Multimeter testing

[xirokx]

Hi Guys,

How do you use a multimeter to test if a mains power cable from main socket to back of pc is working ?

Please help

Thanks

 

[Admiral Huddy]

Why not swap it out for a known working one?

Do you think your PSU is dead?

 

[xirokx]

im trying to learn how to use a multimeter

 

[Admiral Huddy]

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/sh...82&highlight=psu+guide+username_Admiral+huddy

At the bottom under "Using Multi-Meters to test your PSU"

I've updated this article since but I'm in the process of updating my website, so it's not available at the moment.

 

[misterPK]

Did it come with a manual? Have you tried looking for one online?

It should be a case of putting it on the "check connection" setting, touching the probes to the right place and waiting for the buzzer to sound.

PK!

 

[xirokx]

so are you saying it is possible to check the power cord using a multimeter?

if yes, I dont know where to touch the red and black probe..

obvisiously the cable needs to be plugged in...

can you use a multimeter to check if a laptop power adaptor is working??

if yes, where do I touch the red and black probe..

it cant be difficult surely..

 

[xirokx]

manual is gibberish tbh cant find one online..

It should be a case of putting it on the "check connection" setting, touching the probes to the right place

bingo...but where?

 

[geuben]

Touch one of the pins with one probe and stick the other probe in one of the holes in the other end of the chord. Try all 3 holes whilst keeping the other probe on the same pin. On one of the hole the indicator should change, indicating a connection between the pin and that hole. Repeat for the other 2 pins, if all 3 pins have a connection to one and only one hole then all is well.

 

[xirokx]

so the actual cable shouldnt be plugged in?

be it a laptop charger or a pc power cable

 

[geuben]

It doesn't have to be. Its probably best that you don't test it while it's plugged in (due to your lack of experience with a multimeter, wouldn't want you to hurt yourself). So long as your just testing the kettle lead and not the transformer on the laptop power lead then the method I said will work.

 

[Prophet]

so the actual cable shouldnt be plugged in?

be it a laptop charger or a pc power cable

No.

You're trying to do a continuity test. Basically to make sure the plug (socket) end and the PC end have a link.

 

[xirokx]

what setting should the multimeter be on?

I have tried it with a mobile phone charger and laptop charger but cant get the meter to give a reading despite knowing both cables work..

surely its not rocket science..

 

[geuben]

either continuity test or a resistance test. Can you find a picture of your multimeter online so we can see it.

 

[xirokx]

here it is exactly

I need to know where to touch the red and black probe and what setting the meter should be on?

thanks

I got it to work on a AA battery and a canon battery

 

[Prophet]

IME its usually the setting at the 6 o'clock position on the meter. If not look for an ->| type of symbol.

 

[geuben]

Same as mine, the one on its own, just before 6 oclock

 

[Prophet]

here it is exactly

I need to know where to touch the red and black probe and what setting the meter should be on?

thanks

I got it to work on a AA battery and a canon battery

5:25 on the clock.

I was so close lol.

 

[MikeHunt79]

Do a resistance test, don't plug it up to the mains and see if it's 240v as this is dangerous!

 

[xirokx]

i dont get it...

5.25 on the meter, what setting is that? 10a, HFE, or a side ways triangle???

what color probe should I use to touch the part that enters the mobile phone? which color should I touch the plug with?

pls clarify..

I appreciate its this / that test but I am a total noob so please spell it out for me..

thanks

 

[geuben]

the sideways triangle, and it doesn't matter which probe you use on which part.