ESA Certified Alarm Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a step in measuring voltage?

1. Set the meter to the lowest voltage

2. Connect the probes correctly

3. Observe the reading

4. Ensure the circuit is powered on

The correct answer is: Set the meter to the lowest voltage

Measuring voltage accurately is a fundamental skill for an alarm technician, and it involves specific steps to ensure correct readings. When measuring voltage, it is essential to connect the probes correctly to the circuit to get an accurate measurement. Observing the reading on the multimeter is crucial, as this step allows the technician to understand the voltage present in the circuit. Ensuring that the circuit is powered on is also a vital step in measuring voltage because, without power, there will be no voltage to measure. Thus, all these steps are crucial components of the voltage measurement process except for setting the meter to the lowest voltage, which is not a necessary step. While it can be complementary to adjust the range when working with a multimeter, starting at the lowest setting is not universally required nor often recommended, as modern multimeters generally auto-range. This makes the process more straightforward and reduces the likelihood of damaging the meter. In situations where measurement precision is essential, one can use the appropriate setting, but it's not essential to start at the lowest voltage setting every time. This understanding highlights why the first choice is not a required step in measuring voltage.