How do you use a multimeter to test a leads resistance? July 7, 2009
I just bought a multimeter, when trying to test a leads resistance I find that the number just jumps around and I can’t get any sort of accurate answer. Is there a certain way to do this?
How are you making contacts with the ends of the leads? If, for example, the ends of the leads are partially oxidised, then you have to scrape the lead to get a more stable value. The same applies to prodding a multistranded lead with a pointed probe. In any case, the average multimeter is not the best device for measuring very low resistances
Make sure you are making good contact. Poor contact is why the reading is jumping around.
But the leads measure about 0.01 ohms, and your multimeter can’t measure that low anyway.
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Measure Voltage across the lead and Current flow through it.
R=E/I
This is also how you measure the internal resistance of the
meter. With the Meter itself used for the Current measurement.