How can I use a multimeter to measure incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs?

Tһіѕ fοr a science project…
I mean measure tһе amount οf wattage tһеу υѕе, іf tһаt’s tһе rіɡһt word.

Kahless:

April 4, 2010 at 5:10 am

Measure what? The amount of electricity they use? The amount of light they put out?
spot a:

April 4, 2010 at 5:42 am

You can’t measure ac current with a multimeter.

If you attach a solar cell to the multimeter you might be able to measure the voltage from the cell due to the light output of each type of bulb

If you connect the incandescent bulb to a dc voltage you can read voltage and current for it

The compact fluorescent bulb probably won’t work on dc voltage. there is a circuit in the base of it that may require ac
billrussell42:

April 4, 2010 at 6:14 am

You need an AC ammeter or wattmeter, a multimeter won’t work.

If you are ingenious, you can use a 1 ohm 5 watt resistor in series with the bulb, and measure the AC voltage across it, and then calculate AC current from ohms law.

Once you have the current, you can multiply by the line voltage (120 or 240 volts, depending on where you live) to get the power.

You can buy a wattmeter for US$ 20 from amazon.com.

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