How To Test Christmas Lights With Multimeter

In this case the input is 10 91vdc at the beginning of the strip so we lost over 1 volt throughout the wire.

How to test christmas lights with multimeter. In some cases a faulty power plug is the main culprit for the absence of the current in the string of lights and identifying this problem early can save you a lot of time. After adding 200ft of 18awg wire between my led lights and my dc power supply i can simply use the multimeter test leads to measure the input voltage to my led lights. Connect the black lead to the com terminal on the multimeter. On the male plug touch the remaining multimeter probe into one of the prongs.

Set up the multimeter to measure the resistance in your christmas tree lights by following the manufacturer s instructions. The multimeter will emit a low voltage through the probes that will test whether the bulb has been burned out. Your multimeter may already come with a continuity check setting. These are somewhat harder to use than a continuity sensor but handy if you already have one and often a little cheaper.

Connect the red lead to the ω terminal unless your particular model differs. First select diode or continuity testing range on rotary selector see dmm manual for details. First connect the black and red test leads to the outlets on the front of the multimeter. Now touch probes together to get 0 00 display.

Turn the multimeter on. Locate the two wires on the bottom of the bulb and touch a probe to each wire ensuring that the probes do not touch each other or more than one wire. How to test a diode with a multimeter. You may get an audible indication as well.

Once the leads are connected switch the dial on the front of the multimeter clockwise to reach the diode setting. Using a multimeter to check christmas lights. In one of the female socket insert one of your multimeter probes. All you need to test led lights is a digital multimeter with a diode setting.

There s a way to test and fix the entire string of miniature lights without testing each bulb individually. Press down the black button hold the tip about 1 2 in. Place the probes of your digital multimeter at both ends of the power plug. You will end up having two probes plugged in the multimeter.

Otherwise i tend to find the resistance check at 2k is just fine. From the string and move it along the cord until it stops beeping at the defective bulb. Turn the dial to the diode symbol on the multimeter. If your christmas lights are fine the next step includes checking the power plug.