Electrical – How to read the position of the decimal point with this multimeter

currentcurrent measurementmultimeter

Note (edit): This cheap multimeter has a bad serigraphy, confirmed by comments of other buyers. The top range should probably be 200 µA.

I rarely use my multimeter in current mode (I usually it in voltage mode), but here I did a measurement:

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I understand that the current is probably 220 mA (thus 0.22) but what is the signification of 02.2 (see the 3rd picture)? Which unit is it using to write 02.2?

If the unit when used in 200mA mode is 1=100mA (which I could understand), why wouldn't it be 1=10mA in 20mA mode (then it should display 022. in 20mA mode)?

Best Answer

Look at the number next to the pointer, if all the digit positions are filled that would be the maximum reading on the display.

The decimal marks the boundary between one thousand multiplier an the next, betweem mA and uA or between A and mA

I understand that the current is probably 220 mA (thus 0.22) but what is the signification of 02.2 (see the 3rd picture)? Which unit is it using to write 02.2?

The readings are 0, 220uA 2.2mA 220mA

But most of them are probably wrong, be aware that only the 10A range uses the 10A socket, by turning the knob you can provoke different displays, but they are not useful measurments.

For a Yamaha synthesiser from 1990 operating from 9V DC, 220mA sounds reasonable, and assuming the leads are connected to "10A" and "common" it would be the correct reading.

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