Why A Digital Multimeter Is An Indispensible Tool In Your Household


Some decades back most probably only electronic technicians or engineers used multimeter. But nowadays Digital Multimeter is a very handy testing device and it’s supposed to be in the tool box of any person.

The multimeter is wonderful tool for testing the operational status of any electronic device or wiring connection. There are two kinds of multimeter available in the market the, one is analog while the other is digital.

In digital multimeter, the exact value is displayed in numbers while in analog multimeter a needle point out the value over a range. Sometimes you might wonder why the light didn’t glow when you switched it on.

There might be some reason; the light bulb may be fused or the lamp cord may be shorted or the lamp itself may be damaged. This is one such example where multimeter can be used to determine the cause of a malfunctioning device.

Out of many useful functions of multimeter, resistance, or continuity test is a good parameter of determining a device condition. As a safety precaution to avoid any eclectic shock it’s advised to never ever use continuity test function on a device that is powered on at the very moment.

It should be checked that the device is not plugged in to any power source and if so unplug it. Once unplugged, you should set the multimeter to resistance (Ohms) mode. To check the readiness of multimeter, you should touch the two test probes together (the red one set for “positive” and the black one for “negative”).

The multimeter should display zero indicating that your multimeter is ready to test devices. A zero resistance means that the device’s circuits have continuity and the device has a closed circuit capable of conducting current. So for your first simple test, get your light bulb by removing it from lamp socket.

Now connect one probe to the bottom of the bulb by touching it while connect other probe to the threaded side of the bulb. If the multimeter displays a zero resistance, the bulb passes continuity test and it is in good working condition.

If it doesn’t indicate zero that is continuity, then the circuit is broken down and current can’t flow through may be due to a broken filament. With the same method of simply connecting the two ends of electrical cord, its condition can also be checked.

If the test doesn’t show continuity, then the circuit is broken and certainly the cord is damaged. It should always be remembered not to test continuity on any cord or device which is powered on. As a basic rule always disconnect any power or current source before performing test.

To test switch, connect the probe pin on each side (pole) of the switch. Now turn the switch position to power on and you will notice that multimeter reading changes from zero to infinity. If it doesn’t show infinity, them the switch is damaged.

Similar test can be performed on a Photovoltaic solar cell to test its condition. By touching the probe on each of the tabs on the cell, the continuity and thus working condition of the cell can be tested. If multimeter shows zero resistance, then there may a problem and you’ll need to start trouble shooting.

So after going through the manual and instructions of digital multimeter, you can perform more complex and detailed electrical tests. A multimeter can also measure the ampere and voltage of any alternating current (AC that is household current) or direct current (DC or battery current) in a live circuit.

Normally a multimeter can test 120 volts AC current in a home circuit. Multimeter can also be used to check the strength of DC batteries. With the time you will learn how to properly use a basic multimeter and someday you will definitely feel delighted to be able to determine the reason of malfunctioning of your day to day appliances.

The Good And The Bad Of A Home Solar Off Grid System




If you have a plan to be using solar energy and be away from the power grid, it is very important for you to know well the pros and cons of the grid system. The grid system which is in off mode also called standalone power system is when there is sufficient electricity produced at home through other means like gas generators to fulfill the demand and it does not require to be connected or be dependent on the main power grid.

This system takes you further by being green in terms of electricity, it does not matter whether you choose to connect your electric generating system to main grid or not. From the point of efficiency these are considered the second most effective for some of the families who have either to cut their electricity usage or build a system which gives them sufficient electricity to meet their demands.

However for those who are single or simply a couple, you can meet your electricity with average sized system. We need to learn about the pros and cons off grid systems, the most important ones are:-

The Good

1) It is definitely a cheaper solution to reduce your home electricity consumption if you reside in an area where the cost is very high to get connected to the main grid.

2) No more energy bills to pay at the end of the month.

3) You do not have to ask any permission or seek approvals from the energy authorities anymore.

4) The set up and the maintenance costs are very less as compared a home solar with grid system with battery backup.

5) Off grid system would inspire people in your home to make efficient use of electricity and also develop healthy habits among the children.

The Bad

1) The supply of the power may be limited, unless you have large Photovoltaic (PV) system to produce enough power to meet your demands.

2) This has total dependence on the weather conditions. The insufficient number of solar panels to capture the during dull sunlight days or not having enough wind spreads to run your wind turbines may give you difficult times.

3) The battery storage life may be short in an off grid system, since these are the prime source of storage. Different seasons will also affect the efficiency especially for those houses which are located there. For the people who live in an area where generous amounts of sunlight are available round the year, they will have peace of mind.

The houses which are located in the areas where there are different seasons are greatly affected. Off grid system also helps you to help the planet by reducing carbon footprint; additionally you can save lot of money which otherwise you would spend on electricity companies.

The energy costs are increasing day by day, this also has an adverse effect on the planet, we must explore other sources of energy which is clean, renewable and is abundantly available. There is lot of power being generated by other means such as wind energy, geothermal etc. Such initiatives need to be encouraged so that people use these alternate energy sources by investing minimum amount to save the energy costs and also contribute to the welfare of our planet.

Taking Advantage Of Used Solar Panels For Home DIY Solar System




Using Photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate electricity for your home is a very smart choice. On the other-hand a secondhand solar panel is also a reasonably smart choice for residential alternative energy. It is cost efficient, inexpensive, better yet it can easily be purchased locally at a fair and reasonable price.

Knowing how the market works, the costs, availability and the quality are key factors to obtaining your solar panel today. The best route to start is to contact local manufacturers or perhaps a company that specializes in solar power.

It is not unreasonable to purchase used panels these days, as solar power consumers tend to exchange their used panels when they’ve decided to upgrade, to such things like solar roof tiles, and various other renewable energy placements and equipment.

Generally, it is a wise decision to contact different solar based companies to discover whether or not they sell used panels, as well as if they have any used panels up for grabs and ready to be sold. Those specializing in solar energy equipment are extremely helpful and will, in most cases assist consumers interested in solar energy, used or not, therefore it is a good idea to ask for assistance if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, or have other questions.

Informing said solar energy specialist what you plan on using your panel with is almost a mandatory task, this will allow them to pick out the right product for what you need done. Of course before all this, you’d need to actually locate a solar energy professional. There are many ways to go about this, i.e. newspapers, magazines, as well as websites, such as Craigslist.

There is a chance of obtaining free recyclable panels, it would require some time, patient and attentiveness in hunting for said item. The reasoning behind why free panels exist is simple, most companies, or persons have little problem with giving away for free in order to clear out space in a warehouse, or just out of their garage.

At worst, you could still get panels for a fraction of their original cost. Unfortunately, attentiveness is required, you have to keep your eyes out and spend some portion of time hunting these deals down.

There are some things you need to check when you do manage to get a hold of your Photovoltaic (PV) panel. When you are able to find a secondhand solar panel, you must observe a few things to discern whether or not it will be of any use to you, or not, in some cases.

Examine the energy yield of the panel by using a multi-meter in sunlight. You’ll also have to ascertain the age of the panel in order to make sure it’ll last as long as you’d need it to.

On the other-hand, even if a panel is old, it can still work perfectly fine assuming it was well-maintained. Still, despite this, examine the panel for such things as burn markings as well as cracks in the glass because these are sure signs of a faulty panel that cannot be repaired easily.

Now, in a case where you’re not able to inspect the panel in person, ask the seller for some photographs of the panel, preferably in conjunction with a multi-meter so you’re able to ascertain the energy yield of the panel. It wouldn’t be a good thing to receive a panel that doesn’t work after all. A cost-effective means of energy could be yours, for an ample price, or even free.

When switching to solar energy, make sure to do your research and hunt around a little and you’ll surely be able to go green and still have some green left in your wallet afterwards.

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