How to measure the battery capacity with a multimeter: step by step instruction

Today, batteries of different types are used in a wide variety of techniques. This ensures autonomy and comfort when working with equipment. The proper operation of the battery depends on the functioning of the equipment, so users are trying to monitor the basic performance of batteries.

. Owners of vehicles, devices, mechanisms, tools that work on electricity, the question may arise, how to measure the capacity of a battery with a multimeter . This simple process is performed according to a specific instruction. How to measure yourself, each user will be interested in studying in detail.

What is a multimeter

выполняется при помощи специального прибора. Measurement of battery capacity is performed using a special device. It combines the functions of an ammeter, voltmeter and ohmmeter. Therefore, the multimeter is considered a universal device.

With the help of the presented equipment, it is possible to check the wire for an open circuit, the voltage in the socket, the working capacity of household electric appliances, and also estimate the level of charging of various types of batteries (automotive, notebook, telephone, household appliances, etc.).

The device allows measuring constant and alternating current, its continuity in the network. It also provides information about the resistance of the circuit element. This is a useful device that will be useful in everyday life for every home master.

Types of multimeters

автомобиля, смартфона, ноутбука или любой другой бытовой техники, необходимо рассмотреть типы представленных приборов. Asking whether a multimeter can measure the battery capacity of a car, smartphone, laptop or any other home appliances, it is necessary to consider the types of devices presented.

There are analog and digital multimeters. In the first case, the result of measurements is shown by an arrow on a special scale. This is one of the cheapest types of devices. However, those who have never used such devices, it is better to give preference to digital varieties. Also, analog multimeters have a small error in measurements.

Digital multimeters display the result of the measurement on the display. This distinguishes them from the previous group of devices. Information on the screen is characterized by high accuracy and is understandable for any user.

Device construction

, требуется также понять, как работает устройство. Going into the question of how to determine the battery capacity with a multimeter , you also need to understand how the device works. The device has a dial. The test information is displayed on it. If an analog version of the device is used, the value of the divisions must be studied before use.

Also the device has a button or a function switch. This design element allows you to switch modes and scale of the counter. When storing the device, the handle is set to the off position. To start working with the multimeter, the lever is turned on in the desired mode.

In the case there are necessarily holes for probes. A probe with a red wire has a positive polarity, and a negative probe with a black wire. These are the main points that a novice user should know.

Existing Battery Types

When using household appliances, the user may be interested in how to measure the capacity of a 18650 battery by a multimeter. This size of batteries in the people is usually called finger. It is most often used in various consoles, flashlights, household appliances. To investigate the performance of each battery, the charge of such batteries is measured.

Also, the user can be interested in how to check the functional qualities of such varieties as a battery for a laptop, smartphone or any other gadget. If, after the device is fully charged, the multimeter indicates a capacity different from that declared by the manufacturer, the battery will soon have to be changed.

A battery can be used in various power tools, which requires a proper approach to charging. If this manufacturer's requirement is not met, the battery capacity gradually decreases. Identify such problems with a multimeter.

One of the main applications of the measuring device is the evaluation of the capacity of the car battery (battery). In this case, a special measurement technology is used.

Battery charge measurement

, а также других видов бытовых батарей, следует изучить технологию этого процесса. Considering how to measure the phone's battery capacity with a multimeter , as well as other types of household batteries, you should study the technology of this process. First of all, it is necessary to switch on the measuring device. Its mode selector lever is set to the "DC" position.

The maximum range for measuring these types of batteries should be from 10 to 20 MA. Further, the probes are brought to the contacts of the battery. In this case, the "minus" should be connected to the "plus" and vice versa. If the action is performed correctly, the test appears on the screen. For example, for a finger battery, the value can vary from 0 to 1.5 V.

After measurement, the electrical circuit is quickly disconnected. For all batteries that are tested in the presented way, you should compare the result with the indicators on the box. If there are deviations, it is necessary to draw conclusions about the further application of the battery.

Car battery

Car owners may also be interested in how to measure the battery capacity with a multimeter. проведения этого процесса содержит ряд особенностей. The instruction for carrying out this process contains a number of features. The battery can have a sensor, which allows to determine their capacity and charge change. However, not every automobile battery has such a function. In this case, help to evaluate the performance of the multimeter.

The test measures the voltage at the terminals. A fully charged battery will have a result of 12.6 V. If the reading goes down to 12.2 V, this indicates a partial discharge of the battery. In this case, the owner of the car should recharge the battery.

If the multimeter shows no battery voltage less than 12 V without battery load, this means that the device is completely discharged. Critical are the readings of the device less than 11 V. In this case, the battery can no longer be operated. Also, the battery can not be charged, so you will have to purchase new equipment.

How to check the battery?

, необходимо рассмотреть процедуру для батареи транспортного средства. When studying how to measure the battery capacity with a multimeter , it is necessary to consider the procedure for the vehicle battery. A full-fledged check of the autonomous power supply will help to avoid malfunctions in the electric network of the car, to extend the life of the battery.

First, the battery must be disconnected from the system of the machine. You can only disable the minus contact. Then you need to turn on the multimeter. The test mode is set in the range from 0 to 20 V.

The stylus of the multimeter is connected to the battery terminals. A positive wire is connected to the positive terminal, and a black wire is connected to the negative terminal. If this procedure is performed correctly, a measurement result will appear on the instrument screen.

Measuring capacity with a multimeter

, следует рассмотреть основные особенности этого процесса. When studying how to measure the battery capacity with a multimeter , you should consider the main features of this process. There are several ways to implement it. The approach of measuring the capacity using a control discharge is used less often. Capacitance measurement occurs at a load that is able to take up half the battery current.

In carrying out this process, the owner of the vehicle must take into account the density of the electrolyte. If the battery is fully charged, this figure will be 1.24 g / cm³. If the battery is discharged by one quarter, the figure will be 1.2 g / cm³. Accordingly, a half-discharged power source will show 1.16 g / cm³.

The check is made if the car is not starting properly. The capacity and the charge of the battery must be within the manufacturer's set limits, otherwise the operation of the equipment will be defective.

Tank measurement

, можно произвести процедуру самостоятельно. Knowing how to measure the battery capacity with a multimeter , you can make the procedure yourself. This requires the preparation of a multimeter. When measuring, the battery must have a load that takes up half the battery current. For example, if the battery capacity is 7 Ah, then the load must be 3.5 V. You will need a car headlight bulb (35-40 V).

The load is connected. Then you need to wait a few minutes. Load in the form of a light bulb will immediately detect the low battery charge. If the light is dim, the battery can no longer be operated.

If the light shines brightly, you can measure. The voltage at the terminals 12.4 V indicates battery health, its full capacity. If there are some problems with the launch, the problem is not with the battery. If the capacity is less than 12.4 V, you should think about buying a new battery in a short time.

If the parameters of the equipment do not correspond to those specified by the manufacturer in the manual, the car, telephone, power tools can not work correctly. This will cause their fast breakdown and lead to the need to purchase new expensive equipment.

можно оценить функциональность батареи любой разновидности. After considering how to measure the battery capacity with a multimeter, you can evaluate the functionality of a battery of any kind. This will avoid the malfunctioning of any electrical equipment powered from an autonomous source of electricity.