How to Find a Short in a Circuit Board

You can perform electrical measurements using a digital multimeter.
••• multimeter image by dinostock from Fotolia.com

Locate a short in a circuit board to prevent possible accidental shock or a fire. In addition, verifying a short circuit will help you determine whether to replace the device containing the circuit board. A short is a place on a board where electrical current no longer passes. Also, devices such as resistors and capacitors on a board may short and become inoperable. Resistors limit current flow, while capacitors store it. The flow of electrical current is governed by Ohm's law, which states current equals voltage divided by resistance.

    Turn on the digital multimeter by pushing the "Power" button.

    Turn the measurement setting dial on the multimeter to DC current. This is designated by a capital "A" with straight lines over it. The "A" stands for the amp, which is the unit for electrical current.

    Test all devices on the circuit board, one at a time, by touching the red and black probes of the multimeter to either side of the device. A zero current reading indicates a short circuit.

    Test the wires that connect the devices on the board by placing the red and black probes of the multimeter on opposite ends of a given wire. A zero current reading indicates a short.

Related Articles

How to Test a Diode Rectifier
How to Build a 120V AC to 12V DC Power Converter
How to Check if a Diode Is Bad
How to Mount a Circuit Board in an Electronic Project...
How it Works: Voltage Relay
How to Calculate 30 KW to Amps
How to Calculate Amperage in a Series Circuit
How to Test for an Open Circuit in a Home
How to Test Resistors in a Circuit
Definition of KAIC
How to Convert KWH to KVA
How to Diagnose a Circuit Board With a Bad Transistor
How to Check a Zener Diode
How to Test an SCR With an Ohmmeter
How to Test DC Motors
How to Test a Blower Resistor
How to Calculate Power Rating
How to Calculate KVA to MVA
How to Check the Direction of a Diode
How to Use a Multimeter for the Beginner

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!