A multimeter is a complex electronic device that is designed to measure the main parameters of electrical circuits or additional indicators. Modern multimeters are able to measure even such quantities as temperature. For home use, the factory accuracy of this device is usually sufficient, but occasionally there are situations when it is required to set more accurate values of the parameter under study. In this case, the multimeter should be calibrated.
If you are looking for information about calibrating a multimeter, then you do not need to talk in detail about what the calibration process itself is. All devices intended for measurement have error and accuracy. In order to reduce this error and increase the accuracy, a calibration is performed.
Most devices are already factory calibrated and suitable for home use. However, to solve more serious problems or in the case of a defect in the multimeter, you should make sure that it is accurate. Greater accuracy may be required, for example, for work with chip blocks, where every 0.1 W can damage the circuit.
When do you need to calibrate the multimeter?
The multimeter must be adjusted when performing high-precision work or after probable damage to the device. For example, after a hard fall without visible damage to the case and while maintaining functionality, it would be correct to carry out the accuracy verification process. If a significant deviation is found, a calibration must be performed. Parts can be damaged if dropped, and readings can be very far from the actual values. In addition, for working with microelectronics, it is always very important to observe the highest measurement accuracy.
There are other cases where it is important to maintain high accuracy when measuring.
How to calibrate your multimeter at home
To calibrate the multimeter, you must first study the operating instructions for the device. In some models, the calibration function is performed even without opening the case using a special adjusting bolt, which usually has a countersunk head.
If there is no such screw, then you should carefully open the device case, study the circuit and find an adjustment coil on the board. It is usually easily visible even to an inexperienced user. If several similar elements of the circuit are found, then you do not need to twist everything in a row without a clear understanding of the purpose of the part. This could result in damage to the device or electric shock.
In any case, it is impossible to start the process of calibrating the multimeter without a clear understanding of the circuit or studying it. It will not be possible to give specific and precise instructions here, since the huge variety of devices leads to the fact that sometimes two identical models cannot be found. The schematic diagram of these devices will be very close, but an inexperienced user can make serious mistakes without studying the documentation.
After the calibration screw is found, you need to find the reference value. Ideally, a reference is required for each quantity measured by the multimeter, but most often it is sufficient to use one such sample.
In order to figure out how to calibrate a multimeter at home, you need to understand the meaning of the operation being performed. The reference is considered accurate and the multimeter readings are edited with the adjusting screw until the reference values are reached.
As a reference indicator, you can use a better and more expensive multimeter, a device with higher measurement accuracy, or some standard value (for example, a battery pack charged with a high-precision charger with a voltage meter).
Expensive multimeters from well-known manufacturers, as a rule, have a more accurate factory calibration.
