# Multimeter First Measurements

Learn the first safe multimeter checks: voltage, continuity, resistance, and current caution.

## Outcome
Use a meter to answer a circuit question instead of guessing.

## Safe first step
Set the meter mode before touching the probes to the circuit.

## Ladder steps
### 1. Identify the question
Learn to identify the question as one discrete move in the project path.

Check: You can explain or demonstrate: identify the question.

### 2. Pick the meter mode
Learn to pick the meter mode as one discrete move in the project path.

Check: You can explain or demonstrate: pick the meter mode.

### 3. Choose probe points
Learn to choose probe points as one discrete move in the project path.

Check: You can explain or demonstrate: choose probe points.

### 4. Interpret the number
Learn to interpret the number as one discrete move in the project path.

Check: You can explain or demonstrate: interpret the number.

## Examples
### Practice dc volts across power and ground
```sh
DC volts across power and ground
```
Expected signal: A visible result you can compare before moving on

### Practice continuity across a switch
```sh
Continuity across a switch
```
Expected signal: A visible result you can compare before moving on

### Practice resistance with power removed
```sh
Resistance with power removed
```
Expected signal: A visible result you can compare before moving on

## Common traps
- Measuring resistance on a powered circuit.
- Moving the probe lead to current mode by accident.
- Assuming beep means low resistance in every context.

## Practice task
Create a small practice case for multimeter first measurements and write what each step proves before moving to the next one.

## Next steps
- Download the Obsidian note.
- Review the Anki cards.
- Pick one related ladder and do the practice task.

## Related
- [Browse topic clusters](/topics/)
- [All learning ladders](/learn/)