Muiltimeters or Test Lights? Does it Matter?
Absolutely! A test light looks like a screwdriver with a sharp pointed end, and consist of a small bulb and a grounding wire or cable. It works by grounding the bulb, and once it comes in contact with a power source, it will complete the circuit and light the bulb. This is the easiest way to test power because the bulb either lights up for power or doesn't if their isn't any power.
The problem with using this type of testing on todays vehicles is the complexity of some of the circuits inside the dash. When you complete the test light circuit on a "hot" wire, you essentially create a small "arc" of electricity that can short some of the more sensitive equipment such as an air bag sensor or relay. I have actually seen one installer blow the airbags out of a new BMW M3 by testing wires with a test light. In most cases, it won't cause any harm, but when it does the cost can be very high.
I highly recommend using a digital multimeter to test circuits. The are very accurate and can tell you a lot of useful information such as voltage, amps, and ohms, all of which are essential to know when building a good sound system.
These multimeters work a little differently than a standard test light. They typically have a battery on board to power the meter, so they don't pull power from the power source, reducing the tendencies to "arc" the power source. They are generally safer to use on sensitive systems than their test light counterparts for this reason.
Digital Multimeters are a great tool for car audio installers, as they can help track down problems in the system. They are also a must have when installing any other 12 volt auto accessories. A test light will light up under power, but wont tell you if you are getting the proper voltage and amps. With a multimeter, you can start at the component taking readings, and work your way backwards until you find the component that is not functioning properly.
Multimeters range from about $10.00 to over $100.00, and depending on your level of work and how accurate you need to be, you can find one that will work for you. They are a great investment, and will save a lot of headache when you are problem solving a system.
Related Tags: car audio, car audio installations, wiring help, diagnose problems, using a multimeter for car audio
If you would like more information on multimeters, installations, or auto accessories, you can visit our website located at www.majesticmodifications.com.
Majestic Modifications is the Complete Car Customization Concept, specializing in auto accessories, installations, and technical support.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Car GPS Navigation Systems - A Buyers Guide
In 1973 the U.S. Department of Defence launched the Navstar GPS network. This consisted of 24 satell - Installing Aftermarket Head Units
Upgrading the sound system is usually one of the first modifications attempted when we talk about ca - Intoduction to the Car Subwoofer
A subwoofer is the part of the audio speaker system in a home or auto system that reproduces the bas - What Is A Car Subwoofer?
Do you know what a car subwoofer is? Would you like to find out? In essence it is a speaker not in a - Car Audio Wiring
A significant part of your entire car audio system consists of just wires. There are all kinds of ca - About Car Audio Shows
A car audio show is one of the most thrilling things in car audio. They bring together people of dif - Should I Buy My Car Audio Product At Ebay?
Car audio at Ebay? Yes, you can get a good car audio system at Ebay. All you need to do is to log on - About Car Audio Reviews
Car audio products/accessories and how they perform is something that car audio enthusiasts are cons - Car Audio System -- A New Buyer's Guide
You have several options if you want to improve your current car audio system. The market is flooded - Car CD Player -- What To Look For
Car audio cd players are on the rock. To get the best in the world of music and sound, you need to h
Most viewed articles in this category:
- About Car Audio Shows
A car audio show is one of the most thrilling things in car audio. They bring together people of dif - About Car Audio Reviews
Car audio products/accessories and how they perform is something that car audio enthusiasts are cons - Understanding Car Audio Capacitors
The audio system in our cars is an assortment of different parts. Each and every part in the system - Car CD Player -- What To Look For
Car audio cd players are on the rock. To get the best in the world of music and sound, you need to h - More On Car Audio Capacitors
If your lights dim with every drum beat, or your CD skips a beat, your amplifier might be trying to - Should I Buy My Car Audio Product At Ebay?
Car audio at Ebay? Yes, you can get a good car audio system at Ebay. All you need to do is to log on - Car Audio Wiring
A significant part of your entire car audio system consists of just wires. There are all kinds of ca - Car Audio System -- A New Buyer's Guide
You have several options if you want to improve your current car audio system. The market is flooded - What Is A Car Subwoofer?
Do you know what a car subwoofer is? Would you like to find out? In essence it is a speaker not in a - Intoduction to the Car Subwoofer
A subwoofer is the part of the audio speaker system in a home or auto system that reproduces the bas
