Multimeter Symbols

Question 1

Answer 1

The Hold Button

Usually located in the top left hand corner of multimeters, this button locks your meter reading/measurement into place after you’ve taken it.

Question 2

Answer 2

AC Voltage

This multimeter symbol is identified as a capital “V” with a wavy line above it, that looks a bit like the accent mark in the Spanish language.

Question 3

Answer 3

Shift:Hertz

This is usually the shifted reading above the AC Voltage option, marked “Hz.” This multimeter symbol will tell you your circuit’s or equiptment’s frequency.

Question 4

Answer 4

DC Voltage

This button is also a capital “V,” and it has three hyphens (—) above it, then a straight line on top of that. It kind of looks like a V with a road marking on top of it!

Question 5

Answer 5

Continuity

This button looks like a bunch of closed-end parenthesis in a row, like the symbol that indicates sound.

Question 6

Answer 6

Direct Current

It looks like an “A” with the “road” on top of it. Three hyphens (—) with a single line on top of them.

Question 7

Answer 7

Current Jack

This is a red jack with an “A” above it. This should only be used to measure currents with clamp attachments, or with a red lead.

Question 8

Answer 8

Common Jack

This is the black jack with “COM” above it, usually located in the center between two black jacks. It is compatible with all measurements, but should only be used with black test leads.

Question 9

Answer 9

Brightness Indicator

Just like on an iPhone, this is the button that will let you darken or lighten the screen, making it easier to read if you’re taking measurements outdoors.

Question 10

Answer 10

Range Button

This button is usually found across the top of your multimeter, and has a “Lo/Hi” symbol above it. This will help you “click through” different meter ranges.

Question 11

Answer 11

AC Millivolts

This one is an “mV” with a wavy line on top of the V. It is used to test smaller circuits using AC Voltage which are especially low.

Question 12

Answer 12

This is usually right next to the AC Millivolts button. It is another “road” symbol - three hyphens with a straight line over them, it has the exact same function as AC Millivolts, but uses DC Voltage.

Question 13

Answer 13

Ohms

This looks like an Omega letter, and it helps you get the most accurate resistance reading possible. This button can also help you to figure out whether or not a fuse has blown.

Question 14

Answer 14

Diode Test

This has an arrow pointing to the right, with a plus sign right next to it. This tells you if you’re dealing with good or bad diodes.

Question 15

Answer 15

Shift Capacitance

This is usually the shift option on your Diode Test button and looks like two “T” letters facing each other. This measures your capacitance.

Question 16

Answer 16

Alternating Current

This button is a capital “A” with a wavy line above it (again, think about accent marks in Spanish.)

Question 17

Answer 17

Red Jack

This is the other red jack, usually on the right hand side of your multimeter. It will have a variety of symbols of measurement above it. There’s a reason for this!