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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/ham-multimeter-damage-voltage-on-ohms

Which of these can damage a multimeter?

Measuring voltage on the resistance setting.

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  1. Measuring resistance on the voltage setting
  2. Measuring voltage on the resistance setting ✔
  3. Not letting it warm up properly

Why: On the resistance setting, the meter sends out its own small current through delicate circuits. Connecting it across a live voltage can damage it.

Huh, didn't know that: Set the dial before you touch the probes to anything live.

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My multimeter tried to measure voltage on the ohms setting. Now it really knows resistance.
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References

Answer: Measuring voltage on the resistance setting. On the resistance setting, the meter sends out its own small current through delicate circuits. Connecting it across a live voltage can damage it.

  1. NCVEC 2026-2030 Technician Question Pool (February 19, 2026 errata) ncvec.org/downloads/2026-2030%20Technician%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%20Public%20Release%20Feb%2019%202026.pdf
    C. Attempting to measure voltage when using the resistance setting
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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