A:

Functions Display Range

DCA/ACA .000 A 4 A
0.00 A 10 A

14. If you are not ready to make measurements, press POWER to turn off
the multimeter. All elements disappear from the display.

(CJD/all-07/14/94)


Sorry just don't know squat about these things

 

[user 4883]

If all you want to do is test outlets then go purchase a very simple to use outlet tester that just plugs into the outlet and lets you know if you have power and if the outlet wired correctly. Spend a few extra dollars and get one that will test GFIC outlets too.

 

[AlwaysOneMoreProject]

That's a nice little multi-tester.

You're measuring voltage, and it's voltage of about 110. If you're checking voltage on outlets for electric stoves, dryers, etc., you'll be checking for about 220V. If your directions are correct, then for either voltage, you want the tester on "1000 VDC/750 VAC 000 V."

 

[Tylersloan]

Thank you and yeah it's an ok multimeter will work for what I need if I can figure it out . The online directions are hard to understand on the settings what is the difference between the waive line and the solid line with three dots under it ?
Also when I switch to check amps I'm assuming I plug into the 10 A max right ?
Say if I'm testing a 120 volt outlet I set the range to 400 correct ? Sorry I can drywall lay brick and wood floors but electrical is my weakest point and I want to be safe and learn about it also

 

[Daddytron]

Don't set it to amps and plug it into a wall or check a battery though, that is to test amperage draw and goes between the power source and the load. The ~ is an indicator of alternating current. the Dotted line is Direct current

 

[Tylersloan]

Thank you for the help I got it figured out now tell you what I could have been better off buying a new one with directions