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Problem with Draper 61023 auto ranging digital multimeter
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StephenAdvance
New User
Nov 30, 2012, 7:54 PM
Post #1 of 4
(2390 views)
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Problem with Draper 61023 auto ranging digital multimeter
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Hi all and I hope all is well.
I have a problem with a Draper multimeter and I would really appreciate some help with this.
The problem is basically this. When the meter is not connected to any circuit it still displays readings. For example if the meter is set to read voltage and the leads are not connected to anything, i.e. just left hanging loose the meter still reads anywhere between 0.01v and 0.03v. The same goes for current readings. When the leads are not connected to any circuit it reads anywhere between 0.01A and 0.03A.
Should the readings not be zero? Is there a way to set the meter to zero before taking readings?
I was told that if the instruments test leads are shorted together (tips touching each other), the reading in the display should go to zero. This quick test confirms correct instrument zero on its voltage range. I tried this but this does not happen. So, I'm wondering is the meter defective?
Also, I just wondering what this particular symbol means on the display....it's a circle with a square in the middle of it. It is displayed on the top left hand corner. It comes on when you press the range button but I'm not to sure what it means.
Again, thanks for any help or suggestions. Really appreciate it.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Nov 30, 2012, 8:18 PM
Post #2 of 4
(2383 views)
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Re: Problem with Draper 61023 auto ranging digital multimeter
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That's not unusual. The meter may be picking up on electromagnetic interference from florescent lighting or electrical motors in it's vicinity. Anything that generates EMI can be picked up by the meter when the leads aren't connected to anything. It should zero out on the ohms setting.
The circle with the square in the middle probably means auto ranging mode is enable.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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StephenAdvance
New User
Dec 1, 2012, 6:19 AM
Post #3 of 4
(2336 views)
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Re: Problem with Draper 61023 auto ranging digital multimeter
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Thanks very much Discretesignals for the fast reply...much appreciated.
I guess there’s signals’ floating about everywhere! Why it sort of had me flustered was because I was trying to carry out a parasitic battery test on a friend’s car. I’m told that that the ECU and other electronic units will always be drawing a certain amount of current from the car battery. I then read that anywhere between 0.01A and 0.035A in the car is nothing to worry about but that if it passes 0.05A that there’s something else draining the battery in the car.
So when I connected up the multimeter to the car the ammeter kept flicking between 0.01A and 0.03A when it wasn’t connected to anything and when I connected it across the negative pole of the battery and the negative battery terminal it just kept flicking between the two same values…again like it was connected to nothing. So that’s why I thought there was something up with the meter.
I told him that probably everything was fine with it. But he told me that there was definitely a drain somewhere as it was a new battery and he even charged it up a bit after buying it.
Thanks again Discreteangels for the reply.
(This post was edited by StephenAdvance on Dec 1, 2012, 6:23 AM)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 1, 2012, 8:29 AM
Post #4 of 4
(2326 views)
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Re: Problem with Draper 61023 auto ranging digital multimeter
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When you had it set for DC amps did you move the red lead over to the amps hole? Check your meter's fuse to see if it is blown. The meter has a fuse in the amp circuit for protection. The fuse should be rated for 10 amps.
Be careful when your checking for parasitic draw because if there is a draw over 10 amps and you connect your meter, your going to blow the fuse inside the meter. Also if you have your meter connected and you turn something on in the vehicle that draws over 10 amps it will blow the fuse.
One other way to blow the fuse that happen often is your forget to move the red lead back to the volt/ohms hole while your checking for volts. You set the dial for volts and connect your meter and it blows the fuse.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Dec 1, 2012, 8:32 AM)
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