If I have a metal mesh can I test it's resistance with a multimeter?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the feasibility of measuring the resistance of a metal mesh using a multimeter. Participants explore various methods and considerations related to this measurement, including the type of multimeter required and the potential impact of the mesh's properties on resistance readings.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that measuring resistance across a wire mesh is possible, but it may require a high-quality multimeter due to expected low resistance values in the milliOhm range.
  • One participant recommends using a 4-wire DVM for accurate measurements, as this method can eliminate the resistance of the test leads.
  • Another approach proposed involves passing a current through the mesh and measuring the voltage across it to calculate resistance using Ohm's law (R = V / I).
  • It is noted that the resistance of the mesh may vary based on factors such as thickness and material, which could affect the measurements obtained.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that measuring resistance is possible, but there are differing opinions on the best methods to achieve accurate results and the implications of the mesh's properties on the measurements.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the potential inaccuracy of lower-end multimeters and the need to consider the resistance of test leads in measurements. The discussion does not resolve the best method for all scenarios.

algar32
Messages
88
Reaction score
1
Is it possible to measure the resistance across a wire mesh with a multimeter? Thanks.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
algar32 said:
Is it possible to measure the resistance across a wire mesh with a multimeter? Thanks.

It would take a pretty good multimeter to measure the resistance (which is probably in the milliOhms range). What is the application?

The type of meter you would use is a 4-wire DVM with good accuracy. You use the 4-wire technique to eliminate the resistance of the test leads from the measurement. Alternately, you could measure the resistance of the leads on a 2-wire DVM and subtract out that resistance, but most DVMs only give you resistance to 0.1Ohms resolution...
 
algar32 said:
Is it possible to measure the resistance across a wire mesh with a multimeter? Thanks.

You could pass a fairly large current through the mesh and measure the voltage across it.

For example, if you had a 12 volt supply and connected a 120 ohm resistor in series with the mesh, you could connect these across the 12 volt source and get a current of about 100 mA. You could measure the exact current with a multimeter which you leave in circuit.

Then measure the voltage across the mesh (with another multimeter) and calculate the resistance.
V = I * R. So R = V / I.
 
Thanks for the replies guys. I will try both methods and post back when I try it this weekend. Thanks again!
 


Yes, it is possible to measure the resistance across a wire mesh with a multimeter. Resistance is a measure of how much a material resists the flow of electricity, and a multimeter is a tool that can measure resistance. To test the resistance of a metal mesh with a multimeter, you would need to set the multimeter to the resistance measurement mode and then place the metal mesh between the two probes of the multimeter. The multimeter will then display the resistance value of the metal mesh. Keep in mind that the resistance of a wire mesh may vary depending on its thickness, material, and other factors, so it is important to compare the measured resistance to the expected resistance for the specific type of mesh you are testing.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
Replies
21
Views
5K
Replies
16
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K