Multimeter problem

[quiggy]

I don't know if this is in the correct place but it made sense to post here.

Earlier I was testing a DVD player, was testing for mains coming in and wasn't reading anything, so I unplugged the cable and put the probes into the white plug that connects to the power supply inside the DVD player. When I plugged it in my multimeter read 1000volts which I think was its max, buzzed and popped.

How can mains burn out my multimeter? has this happened to anyone else?

[budm]

Re: Multimeter problem

Was the meter set to ACV? Can we see the pictures of the damaged meter?

[quiggy]

Re: Multimeter problem

Yeah, I had it set to AC and 1000 volts, I can get a picture sorted for tomorrow. The meter still comes on but the display is flickering and it shows random readings, continuity test also does nothing, it used to have an audible sound but not any longer.

[stj]

Re: Multimeter problem

open it and look for burn marks.

[quiggy]

Re: Multimeter problem

I had it open earlier, I didn't see any visible damage, anyway I'll post pictures later.

[retiredcaps]

Re: Multimeter problem

I had it open earlier, I didn't see any visible damage, anyway I'll post pictures later.

If it is a name brand good quality meter, there is a possibility that the front end input protection did its job and saved you and meter from harm.

Testing the input protection components is fairly easy with another working meter and replacement parts can be found.

Good clear focused pictures of the make, model and pcb (both sides) will help.

Dave Jones did a video on input multimeter protection.

http://www.eevblog.com/2012/10/19/ee...tion-tutorial/

[quiggy]

Re: Multimeter problem

Pictures of my meter, i can get close ups if needed

[vinceroger69]

Re: Multimeter problem

looks like you had it on dc volts then but was testing ac volts acording to ur post 1 maybe the white fuse has blown have you got a spare multi meter you can borrow to test the fuse.your post 3 says you had it on ac 1000v but looks like ac volts goes to 700 volts did you have it on ac symbol?

[stj]

Re: Multimeter problem

the coil between the fuses looks cooked, the diodes near the probe sockets need a better look.
the tiny resistor or whatever it is to the right of the rotary wsitch looks fucked,
and i think that's a low battery warning on the display.

[budm]

Re: Multimeter problem

I would check D1~D4.
Wht position of the selector switch was it in when you were trying to measure the AC line?

[quiggy]

Re: Multimeter problem

Looking at it now it was probably an oversight on my part with 1000v dc and 700ac being 1 click away from each other. So totally my fault lol

[vinceroger69]

Re: Multimeter problem

Looking at it now it was probably an oversight on my part with 1000v dc and 700ac being 1 click away from each other. So totally my fault lol

Yes ive been there done that myself with my first ever multi meter ive learnt to double check now.

[quiggy]

Re: Multimeter problem

Feel like quite the idiot. Ill replace the meter rather than attempt repairs, it was pretty old anyway

[stj]

Re: Multimeter problem

i prefer Auto-Ranging meters, far less to fuckup on those.

[vinceroger69]

Re: Multimeter problem

i prefer Auto-Ranging meters, far less to fuckup on those.

Yes thats what i got after my misshap i still have a manual range one too though.

[R_J]

Re: Multimeter problem

Is it possible you had the probes pluged into the amp (A) or(10A) instead of the voltage (V Ω) when you measured the Voltage, that would do it.

[budm]

Re: Multimeter problem

Auto range is not going to solve the AC/DC wrong setting. He was 1000VDC and still blew up by 230VAC (648V P-P).

[retiredcaps]

Re: Multimeter problem

Feel like quite the idiot. Ill replace the meter rather than attempt repairs, it was pretty old anyway

Good quality meters will survive any "oops" moment and protect the user and itself.

If you are not going to try and fix, I won't make any suggestions.

[quiggy]

Re: Multimeter problem

I'd probably need to purchase another meter to repair this one, wouldn't I? It just seemed to make sense to just grab another if I were having to buy one regardless lol

[SteveNielsen]

Re: Multimeter problem

Mistakes happen to everyone. When these happen I am thankful it was not my body that took on the damages and that I learned something.

It definitely makes sense to get another meter. If you repair the old one that's great, it's better to have two meters than none. Sometimes it's good to be able to check voltage and current at the same time.