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Testing lighbulb using multimeter

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    #1

    Testing lighbulb using multimeter

    Hi Experts

    I have got DIGITECH Cat: QM-1536 Multimeter bought around $80 from

    http://www.jaycar.com/splash.html

    Tried to test two types of bulbs to check if it is burned out or not ?

    The first type Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) similar to one in the link below :

    http://www.ehow.com/facts_6019356_en..._-mercury.html

    The second one typical incandescent bulb ( I guess it is called light bulb) the one similar in the link below :

    http://www.ehow.com/how_7526571_test...ity-meter.html


    When I did the test I followed the instruction in the links below :

    http://www.ehow.com/how_5193668_chec...ight-bulb.html

    http://www.ehow.com/how_7526571_test...ity-meter.html

    My digital multimeter wouldn't be able to read resistance nor continuity,,,,,I couldn't figure out where is the problem !!!!!

    Thanks
    Tags: None
    #2
    Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

    Why Bother? Just screw it into another fixture that you know is working. Then you will know if its good or not.

    Comment

      #3
      Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

      Can't measure a CFL lightbulb from outside.

      There's electronic circuits inside it that generate an impulse of around 700v to start the whole process... so basically the two "terminals" you have access to from outside (the metal screw and the metal tip of the bulb) end up connected to some electronic parts and then other things inside may be broken or not.

      The regular light bulb is basically a wire under inert gases ... when electricity passes through it it heats up until it becomes incandescent. If the wire is continuous the bulb is good, so set the meter on continuity and touch the terminals of the bulb.

      From the picture I see on google, you have to set the meter on resistance (ohm) and then press a button to switch between modes (resitance, diode, continuity). When set on continuity the meter should beep if it has a beeper.

      This is what's inside a CFL lamp, the red wires go to the outside terminals, all the way on the other side the tubes are connected to the small board:



      The large green capacitors are often the reason why the lamps stop lightning up - no way to test those from outside the lamp.
      Attached Files

      Comment

        #4
        Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

        Originally posted by zillah View Post
        The second one typical incandescent bulb ( I guess it is called light bulb) the one similar in the link below :

        My digital multimeter wouldn't be able to read resistance nor continuity,,,,,I couldn't figure out where is the problem !!!!!
        You should get an ohms reading for the above bulb. A good bulb might read less than 25 ohms.
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          #5
          Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

          Thanks retiredcaps
          You should get an ohms reading for the above bulb. A good bulb might read less than 25 ohms.
          I did but still I wasn't able to read ohms
          My digital multimeter wouldn't be able to read resistance nor continuity,,,,,I couldn't figure out where is the problem !!!!!
          Last edited by zillah; 03-03-2012, 09:11 PM.

          Comment

            #6
            Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

            Can't measure a CFL lightbulb from outside.
            Noted. Thanks for that

            so set the meter on continuity and touch the terminals of the bulb.
            I did and it didn't work as well

            Note: Just for my knowledge.
            You said terminal of the bulb do you mean the two terminals when we have a pin type lightbulb and I guess we should touch one probe from the multimeter to the very bottom center of the light bulb and touch the remaining probe from the multimeter to the side of the light bulb base if you we a screw type lightbulb

            Read more: How to Test a Light Bulb's Continuity With a Meter | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7526571_test...#ixzz1o7B4Q3Fx
            or you meant one terminal and
            My digital multimeter wouldn't be able to read resistance nor continuity,,,,,I couldn't figure out where is the problem !!!!!
            Cheers
            Last edited by zillah; 03-03-2012, 09:24 PM.

            Comment

              #7
              Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

              Why Bother? Just screw it into another fixture that you know is working. Then you will know if its good or not.
              Yes you are right this is an easy option but i tried to use technology and enjoy its benefit.
              Regards

              Comment

                #8
                Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                1) Put your multimeter on ohms. Touch your two probes together. What reading do you get?

                2) Take a known good bulb. Put one probe at the tip of the bulb. Put the other probe anywhere on the screw threads. What reading do you get?
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                  #9
                  Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                  Put your multimeter on ohms. Touch your two probes together. What reading do you get?
                  the reading flips between many values from ohms to Kilo ohms to Mega ohms, is this what suppose to be ?

                  Take a known good bulb
                  Yes

                  Put one probe at the tip of the bulb. Put the other probe anywhere on the screw threads.
                  I did , reading is 0.L Mega Ohms,,,,,,,,,,,,,I used pin (Bayonet type is push-turn) light bulb not screw type

                  Thanks
                  Last edited by zillah; 03-03-2012, 10:15 PM.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                    Originally posted by zillah View Post
                    the reading flips between many values from ohms to Kilo ohms to Mega ohms, is this what suppose to be ?
                    On a working multimeter, it should be around 0.3 ohms. Either your probes or bad or your multimeter is not functioning properly. Try reseating your probes into the multimeter.

                    As another test, try measuring a standard AA battery. A fresh ununsed battery should measure more than 1.5V DC.
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                      #11
                      Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                      On a working multimeter, it should be around 0.3 ohms. Either your probes or bad or your multimeter is not functioning properly. Try reseating your probes into the multimeter.
                      Reset multimeter fixed the issue now reading 0.3 and 0.4.

                      For known working lightbulb still it was reading 0.L Mega Ohms,,,,,,,,,,,,,I used pin (Bayonet type is push-turn) light bulb not screw type

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                        Originally posted by zillah View Post
                        Reset multimeter fixed the issue now reading 0.3 and 0.4.
                        I noticed that your multimeter has a reset button. I have never seen that function before on a multimeter.

                        0.3 to 0.4 ohms indicate good probes and that your multimeter is working properly.

                        For known working lightbulb still it was reading 0.L Mega Ohms,,,,,,,,,,,,,I used pin (Bayonet type is push-turn) light bulb not screw type
                        Sorry, I'm not familiar with that style of bulb. I have a few screw types and they all measure around 20 to 30 ohms.
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                          #13
                          Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                          Sorry, I'm not familiar with that style of bulb. I have a few screw types and they all measure around 20 to 30 ohms.
                          Okay I am going to buy a one that you are familiar with it and let us see how it goes with reading.
                          Right now I don't have a car handy to drive to any place to get that, hopefully withing 3 hours I will reply you with the outcome.

                          Regards

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                            Originally posted by zillah View Post
                            Okay I am going to buy a one that you are familiar with it and let us see how it goes with reading.
                            Why buy a bulb that you don't need?

                            There are lots of things around the house that you can measure. If you have an old motherboard or any piece of old electronics gear, there are plenty of resistors to measure.
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                              #15
                              Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                              Multimeter tutorial at (less than 5 minutes)

                              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF3OyQ3HwfU
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                                #16
                                Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                                BTW, if you are in Australia, your fellow Aussie, Dave Jones, has a video blog called eevblog.com where he talks about multimeters a LOT. He has shootouts, beginners guide to buying a multimeter, teardowns, etc. Well worth the time if you want to find out more about electronics.

                                http://www.eevblog.com/episodes/

                                I'm guessing Australia due to the Jaycar reference in post #1.
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                                  #17
                                  Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                                  BTW, if you are in Australia
                                  Yes I am in Australia

                                  I'm guessing Australia due to the Jaycar reference in post #1.
                                  By the way JayCar is USA and Canada and NZ and UK and AUS,,,,not only in Australia

                                  Regards

                                  Comment

                                    #18
                                    Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                                    Originally posted by zillah View Post
                                    By the way JayCar is USA and Canada and NZ and UK and AUS,,,,not only in Australia
                                    If I go to jaycar.com and click on Canada, it takes me to an .au site. In addition, if I go to stores there is nothing listed for Canada. Jaycar may have a website in Canadian pricing, but that is all I can see.
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                                      #19
                                      Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                                      If I go to jaycar.com and click on Canada, it takes me to an .au site. In addition, if I go to stores there is nothing listed for Canada. Jaycar may have a website in Canadian pricing, but that is all I can see.
                                      Yes you are right.

                                      Comment

                                        #20
                                        Re: Testing lighbulb using multimeter

                                        Is your multimeter auto-ranging?
                                        "Tantalum for the brave, Solid Aluminium for the wise, Wet Electrolytic for the adventurous"
                                        -David VanHorn

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