How to use multimeter… Have you ever thought about how to use multi meter to measure DC voltage?
Nowadays, multi meter has become a strong tool. We use it in installation and troubleshooting of electrical/electronic devices or circuit.
In this article, we will guide you through the right steps to measure solar panel Voltage.
However, I urge you to keep reading because we exposed all the vital information here.
HOW TO USE MULTIMETER | DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT
Let me start with my life experience as regards to this topic. There was a time I know nothing about how to use a multi meter. It happened that I was doing all my solar installation on ignorant.
On this faithful day, I installed 6 pieces of 300watt/24 volt solar panels according to the label on those panels. I connected all the panels in parallel hoping that I have made 24 volt system.
But unfortunately, the Solar panel dealers gave a wrong rating to those panels. To cut the long story short, I ended up destroying the solar charge controller with excess voltage from the panels. This made me to learn my lesson in a hard way and I would not wish you such.
Therefore I think it’s a right thing that I present this guide so that you will not experience what I experienced.
Below are five steps on how to use multimeter to measure DC voltage.
5 STEPS TO SOLAR PANEL DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT
- Step 1:
Connect the meter probe as shown on the diagram below.
Connect the red probe to the point labeled V, ohm and mA. Then the black probe to the point labeled COM.
- Step 2:
Rotate the meter knob in such a way that the pointed side is directly facing the voltage range scale. This is shown on the diagram below.
Note: Before you take any measurement with a multi meter. You should know the possible maximum voltage range at which your solar panels can generate.
Let’s say you want to measure voltage across a 24 volt panel. In this case, you should keep your meter knob pointing to 200 volt or 1000 volt range.
Because, the meter voltage range setting must be higher than the terminal voltage you want to measure. Otherwise, the excess voltage will spoil the meter.
- Step 3:
Hold the meter red and black probes on the solar panel positive and negative terminals respectively. Do it as it is shown on the diagram below.
Note: Before you start any measurement with a multi meter. It would be a good practice to avoid touching the metal portion of the probes when you’re measuring voltage. This practice is good for your safety, also for better and a more accurate results.
- Step 4:
Note down any value on the multi meter screen. This value is the terminal voltage your solar panel or solar panel array is generating.
- Step 5:
Rotate the meter knob back to it’s off position as shown on the diagram below.
SUMMARY | HOW TO USE MULTIMETER
In conclusion, this article have highlighted the basic steps you should undergo to measure solar panels terminal voltage.
If you disagree and you think I missed something please let me know in the comments section below and I will see you in the next article thank you bye.
