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Multimeter with only one probe

Engineering Asked by Albert Choi on March 20, 2021

What am I measuring if I set my multimeter to AC voltage readings and take the black probe out of COM? It seems that I am getting higher readings when I go near a light or my computer screen. This measurement seems to get more sensitive (I think) when I make a circular loop with an ordinary copper wire and connect the red probe with the loop.

What am I measuring in the two cases? Are they measuring the same thing?

One Answer

You are measuring the electric field in the air. Your multimeter has a very high input impedance - typically 10 MΩ. If you connect a low resistance - even 1 kΩ - between the V and COM inputs you will find that the reading collapses.

Correct answer by Transistor on March 20, 2021

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