How To Use A Multimeter for Home Repairs and Troubleshooting

As an irrigation technician, I use a multimeter everyday in the field when troubleshooting residential sprinkler systems. This is huge for the DIY home owner because it is not cheap for me to make a home visit. I test voltage to make sure each solenoid is getting at least 24V. This is the minimum required to open a valve. Measure the common against the zone that is currently running. Run through each zone and make sure they are all getting required voltage (only the zone currently running should be getting voltage). If a zone won't turn on but it is getting the required voltage you are looking at a problem with the solenoid. Take an Ohms measurement with the timer turned off this time going through each zone. Again, common against each zone wire. You want to see a range of about 23-60 Ohms. If you get an OL reading, you probably have a loose connection in the manifold (Valve box) or a broken line somewhere between your timer and manifold. If the Ohms reading is below the range, Your solenoid should be replaced. Sometimes the issue comes down to the timer malfunctioning and bugging, but with these steps you can get an idea of what to focus on. Hope this helps!

Two minutes into the video, and I already got some IMPORTANT information - don't have a probe in the hot side without a probe in ground or neutral. I did not know that. Thanks!

I studied electrical engineering in college and purchased a Micronta multi-meter back in 1990 when I was in college and I still have it and use it today. I can promise that is the single most used tool in my entire workshop. It's an older style where I need to select the voltage range, etc. but it still works like a champ.

FANTASTIC overview of a practical multimeter. Really appreciated the safety advice of neutral first and then hot lead! 👏. Finally, I just purchased the Klein MM700. This session was like a product user guide! 👍 ❤

HI . I am a DIYer and even though I do not have much basic home electrical knowledge, I still went ahead and bought a Klein 390 multimeter (for simple tests, heater temp. reading),your videos have been a source of refence for me, you explain things thoroughly for us simple homeowners even if they may sound repetitive /boring to seasoned electricians. one thing I would like to see is how to "prevent/avoid damages" to a multimeter ,or " things not to do with your multimeter"

I've been using meters for decades and thought I knew a lot about multi-meters but I never knew about how to check an outlet (which meter lead to put where and what order). Thanks for all our great videos!

OMG, all the times i've probed the sockets not knowing or realizing red first means the black is live!! Thank you, great videos by the way.

Please make sure to wear insulated gloves and short your capacitor with the blade of a screwdriver before you go measuring them. The start capacitors in air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, automotive, etc. can absolutely kill you if you short them with your body. They can hold charge for weeks / months depending on the rating, so this is a MUST DO step. Stay safe.

Every time I look up an electrical video, yours always pop up and are super helpful. Thanks so much for this!

Great run through. I purchased the same model a few years back. Was the most capable meter . In my personal view that Home Depot had at the time. Has worked great for my needs so far.

I so appreciate you creating this video clearly explaining how to use a meter properly and safely. I really have learned so much watching your videos.

Wow, thank you SO MUCH for this detailed information and tutorial on how to use the Klien Multimeter!!! I'm a total rookie homeowner and learning this stuff has helped me to no end. Talk about teaching a person to fish! Thank you!!!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽😄

I don't know how I ended up on your channel, but I'm so happy I did. I'm learning so much and, reviewing your videos, has already answered multiple questions that I've had. Thank you so much for putting your knowledge out here for us. And thank you for showing it straight up without adding any distracting background music.

Glad to see you address capacitance. I gave a full-function DVM to my son-in-law as a thank you gift. He called with a non-functional garage door opener problem. I talked him through a safe test of the starter capacitor. Less than $10 later, all was good. Clearly the $40 meter paid for itself!

What a GREAT Setting by Setting Primer!!! The First one I've ever seen that is so Clean & Straight-Forward. Thank you!

Loved this video! Forgot some of the basics, started in electronics in 1975, great refresher course, Thanks!!!

I just bought a Klein Tools MM700 Multimeter so this video is excellent! It's a great tester and your tips are appreciated! Thank you!

Wow, all these years I’ve been using a multimeter and I was not aware of this danger! Thank you for this video,

Obvious we missed the ground side when placing the probe the first time. Great information. Clear. A little cloudy on the max. voltage setting. All zeros. Thank you very much.

Good info here Scott, this will probe hook up sequence will come in handy when I’m connecting up my trolling motor.