Fuses and Multimeters

Today will be talking about using the multimeter's to test fuses. first of all what are fuses?
well fuses are really just wires that are designed not to last, but their purpose is to prevent damage to more valuable electrical equipment or prevent fires (especially in homes) caused by power surges. If too much power runs through the fuse, it will "burn out," literally, and break the circuit.testing fuses is the most simplest way to examine what is going on in the electrical systems of your car or home, and for that reason it is a vital skill to possess. It is easier to test fuses than it is to test other electrical equipment.

· now we will see how to test fuses by using these three simple steps.




step 1.Turn the device off first and Remove power.
step 2.Remove the fuse from the device. Make sure it is turned off before the fuse is removed.








step 3. Turn the meter on and set it. You can rotate the selector to Ω, or OHMS. This will measure resistance. Before you test the fuse, put the positive and negative leads together and look at the reading. The number it provides should be close to the one you see when you test the fuse.you can test the flow of current by setting the meter to the symbol that looks like an arrow travelling along a line.
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step 4. Put one lead on each end of the fuse and look at the display. Because the fuse is little more than a single wire and no complex parts to worry about it does not matter which side receives the positive or negative lead.










step 5
· And the last step is test the fuse when using the multimeter to measure ohms, the reading should match (or nearly match) the one provided when you touched the two leads. If the fuse is blown, it will not read anything at all, or the meter will display O.L. depending on the brand and type of meter you are using. make sure to set it to measure continuity, the meter should beep continuously as you hold the leads to the ends of the fuse. That means the circuit is complete. If it does not do so, the fuse is blown.

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please note that if the fuse is indeed soldered into a circuit you will have to remove it by DE soldering don't forcefully remove it this can cause it to loose its legs.










As i have stated in previous posts or will be stating now is that fuses are can be tested by anyone of their legs.