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Is there a way to check light bulbs with a Analog Multimeter...

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Old 06-10-2011, 08:46 PM
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Default Is there a way to check light bulbs with a Analog Multimeter...

I made it through about 44 years without using a multimeter. Now I have one and need to learn how to use it. So far I have only used it to check batteries and check a line from start to finish for a broken wire. I hope I catch on soon.

Can I check light bulbs with this? I'd like to check some of these bulbs to see if they are blown without tearing out a switch.
 
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Old 06-10-2011, 08:55 PM
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Yes. Check for continuity. Does your meter have a buzzer integrated in it?
 
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Old 06-10-2011, 09:23 PM
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This is the one I have.


http://www.walmart.com/ip/Voltage-Meter-10729W/14521542
 

Last edited by rspi; 06-10-2011 at 09:28 PM. Reason: correction
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Old 06-10-2011, 09:56 PM
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With that meter it seems that if you can add power to the bulbs to test them. I used to have one of those type of meters years ago and found that they are limiting on alot of things automotive related.
 
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Old 06-10-2011, 10:03 PM
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I think I figured it out. When I turn the meter to the x1K and X10 yellow areas near the 11 o'clock position it gives me a reading on the new bulb. I'll check the rest of them with that.
 
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Old 06-10-2011, 10:41 PM
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See if you can find a resistance specification for the bulbs. That setting will give you a accurate reading for ohms.
 
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Old 06-11-2011, 04:23 AM
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Well, a bulb is either blown or not, correct?
 
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Old 06-11-2011, 08:45 PM
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Lol. Very much true sir..
 
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Old 06-14-2011, 10:37 PM
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If it pegs full or not move it's bad! Somewhere around the new ones measurement is good! Doest have to be exact but close! Use the X10 position! Make sure the wire/ circuit you are testing is unplugged at both ends! Just a tip! Good luck!!
 
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Old 06-28-2011, 05:30 PM
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Just measure resistance between terminal and side shell. Should be low. High resistance = blown.
 
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