How do I use a multimeter to test household batteries (AA, AAA, C, 9V, etc)?

I have never used a multimeter, but I want to buy one to use for testing batteries and doing other tasks around the house. Seems like a waste to buy a device that only tests batteries.

How do I use a multimeter to test household batteries (AA, AAA, C, 9V, etc)?
batteries made in many diffrent technology, like normal ones, alkalines, rechargables (ni-cd,ni-mh,li-ion) and so on. they cant be testet completely with a multimeter if you have no knowledge in electronics. but at least buying a multimeter is better idea than a battery tester! here are more details for non rechargable batteries:


a battery shows a higher than its real voltage when you measure it without a load, battery voltage must be measured when its driving a load (a device like a clock etc...). in this case bettery voltage should be near to that specefied on it, so its ok.





if battery is completely run out it has a lower than named voltage on terminals altought without any load, so if you read a 1.5v battery as 1v or something near it (like up to 1.2v) its relatively empty. for a 9v empty battery you may read 7v. these batteries can't power the device anymore.





test of new batteries are easy, eg. for a 1.5v you must read 1.55v or a little higher (because its new and thers no load), 9.5v for a 9v battery and so on... this voltage will drop a little when you supply it to the device and get to the battery's named voltage.





so you have to measure the battery voltage when a device powered by it.


good luck
Reply:To check a battery put it in the device and turn it on, then use the leads from the meter and check the ends of the battery for usable battery life. The meter can also check continuity (if there is a break) of wires, fuses, light bulbs, etc. Put it on AC and verify you have proper voltages at your outlets.
Reply:Buy battery tester. It puts them "under load" (draws a small current.) If you just test voltage with the DCV


(direct current voltage) scale, and the battery is not under load, even a wasted battery may read full voltage. When under load a dead battery drops way off on voltage.