Measuring a 4-20mA analog signal with a basic $10 multimeter.

Measuring a 4-20mA signal can be one of the more difficult task. Many people think you need a Fluke 771 or 773 to read an analog signal but you can do it with your basic $10 meter. The trick is you must make your meter part of the 4 to 20 mA current loop. We are also going to show you some easy ways you can blow the fuse in your meter when troubleshooting a 4-20mA circuit and how to tell if the fuse is blown in your meter without opening it up.
Get the full details of this lesson at twcontrols.com/analog-circuits
Items used in this video:
PLC Tools SIM-ALP2 Analog Simulator plctools.com/plc-tools-sim-al...
PLC Trainer twcontrols.com/plc-trainers
The above links make these videos possible. Please use them!
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[@jsbaltimore3405]

I want to take your classes so bad

[@TimWilborne]

When you feel you are ready, submit a request.
twcontrols.com/contact

[@malikgarrett2036]

great video

[@TimWilborne]

Thank you

[@RadDadisRad]

I have a cheap Klein meter at home that I use. I’ve had to use it for millivolt signal for reading a thermistor.

[@goodman12310]

great effort well done 💪

[@TimWilborne]

Thank you

[@badshahengineeringvlogs9718]

Hi Sir, I have a question regarding the same experiment you did. i have a pressure transmitter whose rating is in between 0 to 20 mA. so i am trying to measure the current 4mA when the pressure transmiiter have no pressure but my clamp meter shown 0.09 A which is equals to 90mA. whats the reason behind this and how to solve the problem. please rply i am waiting.
thanks

[@TimWilborne]

What type of clamp meter? Are you sure it goes down to mA resolution?

[@austinbergquist1]

I like the content Tim. I am looking for an alternative to buying a process meter for testing. Would you recommend buying the analog simulator in this video for supplying 0-20mA signals? Another question, when troubleshooting a sensor, say the sensor has an LED indicator on it that lights up but you want to see if it is changing state. A tech once told me to measure the potential DC voltage across the sensor and it will change by a few volts when the sensor is flagged. Do you think this is a reliable way to test without breaking the circuit?

[@TimWilborne]

The PLC tools SIM-ALP2 would be good for simulating a 4-20ma signal but it is not meant for calibrating instruments such as some process meters are needed to do.

[@dexter7939]

I new to your channel. I was curious if you want to measure mA signal, you took the wire off and touched to red part of your meter to disconnected wire and your black part of your meter back to were your disconnected the wire from?

[@TimWilborne]

Yes, this video has more details.
th-cam.com/video/pDSUfqso_eA/w-d-xo.html

[@Trudeautthebestt]

I know how to do it .. but the way you explain things are very complicated and confusing.. but thanks for trying

[@TimWilborne]

If you know how to do it then what confusing?

[@Trudeautthebestt]

@@TimWilborne the way u explain is way more comlicated.. make ur video simpler and u will get more views

[@TimWilborne]

That's not really any feedback, sounds like you're just griping about the length of video. We have shorter ones, maybe you'll like this one.
th-cam.com/video/pDSUfqso_eA/w-d-xo.html

[@oliverfalla18]

Ac stands for Ac ahahaha