How to check battery capacity with a multimeter? Verification methods

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:55

In the modern world, there are various types of batteries. Such devices allow the equipment to work autonomously, provide user comfort. The functionality of the device also depends on how fully the battery works. Therefore, battery control is an important condition for the correct operation of equipment.

Users of electronic devices, mechanisms, vehicles and other units periodically have to resort to the help of special equipment for measurements. How to check the battery capacity with a multimeter, you need to study in more detail. There is a specific instruction for this.

Features of measuring equipment

When learning how to check the battery capacity of a phone with a multimeter (external, car or other types of batteries), you need to start with the basic characteristics of the measuring equipment. It includes the functions of an ohmmeter, an ammeter and a voltmeter. The multimeter is called universalmeter.

With the help of 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, automotive and other varieties.

Battery capacity tester is used to measure direct current, alternating current, as well as its continuity of supply through the network. The multimeter reflects information about the resistance of electrical elements. It is thanks to this versatility and a wide range of applications that the presented meter is often used in everyday life.

Varieties of meters

When asking 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 varieties of such devices.

On sale today are analog, digital devices. The first type of instrument has a dial and an arrow. It shows the measurement result. This is an inexpensive variety of multimeters. However, this version of equipment is used less and less today. The analog multimeter is gradually being replaced by digital instruments. They have less measurement error.

Digital multimeter is easier to use. It outputs the resultto the display. The information in this case is accurate, presented in a user-friendly way.

How a multimeter works

Delving into the methodology of how to check the residual capacity with a multimeter, you need to consider the design of this device. The design has a dial or a digital display. When a test is run, 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 meter must have a function button or switch. It allows you to control the choice of metering mode, as well as its scale. When storing, the lever must be set to the off position. To take a measurement, turn the knob to the desired position.

The case of the multimeter has inputs for connecting probes. Positive polarity is characterized by a red probe, and negative - by a black piece of equipment. These design elements are necessarily present in any measuring device of the presented type.

Types of batteries

Most often, users are interested in the question of how to check the capacity of a 18650 battery with a multimeter. This type of autonomous sources of electricity is often used in low-power household appliances. It is commonly called "finger-type" batteries. Such batteries are used in remote controls, medical equipment, etc. In order for the equipment to work fully, it is necessary to control the charge level.

When using the presented equipment, you can control the capacity of batteries for mobile phones, tablets, laptops or other similar equipment. In this case, you can easily establish the serviceability of an autonomous power source. If, after charging, the multimeter shows a capacity level different from the declared indicator, this indicates a malfunctioning battery. It will have to be changed soon.

Batteries used in power tools are subject to measurement. Also, the process of determining the level of charge of a car battery differs in certain features.

Existing types of batteries may differ in the type of substance used to create them. This factor determines the operating conditions of such devices. A multimeter in some cases allows you to determine whether the battery is being used correctly.

The process of measuring household batteries

First of all, you need to determine how to check the battery capacity of a screwdriver with a multimeter, as well as batteries of a phone, laptop, removable devices (power bank), and other similar household varieties.

To take a measurement, the device must be turned on. To do this, you need to set the mode control lever to the "direct current" position. With this procedure, the maximum range must be determined between 10 and 20 mA.

Probes must be brought to the contacts of an autonomous power device. Probe with positive polarity is connected to"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 an 18650 battery, this value can be from 0 to 1.5.

After the operation, the device can be turned off. If the result obtained does not match the declared level, it is necessary to find the reason for the deviations. The battery may need to be replaced.

Automotive type battery

When answering the question of how to check the capacity of an external power bank battery, power 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 capacitance and charge. If it is not there, a regular 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 a level of 12.6 V. When a value is obtained at a level of 12.2 V, it can indicate a discharge of the battery. The user must charge it. If the charge level drops to 11 V, the battery will no longer be able to work. It will be impossible to restore it. 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 batterymultimeter. Such control allows you to extend the operation of the power supply, to avoid the occurrence of malfunctions in the power supply system of the machine. If certain problems occur, they can be corrected after checking.

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, turn on the multimeter. Measuring mode is set between 0 and 20V.

Probes of the device are brought to the battery contacts. The red probe must be connected to the positive polarity terminal and vice versa. Next, the multimeter screen receives information about the measurement result.

Determination of battery capacity

After checking the self-contained power device, it is necessary to evaluate its capacity. This test allows you 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.

Several methods are used for measuring. The test discharge method is rarely used. More often, the capacity is measured with a load that takes half of the total battery current.

In this case, the owner takes into account the density, which currently characterizes the battery electrolyte. If the battery is charged, it should be at 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 difficult to start. This will become especially clear when the level of discharge is up to 1.16 g/cm³.

The aboveindicators should remain at the level specified by the manufacturer. This will allow the battery to function fully and efficiently.

Measuring

Knowing in theory how to check the battery capacity with a multimeter, you must perform this process in practice. To do this, you need to prepare a measuring device. A load must be applied to the battery during the test. It will take half the battery current. If, for example, the battery has a capacity of 7 Ah, then the load should be supplied at a rate of 3.5 V. To do this, you can connect a car headlight bulb.

After applying the load, you must wait a couple of minutes. By the operation of the light bulb, you can detect a low battery charge. If it emits a dim light, the battery will no longer be used. With a bright glow, the lamps produce a subsequent measurement.

If, after connecting the multimeter probes, it turned out that the voltage at the terminals is 12.4 V, this is a working battery that can be immediately used for the car's electrical system.

Knowing how to check the battery capacity with a multimeter, you can draw conclusions about the correct operation of an autonomous power source of almost any type.