I’m trying to test some switches going by a book and I have a multimeter that labels the ohms as 200, 2000, 20k, 200k, and 2000k. If i’m told to set my meter to Rx1 where do i set it? and also for Rx100? Thanks
Actually what i am testing are parts of my electric dryer (timer switch, heat switch etc) and the book gives specific readings on some like to have a reading of say 5-25 ohms on the heat coils. So i need it to be able to show me in the right ohm ranges.
4 Answers
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Strangely enough, using a (especially a digital) multimeter to test switches can be very misleading due to the tiny currents the meter requires.
A closed mains switch can show continuity, but under working voltages and currents, they can still be effectively open circuit.
The 5- 25 ohms for a heater coil is an unusually wide range, did you read that right? A resistance of 25 ohms means 484 watts at 110V. But 5 ohms means 2420 watts. Not likely.
Neglecting all the above, the lowest 200 ohm range will do anything you wish. Switches should all read 0 ohms when closed, be suspicious if some read 0, but others read even slightly higher.
The better way would be read voltages across switches with the dryer live, but then danger comes into it…?
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RE:
How to tell the equivalent of Rx1, Rx100 on a multimeter?
I’m trying to test some switches going by a book and I have a multimeter that labels the ohms as 200, 2000, 20k, 200k, and 2000k. If i’m told to set my meter to Rx1 where do i set it? and also for Rx100? Thanks
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The Ohmmeter reads from right to left. That is full scale deflection represents zero Ohms in all positions of your switch. A very small deflection to the highest number (highest numbers will be on the left of the resistance scale) on the resistance scale represents 200 Ohms, 2k Ohms, 20k Ohms, 200k Ohms or 2000k ohms depending on which position the multiplier switch is in.
The 200 position is the equivalent Rx1 multiplier position.
The 20k is the equivalent Rx100 multiplier position.
In response to your Additional details: The most accurate reading of a resistance in the 5 to 25 Ohm range would be obtained using the (Rx1) 200 Ohm position on your multimeter.
Refer to your multimeter manuel and calibrate the meter accordingly before you measure a resistance that has a specified range of resistance or any where else that accuracy is important.
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If you want to measure about 25 ohms, use the 200 ohms scale, it will read from 0 to 200 ohms.
the 2000 ohms scale reads from 0 to 2000 ohms.
the 20k ohms scale reads from 0 to 20k ohms, or 20000 ohms
the 200k ohms scale reads from 0 to 200k ohms, or 200000 ohms
the 2000k ohms scale reads from 0 to 2000k ohms, or 2 M ohms or 2000000 ohms.
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