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How to Use a Gardner Bender GDT-3200 Multimeter

Electrical devices consist of circuits which have components such as resistors, capacitors and inductors. Electrical devices inevitably fail, and when this occurs it can be useful to have a means to fault test. A Gardner Bender GDT-3200 multimeter is a small portable device that can be used to test electrical appliances. It consists of a main unit and two measurement probes. It is capable of measuring AC voltage, DC voltage, current, resistance and electrical continuity.

Instructions

- 1
  Plug the measurements leads into the multimeter. Two leads are supplied. Plug the red lead into the positive terminal and the black lead into the negative (COM) terminal.
- 2
  Switch on the multimeter by rotating the dial on the front clockwise. Select the function that is required. There is a choice between AC voltage, DC voltage, resistance and continuity.
- 3
  Select the measurement range. Within the DC voltage and resistance selections there are range settings. If the measurement range is known, select it by rotating the dial on the from to the correct position. If the measurement range is not known, select the highest measurement range.
- 4
  Bring the metallic ends of the measurement probes into contact with the electrical component that is being tested. The display should change to the measured value. Voltage is measured in Volts, current is measured in Amps, and resistance is measured in Ohms. If the continuity function is being used, an audible beep will signify positive electrical continuity.
- 5
  Switch off the multimeter. If left on and idle for more than a few minutes, the multimeter will switch itself off.

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