Inst ToolsInst ToolsInst Tools
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
  • Request
Search
  • Books
  • Software
  • Projects
  • Process
  • Tools
  • Basics
  • Formula
  • Power Plant
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Electrical Basics
  • Animation
  • Standards
  • 4-20 mA Course
  • Siemens PLC Course
Reading: How to measure frequency using Multimeter
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Inst ToolsInst Tools
Font ResizerAa
  • Courses
  • Design
  • PLC
  • Interview
  • Control System
Search
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
  • Request
Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Inst Tools > Blog > Electronic Basics > How to measure frequency using Multimeter

How to measure frequency using Multimeter

Last updated: April 27, 2017 4:21 am
Editorial Staff
Electronic Basics
1 Comment
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

If your digital multimeter offers a frequency setting (Hz is the symbol) on the dial:

  1. Turn the dial to Hz. It usually shares a spot on the dial with at least one other function. Some meters enter the frequency through a secondary function accessed by pushing a button and setting the rotary switch to ac or dc.
  2. First insert the black test lead into the COM jack.
  3. Then insert the red lead into the V Ω jack. When finished, remove the leads in reverse order: red first, then black.
  4. Connect the black test lead first, the red test lead second. When finished, remove the leads in reverse order: red first, then black.
  5. Read the measurement in the display. The abbreviation Hz should appear to the right of the reading.

If your digital multimeter offers a frequency (Hz) button:

Measure Frequency using Multimeter

  1. Turn the dial to ac voltage ( ). If voltage in the circuit is unknown, set the range to highest voltage setting.
    Note: Most digital multimeters power up in Autorange mode, automatically selecting the measurement range based on the voltage present.
  2. First insert the black test lead into the COM jack.
  3. Then insert the red lead into the V Ω jack.
  4. Connect the test leads to the circuit. The position of the test leads is arbitrary. When finished, remove the leads in reverse order: red first, then black.
  5. Read the voltage measurement in the display.
  6. With the multimeter still connected to the circuit, press the Hz button.
  7. Read the frequency measurement in the display. The Hz symbol should appear in the display to the right of the measurement.

Frequency measurement overview

Circuits and equipment may be designed to operate at a fixed or variable frequency. They may perform abnormally if operated at a different frequency than specified.

Example: An ac motor designed to operate at 60 Hz operates slower if the frequency is less than 60 Hz, or faster if frequency exceeds 60 Hz. For ac motors, any change in frequency causes a proportional change in motor speed. A five percent reduction in frequency yields a five percent reduction in motor speed.

Some digital multimeters include optional modes related to frequency measurement:

  • Frequency Counter mode: It measures the frequency of ac signals. It can be used to measure frequency when troubleshooting electrical and electronic equipment.
  • MIN MAX Recording mode: Permits frequency measurements to be recorded over a specific time period. It provides the same function with voltage, current and resistance.
  • Autorange mode: Automatically selects the frequency measurement range. If the frequency of the measured voltage is outside of the frequency measurement range, a DMM cannot display an accurate measurement. Refer to the user’s manual for specific frequency measurement ranges

In some circuits, there may be enough distortion on the line to prevent an accurate frequency measurement. Example: ac variable frequency drives (VFDs) can produce frequency distortions.

When testing VFDs, use the low-pass filter setting in the advanced multimeters for accurate readings. For multimeters without the low pass filter  setting, turn the dial to dc voltage, then press the Hz button again to measure the frequency on the dc voltage setting. If the meter allows for a decoupled frequency measurement, you might also try changing the voltage range to compensate for the noise.

Source : Fluke

Also Read: How to Test a Diode

Don't Miss Our Updates
Be the first to get exclusive content straight to your email.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
You've successfully subscribed !

Continue Reading

What is Contactor ?
Difference Between LDR and Photodiode
Difference Between Electrical and Electronic Devices
How to do Continuity Testing using Multimeter
Zener Diode Voltage Regulators
Electrical Static Grounding Techniques
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link
Share
1 Comment
  • GEORGE PRITCHARD says:
    August 14, 2023 at 12:03 pm

    my multimeter doesn’t have HZ are there any other methods of measureing

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

128.3kFollowersLike
69.1kFollowersFollow
210kSubscribersSubscribe
38kFollowersFollow

Categories

Explore More

Things to Know When Measuring Current
What is a Non-Linear Device? Example – Advantages
Top Beginner Soldering Mistakes and How to Avoid Them?
Difference Between Clamp Meters and Multimeters
What is a Clamp Meter?
Difference between Intrinsic and Extrinsic Semiconductors
How to Test a Transistor using Multimeter
Testing a Transistor with a Digital Multimeter

Keep Learning

What is Oscilloscope

What is Cathode Ray oscilloscope ?

Relay Parts

NO vs NC Contact

What is PCB Corrosion - Electronic Boards Corrosion Prevention

What is PCB Corrosion? Electronic Boards Corrosion Prevention

Seven Segment LED Display

Difference Between Common Cathode and Common Anode 7 Segment LED Display?

What is a Fuse

What is a Fuse ?

100 Electronics and Electrical Projects for Engineering Students

100 Electronics and Electrical Projects for Engineering Students

Types of Potentiometers

Types of Potentiometers – What is a Potentiometer? – Applications

Transistor as Switch Working Animation

How a Transistor Switch Works

Learn More

PLC Program for Food Processing

PLC Program for Food Processing Industry

cat5e plenum cable

cat5e Plenum Cable History, Advantages and Disadvantages

Function and Application of FIFO Block

How to use FIFO Block in TIA Portal? – Siemens PLC Programming

PLC Motor Logic

Interconnection between PLC, MCC, LCP & Pumps – Video

Basic Terms used in SIL Verification

Basic Terms used in SIL Verification

Electrician Tools

Electrician Tools MCQ Questions

Belt Sway Switch Principle

Belt Sway Switch Working Principle

CEMS Classification

CEMS Principle, Types, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Menu

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright

Quick Links

  • Learn PLC
  • Helping Hand
  • Part Time Job

YouTube Subscribe

Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?