I think I killed my multi meter!

[123hotchef]

I got a fence energizer cheap and thought I would test it with the multi meter on 750V it flashed inside when I tested it and now it will not read any voltage ac or dc! The resistance setting still works. Lucky it was a cheap one from the states

 

[500e]

Yep sounds a goner, tried to measure a 3 phase on Ohms same result, flash pop no more,was an old meter but I loved it

 

[MCKDAVID]

there's a fuse inside most of the decent ones, usually for over current protection, but before you condem it, pop it open and have a looksee...

 

[123hotchef]

there's a fuse inside most of the decent ones, usually for over current protection, but before you condem it, pop it open and have a looksee...

I shall have a wee look thanks this is one of those little red square ones no big expensive meter.

an excuse to buy this one, I have others but one stays in the truck one in the work shop one in the garage and the clamp on ones stay where ever I leave them
https://www.aldi.co.uk/workzone-multimeter/p/012320273025300

 

[MCKDAVID]

 

[Robotstar5]

Your meter probably didn't like the several thousand volts the energiser produces proper fence testers can be bought off fleabay for less than a tenner.

 

[Turbo]

I shall have a wee look thanks this is one of those little red square ones no big expensive meter.

an excuse to buy this one, I have others but one stays in the truck one in the work shop one in the garage and the clamp on ones stay where ever I leave them
https://www.aldi.co.uk/workzone-multimeter/p/012320273025300

I have the lidl version of that one, decent enough meter.

Re the broken one, the fencer probably put to much voltage or current through it. They run at high voltage, that's why there's special testers for them! If you can't see a glass fuse sometimes there's a fusible link soldered into the board.

My Uncle was a radio engineer & liked messing around with electrics. One time, during a power cut he had his multi-meter connected to a socket so he could monitor the voltage. He said it was interesting watching the needle jump up & down as the power fluctuated. Then there was a crack & the meter let out the magic smoke. My uncle reckoned it was a lightening strike as the meter was on the 750 volt setting! The insides of the meter were toast, just think what that would do to todays modern electronics!

 

[123hotchef]

the fence energizer said 1000v on the lable! I shall invest in a proper tester, the energizer was sold as seen untested for 37 so I cant grumble.

 

[Wallace]

I popped my BluePoint mutley meter, blue flash and smoke. Opened it up to find a component blown (PTC I think) and a vaporised track, easily fixed.

 

[dobbslc]

I've got the Lidl version as well. It's pretty good but you have to remember to swap the red lead over between volts and ohms.

 

[123hotchef]

I've got the Lidl version as well. It's pretty good but you have to remember to swap the red lead over between volts and ohms.

are you sure normally it is volts and ohms on one setting and just move the lead for amps

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Open it up.
We know the meter side is working as the Resistance side is.

You should be able to see if there is a fuse or a fusible link on the board, or inside.
Take you working test meter and measure across it.

If it is a solder link, there may be a rating near it. Or on the case. Solder a new link or replace the fuse.

If not, there are decent cheep ones out there.
I use a cheep Halfords Gunson one for basic works.

 

[Brad93]

Dude, electric horse fences are usually 10,000V lol

 

[Robotstar5]

These are the cheap and cheerful type, but the neons can sometimes be difficult to see in bright sunlight.

 

[123hotchef]

10000v yikes. I shall take it apart when I get a jiffy

 

[dobbslc]

are you sure normally it is volts and ohms on one setting and just move the lead for amps

Yes it definitely needs the lead swapping about, maybe it's not quite the same as the Aldi one then. It's still a reasonable meter though. I found an old Fluke meter in the cupboard that didn't work and found a 12 year old battery in it! I replaced that and it works fine
It is a much better meter but the Lidl one for £10 is still worth it.