How to Use a Multimeter

Do you have an electrical project coming up that requires you to use a multimeter? A multimeter is used to measure electricity in different areas. You can use it to check for voltage and electricity in a wall outlet, for example. Here are a few details that will help you to understand how a multimeter is used in electrical work.

Measure Voltage

One of the most common uses of a multimeter is to measure voltage, like AC voltage. To do so, you’ll need to make sure your multimeter is working, and change it to the AC mode. Your multimeter will have two cords, or “probes” that you’ll use to check for voltage, a red probe and a black probe. You’ll connect these probes to the common jack and the AC jack on the multimeter. Then, you’ll connect the other ends of the probe to the neutral and hot slots of the plug (The hot slot is the wider or longer plug slot). You’ll then get a reading for your voltage at that particular outlet. This can be useful to you in many different electrical tasks because it will help you to detect electrical voltage and figure out the source of any issue that you’re experiencing.

Verify Continuity

A multimeter will also help you to verify continuity, which verifies the connection between two electrical items. If the items are properly connected, the electrical current will be able to flow without any issues, with perfect continuity. If you’re testing a certain electrical element and noticing that there are some issues in the continuity, the current won’t be flowing consistently. This will indicate that you might need to repair or replace wiring, the breaker, or a fuse, among other things. To test for continuity, shut down any electrical current by unplugging or turning off the item. Then turn the multimeter to continuity mode, attach the probes, and press them together to check if there is any current and continuity.

Check for Resistance

Another important use of a multimeter is to check for and measure resistance. This is especially important if you know that you’ll be repairing old electrical equipment in a house or property. You’ll need to make sure that the resistors have sufficient power for their important functions. If you’re testing resistors as you’re working on electrical repairs, follow these steps. First, disconnect and unplug the element that you’re testing so there isn’t any electrical current. Then, set the multimeter to the OHM function. Plug the probes into the common and DC voltage jacks and touch the end of the probes to both sides of the electrical piece. This will help you to get an accurate reading of the resistors.

How to Install Outdoor Lighting

Now that the weather is warming up, homeowners are starting to spend more time outside relaxing with their families and hosting summer parties. As an electrician, this means they’ll also want you to install their outdoor lighting to set the perfect mood. Here are a few tips that will help you to know how to install outdoor lighting for different projects.

Outlets and Switches

First of all, one of the most common requests that you might have for outdoor electrical work is the installation of outdoor outlets and light switches. This is a pretty basic need for homeowners when it comes to lighting up their backyard, porch, or front yard. It is good to have this type of task mastered since it will likely come up a lot. Homeowners need outlets to plug in all sorts of outdoor appliances for their summer parties, and light switches will make outdoor lighting easy. Outdoor outlets and light switches usually have waterproof covers that protect the outlet from exposure to water which could cause electrocution. When you’re installing an outdoor outlet, remember to plan a location that can be wired easily, and to turn off the power. If you’re going to place an outdoor outlet parallel to an indoor outlet, remove the indoor outlet and drill through to the exterior. This will then allow you to cut out the space for the outlet and mount the outdoor outlet box. Run the cable through the indoor electrical box and hook it up to the electrical box. Match up the wires correctly, push it carefully into the box, and screw the mounting tabs and cover the gasket securely. Then, make sure to test your outlet to see that it works!

Landscape Lighting

If a homeowner has requested that you install some landscape lighting to highlight their trees, plants, or yard, you have a couple of options. If their landscape is far from their house and will be difficult to wire, opt for battery powered lighting that can be inserted into the ground. Some of these wireless lights can even be solar powered. If the lights are going to be located close enough to the house to be wired, you’ll likely have to dig some small trenches to bury the wiring in the ground. Just make sure to leave some wire unburied at the end so you can make necessary adjustments once you have connected it to your transformer and main systems.

Motion Sensor Lighting

Some homeowners like to have motion sensor lighting around their home because it can brighten up the exterior when necessary, like when their kids are running around playing outside at night time. Most motion sensor lights are installed directly onto the side of the house, so you can use the wiring that already exists within the walls. Simply locate the wiring, choose the optimal lighting location, and drill to run new wires through or connect to existing wires.

Decorative Lighting

Exterior decorative lighting can add a great finishing touch to any home. Similar to motion sensor lighting, most decorative lighting, like lanterns or pendants, are mounted directly onto the home. You can follow similar steps to access the internal wiring and install exterior decorative lighting. If the homeowner that you’re working for wants to add some temporary decorative lighting, such as string lights, you’ll just want to make sure that you have access to a waterproof exterior outlet. Use the previous steps to install one if you don’t have one at the optimal location. Then you’ll be able to easily plug and unplug the string lights when needed.

Next time you have a project requested to install some outdoor lighting, remember to keep this article in mind. From outdoor outlets and switches to landscape lighting to motion sensor lighting to decorative lighting, there are all sorts of electrical needs that you’ll be able to help out with. If you know how to successfully complete these types of outdoor projects, you’ll keep your customers happy and asking for more.

Do you need some outdoor lighting supplies for your next project? Click here to shop all the supplies you’ll need from Big Electric Supply.