Question

Question 1: When using a multimeter, what does it mean when the meter is on its “best setting”?

Question 2: When using a multimeter,

why is it important to always check the meter to make sure that you are making a measurement on its best setting? Does this procedure of a “Best Setting” also apply to measurements of voltage and current?

Question 3: When using a multimeter, which settings are the best for each resistor? How many digits are displayed when you have the meter set for that resistor’s best setting?

Answer 1

Solution 1: Best setting on the multimeter means it measures the quantity with maximum accuracy means the multimeter reading has maximum significant digits.

Solution 2: To get maximum accuracy of the measurement, it is important to make measurement on its best setting. Yes, this procedure of best setting also apply to measurement of voltage and current. (discusssed in question 3)

Solution 3: Consider the case of measuring the resistor by a multimeter. Adjust the ohmmeter range to get best measurement. A reading of 1 . (1 followed by blank spaces and a decimal point) is an out-of range indication. This means that value of resistance is more the the dial setting of the meter. Turn the dial to next setting up and if this gives a numerical readout this is best setting in that it gives the maximum no. of significant digits. The number of digits displayed will depend on the multimeter.