Translations:Multimeters/21/en

These are the most common and economical multimeters on the market. For a low price they can perform many different functions and, if it is a decent brand, should be fairly accurate. These multimeters rely on probes to take all of measurements. These types of multimeters have at least three different ports and the probes must be rearranged depending upon the measurement. Taking voltage and current measurements - as seen in the diagram - always require the moving of the red probe to a different port as these two measurements use different circuits. As the multimeter measures current using probes, any current that is measured must pass through it, which is often limited to 10-15 A. There is an internal fuse that will be destroyed if one attempts to pass current in excess of its rated value through the multimeter. This means that one cannot take current measurements of circuits for which the maximum amount of current is not known. Nor can one take measurements of a source that can supply high amounts of current - like an outlet or a battery - as the multimeter simply provides a low resistance path for the current to pass through. If measuring currents near or in excess of 10A may be required, then it is necessary to get a clamp meter.