Every gal needs a voltmeter

Do you have a voltmeter? Okay, it's probably not on your list of basic tools, but if you grew up with an engineer as a father, you probably saw him use it. I saw my dad use it on appliances, cars, and batteries throughout my childhood, and even as an adult. About 5 years ago, my condo's dishwasher suddenly stopped working. Before I called a repairman, I called my dad; he asked if I had a voltmeter (sure, Dad...). Of course, I knew to have a hammer and a screwdriver, but even as a frequent eyewitness to my dad's love of the voltmeter, it had not made my list.



After talking to my dad, the voltmeter was added to my tools.  Thanks to the voltmeter, I discovered there was still an electrical current. The dishwasher problem was not its fault, but rather mine, as I did not realize it shared the same circuit as my garbage disposal and light, which I had turned off - oops. However, without the voltmeter, I would have had to call a repairman (my dad doesn't live near me). Besides providing fodder for a repairmen water cooler moment, or two, I would have had to pay money for it. As usual, when it comes to mechanical & electrical topics, my dad was right.



There are lots of voltmeters available, but I chose the simpler analog type (my dad uses one). Voltmeters measure in ohms or volts. To use, set wheel to appropriate voltage (e.g. 1.5v for AA batteries). For a battery, place the longer red probe on the positive end of the battery, and the black one on the negative end. The shorter end of the red probe goes into the positive, and the black into the negative. Batteries with life will measure in the green.  That's it - so easy! A voltmeter can also help you diagnose problems with your toaster, microwave, car, and other electronic devices and appliances. For real instructions, go to All About Circuits.



Adding a voltmeter to your tool chest could not only help you save money by getting to skip a call to the repairman, but owning one may actually impress your man friends, or even your dad.