Multi-Meter or Volt-Ohm-Meter

By
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano
Bob Formisano is a licensed architect and builder with nearly 40 years of experience building new homes and restoring older homes. One of his specialties is repairing old systems dating back to the 1920s, including galvanized water pipes, knob-and-tube wiring, and more. His home repair articles for The Spruce span more than 10 years.
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Updated on 12/18/20
Electrician using voltmeter

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The multimeter is a compact electronic device (usually handheld) that measures AC and DC voltage, amperes (current), and ohms (resistance).

The device goes by several commonly used names such as volt-ohm-meter (VOM), multi-tester, multi-meter, and others.

What Is a Multimeter?

A multimeter is an electronic device that can take a number of different types of measurements, including voltage, current, and resistance. They're a great tool to have when installing lights or working with any electrical products.

Multi-meter Is a Must-Have Tool

It is an essential tool for home repair projects involving electrical work at the branch electrical circuit level or with HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) repair.

This display on this electronic device may be analog or digital. The analog version uses a calibrated meter with a needle. The digital version is more common and used as a fully electronic display. Electronic versions can often measure DCV, ACV, DCA, ACA, resistance, capacitance, frequency, temperature, duty cycle, transistor, diode, and continuity, and other readings.

The device has two electrical wire leads, red and black, and a dial to select the setting/mode. Various tests can be run and measurements made depending upon the setting. Electronic versions of the multitester are called a DMM (digital multi-meter) or DVOM (digital volt-ohm-meter).

Also Known As: Volt Meter, Multi-meter, Multi-tester, Volt-Ohm-Meter, VOM, Continuity Tester, DMM, and DVOM.