Multimeter showing reading when nothing is plugged in

[Klaudmjj]

I want to talk about the context to this first, I'm in my first year at college studying level 2 electrical installation and for Christmas my family got me a toolkit which had some tools , multimeter and a soldering iron. They didn't really know much about things like that and they wanted it to be a surprise so the quality isn't so good, here is the exact tool kit: ZD-961_Tool Kit_Products_Ningbo Zhongdi Industry & Trade Co., Ltd. - http://www.china-zhongdi.com/product/291.html

Okay so I was messing around with the multimeter, turned it to AC voltage, and measured a socket to see if it works. It did, came up with 233v. Then I wanted to measure the amps in the socket, so I changed it to the 10A max , put the test leads inside and theres a big flash , big boom and black around the black test lead and the socket.
I then look at the multimeter, switch it to "20 DC voltage"and it shows a reading although nothing is plugged in , same for "AC volatage" and "Amps" so far the ohms setting is normal.

Now I think what I did wrong, the AMPS had a DC symbol next to and I tried to measure AC or/and the socket is over 10A.

Is there a way to fix my multimeter, or am I better off getting a new one?

 

[Wilko]

Oh dear, that the end of that meter I think. Have you worked out why this has damaged the meter?

 

[Pete999]

I want to talk about the context to this first, I'm in my first year at college studying level 2 electrical installation and for Christmas my family got me a toolkit which had some tools , multimeter and a soldering iron. They didn't really know much about things like that and they wanted it to be a surprise so the quality isn't so good, here is the exact tool kit: ZD-961_Tool Kit_Products_Ningbo Zhongdi Industry & Trade Co., Ltd. - http://www.china-zhongdi.com/product/291.html

Okay so I was messing around with the multimeter, turned it to AC voltage, and measured a socket to see if it works. It did, came up with 233v. Then I wanted to measure the amps in the socket, so I changed it to the 10A max , put the test leads inside and theres a big flash , big boom and black around the black test lead and the socket.
I then look at the multimeter, switch it to "20 DC voltage"and it shows a reading although nothing is plugged in , same for "AC volatage" and "Amps" so far the ohms setting is normal.

Now I think what I did wrong, the AMPS had a DC symbol next to and I tried to measure AC or/and the socket is over 10A.

Is there a way to fix my multimeter, or am I better off getting a new one?

 

[ElectroChem]

That multimeter is dead. You could possibly replace a fuse but I'd never trust a reading from it again.

The more worrying point is that you don't appear to understand why it went bang, or that sockets don't have 'amps' in them. I'd strongly suggest getting further into your course before you start poking test leads into anything.

 

[StephenRowley]

Lucky you didn't you didn't electrcute yourself tbh. Those meter are very cheap and certainly not rated for dealing with mains voltages, there barely worth bothering for Low voltage stuff

There CAT rating won't be good enough for dealing with mains voltages, the probe won't meet relevant standards either.

You also need to learn how to use multimeter properly you need to measure current in series with a load. When you've tries to tried to measure across the socket you've in effect shorted live and neutral hench the bang. A decent quality meter would have just blown it's fuse but as you've got a crappy meter it's fried.

 

[Jim_e_Jib]

When you measure voltage with a multimeter, the input resistance of the meter is very high - of the order of 1M ohm or more to avoid loading the circuit and causing voltage drop so you get an accurate measurement of the voltage as it would be without your meter connected. This means that a very small current flows and you don't get a big flash and bang when connecting across L and N or L and E.

When measuring current, the input resistance of the multimeter is very low - typically less than 1 ohm so you get an accurate reading of the current flowing in the circuit as it would be without your meter connected. Connect this across L and N (or E) on a typical 240v socket circuit and you will get a massive current flowing that will blow the fuse in the multimeter or, as it sounds in your case, will fry the multimeter.

As @StephenRowley said, you need to measure the current with a load connected and the multimeter in series with load.

At some point on your course you may cover test instruments and how to use them - I would hold off on any experiments at home until you have covered this and are happy with how to work safely.

 

[static zap]

Plenty avoid meters with an Amps ranges , as it acts like a piece of wire , designed to pass current .
A cheap clamp meter will only measure larger AC amps but stay alive a lot longer .

 

[littlespark]

Multimeters are only really good for 2 things.... testing low DC voltages.... batteries and car electrics.... and continuity ie fuses.

Anything else, don’t trust ‘em

 

[Andy-1960]

As the old saying goes.. a little knowledge is a dangerous thing!

 

[JAWS]

This will defiantly be taught within your level 2 where series circuits having the same current and parallel circuits having same voltage and which instrument is used to measure.

In fact it will more then likely come up in your exam

 

[The Ghost]

Just goes to show, you should read the instructions! It would have told you DO NOT connect to mains in that mode.

 

[Timbo]

£3.01 for a replacement. Quite cheap for a firework!!!
ANENG LCD Digital Multimeter DT-830B Electric Voltmeter Ammeter Ohm Tester U3I7 192701988685 | eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ANENG-LCD-Digital-Multimeter-DT-830B-Electric-Voltmeter-Ammeter-Ohm-Tester-U3I7/253789885706

 

[Strima]

Nothing like learning the hard way...

 

[Silly Sausage]

Nothing like learning the hard way...

I can't deny it, I did laugh when I read the OP
Fortunately he wasn't hurt.

 

[Timbo]

With all due respect to the OP's family, I would put that lot straight in the bin!
At the very least never use it!

 

[Klaudmjj]

Thank you for all the replies, I'll definitely wait until I get more experience and knowledge before I use another multi meter at home. Anyways I'm thankful for not getting hurt , definitely learned it the hard way

 

[rapparee]

I started out as a first year apprentice with a similar cheap multimeter as well, at least mine lasted a few weeks, me and the other apprentice at the time mistakenly set the voltage to DC and tried to test 230v AC. I actually forgot about this until I read your thread.

I hope the soldering iron and precision jeweler's screwdrivers last longer

You will maybe need to learn how to use test meters before dabbling again.


Klaud it might be worth your while joining the trainee section of this forum

I believe a lot of moderators and members have joined up as mentors. They will help apprentices with mundane problems such as this.

 

[Taylortwocities]

@Klaudmjj
With respect to whoever gave you the kit. Thank them but (as you'll see from the title) it is meant for electronics and not electrical installation work.

There is very little in the kit that you could use in your work. Even the cutters will not be insulated to a correct level, the screwdrivers might be OK for watch adjustment, but they, and everything else must be VDE-approved or you are going to zap yourself.

Sorry

 

[Pete999]

I want to talk about the context to this first, I'm in my first year at college studying level 2 electrical installation and for Christmas my family got me a toolkit which had some tools , multimeter and a soldering iron. They didn't really know much about things like that and they wanted it to be a surprise so the quality isn't so good, here is the exact tool kit: ZD-961_Tool Kit_Products_Ningbo Zhongdi Industry & Trade Co., Ltd. - http://www.china-zhongdi.com/product/291.html

Okay so I was messing around with the multimeter, turned it to AC voltage, and measured a socket to see if it works. It did, came up with 233v. Then I wanted to measure the amps in the socket, so I changed it to the 10A max , put the test leads inside and theres a big flash , big boom and black around the black test lead and the socket.
I then look at the multimeter, switch it to "20 DC voltage"and it shows a reading although nothing is plugged in , same for "AC volatage" and "Amps" so far the ohms setting is normal.

Now I think what I did wrong, the AMPS had a DC symbol next to and I tried to measure AC or/and the socket is over 10A.

Is there a way to fix my multimeter, or am I better off getting a new one?

Hi Klaud, and welcome, the tool kit someone has kindly bought you, is not really designed for Electrical installation work, more for an electronic hobbyist.
You would be best advised to speak to the Tutors on your course for advice on what tools someone at your stage of learning will require, there are bespoke tool kits you can but , but do come at some cost, best to build your tool kit up as you go, don't be impatient, and ask for inclusion in the Trainee area, there will others like you just starting out, look at the for sale area, or ebay for bargains, there are some offers to be had, good luck and don't get downhearted, by the simple mistake, learn by it, something like that you wont forget, believe I know, I could do you a deal on my tools, but I'm a tool tart and nobody is having those beauties, not even my Son, at least not until I'm rewiring a crematorium, as I go to meet my maker.

 

[Strima]

and everything else must be VDE-approved or you are going to zap yourself.

Just to be pedantic, if safe isolation is carried out do we need to use insulated tooling?
And if they need to be insulated shouldn't they be to BS EN IEC 60900 rather than an other countries specific VDE?

 

[Taylortwocities]

Just be pedantic - Have you ever tried to tighten the terminal screws on a socket using a watch screwdriver?

 

[static zap]

Just be pedantic - Have you ever tried to tighten the terminal screws on a socket using a watch screwdriver?

The upmarket ones with a Tee bar ?

 

[Taylortwocities]

The upmarket ones with a Tee bar ?

Yes, the torque ones.

 

[Rpa07]

Just to be pedantic, if safe isolation is carried out do we need to use insulated tooling?
And if they need to be insulated shouldn't they be to BS EN IEC 60900 rather than an other countries specific VDE?

Don’t try and start a lengthy debate on New Year’s Eve - sit down and have a Vermouth! Happy New year.

In remembering face palming moments - I remember placing a household thermometer into a pan of boiling water only to find that the water was far hotter than the 37 degree max on the thermometer which exploded over the stove and ceiling. I was just glad it was the Red liquid filling and not the mercury. Anyways I’m still alive but still a bit embarrrassed!

 

[Klaudmjj]

Hi Klaud, and welcome, the tool kit someone has kindly bought you, is not really designed for Electrical installation work, more for an electronic hobbyist.

I do sometimes work on electronics as a hobby , but thank you for the advice , I'll most likely build my tool kit over time and learn from my mistakes.

 

[Pete999]

I do sometimes work on electronics as a hobby , but thank you for the advice , I'll most likely build my tool kit over time and learn from my mistakes.

Good Man

 

[Boing89]

Don’t try and start a lengthy debate on New Year’s Eve - sit down and have a Vermouth! Happy New year.

In remembering face palming moments - I remember placing a household thermometer into a pan of boiling water only to find that the water was far hotter than the 37 degree max on the thermometer which exploded over the stove and ceiling. I was just glad it was the Red liquid filling and not the mercury. Anyways I’m still alive but still a bit embarrrassed!

I remember load testing a 3 phase generator on a different load bank to one I was used to. It seemed to have dropped 2 phases so I set about fault finding and diagnosed the generator voltage regulator. I quickly changed it and asked a mate to operate the load bank while I watched the generator gauges. Everything was fine and my boss came over for a final check. I started the generator and turned the load bank switches. My mate pointed out I’d only operated 1 phase and you had to do them all independently on this loadbank. Right then he realised that I’d created the fault myself through incorrect use of the loadbank (as did I) as my boss congratulated me for a job well done.

My mate just gave me a disgusted look and walked away as I took the praise and never owned up until right now, 15 years later.

 

[telectrix]

my biggest mistake was becoming a spark after turning down the offer of a commission in the RAF, I'd have retired @ 55 with a decent pension.

 

[Rpa07]

my biggest mistake was becoming a spark after turning down the offer of a commission in the RAF, I'd have retired @ 55 with a decent pension.

Ok from now on you will only be known, in my household, as Air Commodore Telectrix!
If you look at it in a positive way - you’d probably be dead and pickled by alcohol by now as you’d be on the ‘good’ stuff that you’d keep in the bottom right drawer of the mahogany desk in your war office!

 

[Boing89]

my biggest mistake was becoming a spark after turning down the offer of a commission in the RAF, I'd have retired @ 55 with a decent pension.

Mate, I’m 40 and retired from the RAF with a pension, don’t sell yourself short. (*disclaimer* pension is not enough to live on unfortunately)

 

[Harry_P]

I want to talk about the context to this first, I'm in my first year at college studying level 2 electrical installation and for Christmas my family got me a toolkit which had some tools , multimeter and a soldering iron. They didn't really know much about things like that and they wanted it to be a surprise so the quality isn't so good, here is the exact tool kit: ZD-961_Tool Kit_Products_Ningbo Zhongdi Industry & Trade Co., Ltd. - http://www.china-zhongdi.com/product/291.html

Okay so I was messing around with the multimeter, turned it to AC voltage, and measured a socket to see if it works. It did, came up with 233v. Then I wanted to measure the amps in the socket, so I changed it to the 10A max , put the test leads inside and theres a big flash , big boom and black around the black test lead and the socket.
I then look at the multimeter, switch it to "20 DC voltage"and it shows a reading although nothing is plugged in , same for "AC volatage" and "Amps" so far the ohms setting is normal.

Now I think what I did wrong, the AMPS had a DC symbol next to and I tried to measure AC or/and the socket is over 10A.

Is there a way to fix my multimeter, or am I better off getting a new one?

You aren't the first to make that mistake so just make sure you learn from it!! What you should learn from this experience is that you need to read and understand the document called GS38.
It really is VITAL reading for all electricians.

 

[Harry_P]

I want to talk about the context to this first, I'm in my first year at college studying level 2 electrical installation and for Christmas my family got me a toolkit which had some tools , multimeter and a soldering iron. They didn't really know much about things like that and they wanted it to be a surprise so the quality isn't so good, here is the exact tool kit: ZD-961_Tool Kit_Products_Ningbo Zhongdi Industry & Trade Co., Ltd. - http://www.china-zhongdi.com/product/291.html

Okay so I was messing around with the multimeter, turned it to AC voltage, and measured a socket to see if it works. It did, came up with 233v. Then I wanted to measure the amps in the socket, so I changed it to the 10A max , put the test leads inside and theres a big flash , big boom and black around the black test lead and the socket.
I then look at the multimeter, switch it to "20 DC voltage"and it shows a reading although nothing is plugged in , same for "AC volatage" and "Amps" so far the ohms setting is normal.

Now I think what I did wrong, the AMPS had a DC symbol next to and I tried to measure AC or/and the socket is over 10A.

Is there a way to fix my multimeter, or am I better off getting a new one?

You aren't the first to make that mistake so just make sure you learn from it!! What you should learn from this experience is that you need to read and understand the document called GS38.
It really is VITAL reading for all electricians.

Just goes to show, you should read the instructions! It would have told you DO NOT connect to mains in that mode.

Have you ever read any electronic instructions that have been translated from Japanese? I doubt Albert Einstein and Steven Hawkins could make sense of them

 

[The Ghost]

Have you ever read any electronic instructions that have been translated from Japanese?

I think when you get any equipment like that in strange english, it is a clue to bin it.

 

[Generator]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned fused leads for multimeters.
I quickly learned about these when I joined the CEGB many years ago, you get some horrendous fault levels in power stations. They can save you from flashovers which cause dreadful burns or even death.
Get some decent leads and a set of fused prods. I know you can't use them when measuring current, but it's the odd occasion when we all forget we're on the Amps range when measuring volts, and of course a fault in a cheap unfused meter.
For the OP's benefit, your mishap was a priceless gift - a free lesson!
When using a meter, always double check the meter setting, and think twice about what you're measuring.
I guess you'll remember that for a long time!

 

[Taylortwocities]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned fused leads for multimeters.

Well…several responders have mentioned the advisability of equipment confirming to GS38.
Can you guess what that means?

 

[Klaudmjj]

Thanks for all the advice really helpful.

 

[Generator]

I guess that means a couple mentioned GS38. I stand by my post - it's as important to stress the right leads as the right instrument and procedure. Instrument fuses don't protect poor leads, or connection mishaps.

 

[Lord lee jan]

Oh dear, that the end of that meter I think. Have you worked out why this has damaged the meter?

I want to talk about the context to this first, I'm in my first year at college studying level 2 electrical installation and for Christmas my family got me a toolkit which had some tools , multimeter and a soldering iron. They didn't really know much about things like that and they wanted it to be a surprise so the quality isn't so good, here is the exact tool kit: ZD-961_Tool Kit_Products_Ningbo Zhongdi Industry & Trade Co., Ltd. - http://www.china-zhongdi.com/product/291.html

Okay so I was messing around with the multimeter, turned it to AC voltage, and measured a socket to see if it works. It did, came up with 233v. Then I wanted to measure the amps in the socket, so I changed it to the 10A max , put the test leads inside and theres a big flash , big boom and black around the black test lead and the socket.
I then look at the multimeter, switch it to "20 DC voltage"and it shows a reading although nothing is plugged in , same for "AC volatage" and "Amps" so far the ohms setting is normal.

Now I think what I did wrong, the AMPS had a DC symbol next to and I tried to measure AC or/and the socket is over 10A.

Is there a way to fix my multimeter, or am I better off getting a new one?

 

[Taylortwocities]

@Klaudmjj

Firstly, Bad news: you have killed your meter. Good news: Christmas is coming, maybe your family will buy you another one.*
Secondly,, before you do this again, read guides on how to use a meter, especially how to measure current. And there are lots of videos on YouTube. When measuring voltage you connect the probes in PARALLEL to the supply as you have done. When measuring current, the meter must go in SERIES with the conductor that you are measuring.
Look at your basic circuit theory that you should have done in the first term. You will see how it is done.
By connecting across the supply and selecting AMPS, you basically pushed 230V into the meter, and it has fried, died.

* When you get your new meter, as mentioned above, get one that complies with GS38. One feature is that the test leads are fused so that, should you make the same mistake again, you'll only have to replace a fuse and not the whole meter.
Also, many cheaper multimeters only provide the ability to measure DC current. Im not sure why you might want to, but should you want to measure mains current you will need a meter that can measure AC current. Most electricians dont do this using a conventional meter as you have to break the circuit to insert a current meter. A clamp meter is much better, and a lot safer, for current measurements.

 

[nicebutdim]

You gave roughly the same advice three years ago ?