In the modern world there are a variety of types of batteries. Such devices allow the equipment to work independently, provide user comfort. The functional characteristics of the device depend on how fully the battery works. Therefore, battery monitoring is an important condition for the proper operation of the equipment.
Users of electronic devices, mechanisms, vehicles and other units periodically have to resort to using special equipment for measurements. How to check the battery capacity with a multimeter , you need to study in more detail. There is a certain instruction for this.
Features of measuring equipment
Studying how to check the phone’s battery capacity with a multimeter ( external, automotive or other types of batteries), you need to start with the basic characteristics of the measuring equipment. It includes the functions of an ohmmeter, ammeter and voltmeter. A multimeter is called a universal meter.
Using the presented device, you can evaluate the integrity of the wiring, the voltage in the network, check the functioning of household electrical appliances. Also, the multimeter allows you to check the battery level of any type. This includes batteries for mobile gadgets, laptops, power tools, automobiles and other varieties.
The device for checking the battery capacity is used to measure direct and alternating current, as well as its continuity of supply through the network. The multimeter reflects information about the resistance of electrical elements. Thanks to such versatility and a wide range of applications, the meter presented is often used in everyday life.
Varieties of meters
When wondering how to check the capacity of a finger-type battery with a multimeter , as well as any other kind of autonomous sources of electricity, it is necessary to consider the existing types of such devices.
On sale today are analog, digital devices. The first type of instrument has a dial and an arrow. It shows the result of measurements. This is an inexpensive variety of multimeters. However, this equipment option is used less and less today. An analog multimeter is gradually being superseded by digital instruments. They have a smaller error when conducting measurements.
A digital multimeter is easier to use. He displays the result. The information in this case is accurate, presented in a way that is understandable to the user.
The principle of operation of the multimeter
Delving into the technique of how to check the residual capacity with a multimeter , you need to consider the device of this device. The design has a dial or digital display. When performing the test, the measurement result is displayed here. For an analog multimeter, it is important to correctly understand the meaning of its divisions. This information is provided in the instructions.
The measuring device must have a function button or switch. It allows you to control the choice of metering mode, as well as its scale. The storage lever must be set to the off position. To take the measurement, the knob is turned to the desired position.
The multimeter case has inputs for connecting probes. A red probe is characterized by a positive polarity, and a black component of equipment by a negative polarity. These structural elements are necessarily available in any measuring device of the type presented.
Types of batteries
Most often, users are interested in the question of how to check the battery capacity of a 18650 multimeter. This type of autonomous sources of electricity is often used in household low-power devices. It is commonly called "finger" batteries. Such batteries are used in consoles, medical equipment, etc. In order for the equipment to work fully, it is necessary to control the charge level.
When using the equipment presented, it is possible to control the battery capacity for mobile phones, tablets, laptops or other similar equipment. In this case, it is easy to establish the serviceability of an autonomous power source. If, after charging, the multimeter shows a capacitance level different from the declared indicator, this indicates a malfunctioning battery. She will have to change soon.
The batteries used in power tools are subject to measurement. Also, the process of determining the charge level of a car battery differs in certain features.
Existing types of batteries may vary in the type of substance that is used to create them. This factor determines the operating conditions of such devices. In some cases, a multimeter can determine whether the battery is used correctly.
The process of measuring household batteries
First of all, it is necessary to determine how to check the battery capacity of a screwdriver with a multimeter , as well as the batteries of a phone, laptop, removable devices (power bank), and other similar household varieties.
To take the measurement, the device must be turned on. To do this, set the mode control lever to the “direct current” position. With this procedure, the maximum range should be determined between 10 and 20 mA.
The probes must be brought to the contacts of the stand-alone power supply device. A probe with positive polarity is connected to the negative output of the battery and vice versa. Next, the result is evaluated on the screen. It is compared with the nominal value set by the manufacturer. For example, for a 18650 battery, this value can range from 0 to 1.5.
After the operation, the device can be turned off. If the result does not match the declared level, you must find the reason for the deviations. The battery may need to be replaced.
Car battery
When answering the question of how to check the capacity of an external power bank battery, electric tool batteries, various household, mobile devices, it is necessary to pay special attention to the automotive variety of autonomous power devices (batteries). In this case, it is necessary to take into account several nuances.
The battery may have a special sensor in its design. It shows the change in capacity and charge. If it is not, an ordinary multimeter will help determine the main characteristics of the battery.
To do this, it is necessary to measure the voltage at the battery terminals . A charged device gives readings at the level of 12.6 V. Upon receipt of a value at the level of 12.2 V, one can indicate a low battery. The user must charge it. If the charge level drops to 11 V, the battery will not be able to work anymore. It will not be possible to recover. In this case, you need to purchase a new battery.
Battery check
Many drivers are interested in how to check the capacity of a car battery with a multimeter. This control allows you to extend the power supply, to avoid malfunctions in the power supply system of the machine. If certain problems occur, they can be resolved after verification.
The battery must be disconnected from the electrical system. You can not get the whole battery. It is enough to disconnect only the contact with negative polarity. Next, the multimeter turns on. Metering mode is set between 0 and 20V.
The probes of the device are connected to the battery contacts. The red probe must be connected to the positive polarity terminal and vice versa. Next, the multimeter receives information about the measurement result.
Determination of battery capacity
After checking the stand-alone power supply device, it is necessary to evaluate its capacity. This test allows to make a conclusion about the correct operation of the device. How to check the battery capacity with a multimeter will allow you to understand a special technique.
There are several ways to measure. The control discharge method is rarely used. More often, the capacitance is measured at a load that takes on half of the total battery current.
In this case, the owner takes into account the density, which is currently characterized by battery electrolyte. If the battery is charged, it should be at a level of 1.24 g / cm³. When discharged by 25%, this figure will drop to the level of 1.2 g / cm³. With a greater decrease, the car will be hard to start. This will become especially clear when the discharge level is up to 1.16 g / cm³.
The above indicators should remain at the level specified by the manufacturer. This will allow the battery to function fully and efficiently.
Measurement
Knowing in theory how to check the battery capacity with a multimeter, it is necessary to perform this process in practice. To do this, prepare a measuring device. The battery must be energized during the test. She will take half the battery current. If, for example, the battery has a capacity of 7 A / h, then the load should be supplied in the amount of 3.5 V. For this, you can connect a car bulb for the headlight.
After applying the load, wait a couple of minutes. By the operation of the light bulb, a low battery charge can be detected. If it emits a dim light, the battery will no longer be used. With a bright glow of the lamp, a subsequent measurement is made.
If after connecting the multimeter probes it turns out that the voltage at the terminals is 12.4 V, this is a working battery, which can be used immediately for the car's electrical system.
Knowing how to check the battery capacity with a multimeter , we can draw conclusions about the correct operation of an autonomous power source of almost any type.