What is the Millivolt Symbol on a Multimeter?
The symbol for millivolts on a multimeter is mV.
Millivolts represent a very small unit of electrical potential or voltage. Specifically, one millivolt (mV) is equivalent to one-thousandth of a volt (1/1,000th of a volt). Multimeters use this symbol to indicate the setting for measuring these minute voltage levels, which are common in sensitive electronic circuits and sensors.
Understanding Common Multimeter Symbols
To effectively use a multimeter, it's essential to understand the various symbols displayed on its dial or screen. These symbols indicate the type of measurement being taken and the unit of that measurement. Here are some of the key symbols you'll encounter on a multimeter:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| mV | Millivolts (1/1,000th of a volt), used for measuring small voltages. |
| ⏦ | AC Current (Alternating Current), indicates a setting for measuring AC voltage or current. |
| ⎓ | DC Current (Direct Current), indicates a setting for measuring DC voltage or current. |
| mA | Milliamp (1/1,000th of an amp), used for measuring small currents. |
| V | Volts, for measuring larger voltage levels (often accompanied by ⏦ or ⎓ for AC/DC). |
| A | Amperes (Amps), for measuring larger current levels (often accompanied by ⏦ or ⎓ for AC/DC). |
| Ω | Ohms, for measuring resistance. |
| )) | Continuity, for checking if a circuit is complete. |
Why Measure Millivolts?
Measuring in millivolts is crucial in applications where even slight voltage fluctuations can be significant. This range allows for precise measurements of weak electrical signals that would be negligible on a standard volt setting.
- Electronics: In circuit boards, microcontrollers, and low-power devices, many signals operate in the millivolt range.
- Sensors: Many sensors, such as thermocouples (for temperature measurement) or pH probes, produce output signals in millivolts that correlate to the physical phenomenon they are measuring.
- Troubleshooting: Identifying subtle voltage drops or gains in delicate systems often requires the sensitivity of a millivolt setting.
By selecting the 'mV' range on your multimeter, you enable the device to display more precise readings for these low-voltage applications, ensuring accuracy in diagnostics and design.
