Today, batteries of various types are used in a wide variety of techniques. This provides autonomy and comfort when working with equipment. The functioning of the equipment depends on the proper operation of the battery, so users seek to control the basic indicators of batteries.
Owners of vehicles, devices, mechanisms, tools that operate on electricity may wonder how to measure the battery capacity with a multimeter . This simple process is performed according to a specific instruction. How to measure yourself, each user will be interested to learn in detail.
What is a multimeter
Measurement of battery capacity is carried out using a special device. It combines the functions of an ammeter, voltmeter and ohmmeter. Therefore, the multimeter is considered a universal device.
Using the equipment presented, you can check the wire for an open, voltage at the outlet, the operability of household electrical appliances, as well as evaluate the charge level of various types of batteries (automobile, laptop, phone, household appliances, etc.).
The device allows you to measure direct and alternating current, its continuity in the network. It also provides information on the resistance of a circuit element. This is a useful device that will be useful in everyday life for every home master.
Types of Multimeters
Asking the question, is it possible to measure the battery capacity of a car, smartphone, laptop or any other household equipment with a multimeter , it is necessary to consider the types of devices presented.
There are analog and digital multimeters. In the first case, the measurement result 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 measurement error.
Digital multimeters display the measurement result on the display. This distinguishes them from the previous group of devices. The information on the screen is highly accurate and understandable for any user.
Device device
Delving into the question of how to determine the battery capacity with a multimeter , you also need to understand how the device works. The design of the device has a dial. The test information is displayed on it. If an analog version of the device is used, the significance of the divisions must be studied before use.
The device also has a button or function switch. This design element allows you to switch the modes and scale of the counter. When storing the device, the handle is set to the off position. To start working with a multimeter, the lever is turned on in the desired mode.
There must be holes for probes in the housing. A probe with a red wire has a positive polarity, and with a black one - negative. 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 with a multimeter. This size of batteries is popularly called finger-type.
It is most often used in various remotes, flashlights, household appliances. To investigate the performance of each battery, the charge of such batteries is measured.
The user may also 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 shows a capacity different from that declared by the manufacturer, the battery will soon have to be changed.
Various power tools can use a battery that requires the right approach to charging. If this manufacturer's requirement is not met, the battery capacity is gradually reduced. You can identify such problems with a multimeter.
One of the main areas of application of the measuring device is the assessment of the capacity of a car battery (battery). In this case, a special measurement technology is used.
Battery Measurement
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 turn on the measuring device. Its mode switching lever is set to the “DC” position.
The maximum range for measuring these types of batteries should be between 10 and 20 mA. Next, the probes are brought to the battery terminals. In this case, the "minus" must be connected to the "plus" and vice versa. If the action is performed correctly, the test indication appears on the screen. For example, for a finger battery, the value can range from 0 to 1.5 V.
After measurements, 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 use of the battery.
Car battery
Car owners may also be interested in how to measure battery capacity with a multimeter. The instructions for this process contain a number of features. The batteries may have a sensor to determine their capacity and charge change. However, not every car battery has such a function. In this case, it will help to evaluate the performance of the multimeter.
During the test, the voltage at the terminals is measured. A fully charged battery will have a result of 12.6 V. If the readings drop to 12.2 V, this indicates a partial discharge of the battery. In this case, the owner of the car must recharge the battery.
If the multimeter shows a figure less than 12 V without load on the battery, this means that the device is completely discharged. A reading of less than 11 V is considered critical. In this case, the battery can no longer be used. Also, the battery can not be charged, so you have to purchase new equipment.
How to check the battery?
When studying how to measure battery capacity with a multimeter , you need to consider the procedure for a vehicle’s battery. A full-fledged check of the autonomous power supply will help to avoid malfunctions in the car’s power supply network, and extend the life of the battery.
The battery must first be disconnected from the machine system. It is allowed to disconnect only the negative contact. Next, turn on the multimeter. The test mode is set in the range from 0 to 20 V.
The multimeter probes are connected to the battery terminals. A red wire is connected to the positive terminal, and black to the negative output. If this procedure is performed correctly, the measurement result will appear on the device screen.
Capacitance measurement with a multimeter
Studying how to measure the battery capacity with a multimeter , you should consider the main features of this process. There are several ways to do it. Less commonly, the capacitance metering approach is used with a control discharge. Capacitance measurement occurs at a load that is able to pick up half the battery current.
During this process, the vehicle owner must consider the density of the electrolyte. If the battery is fully charged, this indicator will be 1.24 g / cm³. If the battery is discharged by one fourth, the indicator will be 1.2 g / cm³. Accordingly, a half-discharged power supply will show 1.16 g / cm³.
Check is made if the car starts poorly. The capacity and charge of the battery must be within the framework established by the manufacturer, otherwise the operation of the equipment will be inferior.
Capacity measurement
Knowing how to measure the battery capacity with a multimeter , you can perform the procedure yourself. This requires the preparation of a multimeter. When measuring, the battery should be subjected to a load that takes half of the battery current. For example, if the battery capacity is 7 Ah, then the load should be 3.5 V. A car headlight bulb (35-40 V) is required.
The load is connected. Next, you need to wait a few minutes. A light bulb load will immediately identify a low battery. If the light is dim, the battery can no longer be used.
If the light is bright, you can measure. The voltage at the terminals 12.4 V indicates the serviceability of the battery, its full capacity. If there are certain startup problems, the problem is not the battery. If the capacity is less than 12.4 V, you should consider purchasing a new battery soon.
If the parameters of the equipment during measurements do not correspond to those indicated by the manufacturer in the instructions, the car, telephone, power tools will not be able to work correctly. This will cause their quick breakdown and lead to the need to purchase new expensive equipment.
Having considered how to measure the battery capacity with a multimeter, you can evaluate the functionality of a battery of any kind. This will prevent the malfunctioning of any electrical equipment powered by an autonomous source of electricity.