Troubleshooting Principles
There are really only two rules for troubleshooting using a voltmeter. They are simple and always true:
- If you measure a voltage across a switch, the switch is open.
- If you measure a correct voltage across a load and the load doesn’t work, the load has failed.
With digital meters, voltage readings that are considered as zero will often indicate very small voltage readings. For example, when reading across a closed switch, a very small reading could indicate a very slight resistance across the switch contacts or even a meter inaccuracy.
Notice that the first rule does not say that if you read zero volts across a switch, the switch is closed. There are many situations in which you might read zero volts across an open switch.
The second rule indicates that the load has failed. This only means that the problem is with the load and you don’t have to look anywhere else for the problem. The actual remedy still has to be determined. This may require a replacement of the load, but there may be other possibilities. For example, there may be an overload that needs resetting.
Always look for the easy fix first. Check components that are easily accessible first that might explain the symptom that you have observed. For example, one of the first checks is to verify the power supply.
