Using a Multi-Meter
A multi-meter, or digital multi-meter, is a device used for measuring different properties of electricity. The main things we measure are:
- Continuity - That electricity is able to flow throughout a circuit
- Voltage - Voltage is the pressure from an electrical circuit's power source that pushes electricity through a conductor.
- Amperage - Amperage is the strength of the electric current
Modes
AC Voltage
Used for measuring AC voltage. The most common sources of AC power are power from a house or power from an AC generator. This is the most commonly measured voltage.
DC Voltage
Used for measuring DC voltage. This can either be electricity from a battery of any type, also most ballasts will output DC voltage. An example of this would be all litegear ballasts output DC.
Continuity
Used to see if there is a continuous circuit. If there is, the multi-meter will beep. DO NOT measure on a live circuit.
The proper method to testing continuity is by putting the probes together to test that the meter works, testing the item in question, then putting the probes together once more to test the meter is still functioning properly. This ensures that the meter was working when you tested continuity.
Troubleshooting Uses
The continuity mode is most useful for troubleshooting as most electrical problems are a result of a broken connection. The continuity tester allows you to check each piece of the unit individually to track down where the problem lies.
For example if you have a tungsten head but you are not sure if the problem is in the male hubble, the switch, or the head. If you open up the switch you can put one probe on the plug and one on the inside of the switch. This will tell you if electricity is making it to the switch from the plug, do the same with the neutral. If both of those connections beep you can be sure that it is not the plug.
Now turn the switch on and put your probe on one side of the switch and the other side of the switch, you're testing to see if the On/Off switch works. Do the same for the neutral. If both beep then the switch is fine.
Because you know it is not the switch and not the plug, you can be sure the issue is in the head. Try and do further troubleshooting to pin point exactly where the issue is and then you can rewire it to fix it.
Can even test the globe this way as well, but only with tungsten globes, not HMI globes that do not have an electrical connection.
This is how you would fix any electrical issue where there is a break in the connection.