Amps symbol (A, mA and µA)

How to read it

Fluke’s guide to the multimeter dial lists AC and DC amps and milliamps, and AC and DC microamps, marked with the same ∿ and ⎓ as the voltage settings. Klein Tools and Extech give the multipliers in their display symbols: m is milli, 10⁻³, and µ is micro, 10⁻⁶.

The ranges are split between jacks. On Fluke’s guide the A jack takes current up to 10 A, and the mA/µA jack from 0 µA to 400 mA. Klein’s MM400 has a 10A jack for currents above 400 mA and takes mA and µA through its VΩ jack. Fluke’s 115 and 117 briefly show LEAd and beep whenever the dial is turned to or from an A position, as a reminder that the test leads have to be in the right jacks.

Also searched as: AC amps symbol, A on a multimeter, current setting, DC amps symbol, mA on a multimeter, microamps, milliamps, µA.

Over the limit

On Fluke’s 115 and 117 the display flashes above 10.00 A and shows OL above 20 A; between 10 and 20 A the manual allows 30 seconds on, then 10 minutes off. The current inputs are fused: at 500 mA and 10 A on Klein’s MM400 and Extech’s EX330 (see the 10A fused jack).

Look-alikes

V⎓ and V~ carry the same marks with a V. The letter decides whether the setting reads volts or amps.