SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/elec-resistance-power-off

Before measuring resistance with a multimeter, what must you do to the circuit?

Turn power off, and discharge any capacitors.

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  1. Leave it energized
  2. Set it to full load
  3. Turn the power off ✔

Why: The meter supplies its own tiny test current. Live voltage can give false readings and may damage the meter or hurt you.

Huh, didn't know that: Fluke warns that touching the metal lead tips makes your body a parallel path and lowers the reading.

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References

Answer: Turn the power off. The meter supplies its own tiny test current. Live voltage can give false readings and may damage the meter or hurt you.

  1. Fluke: How to Measure Resistance with a Digital Multimeter www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/digital-multimeters/how-to-measure-resistance
    Turn Off Power to Circuit. If a circuit includes a capacitor, discharge the capacitor before taking any resistance reading.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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