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How to Check a Faulty Thermostat Using a Multimeter

If you're having issues regulating the temperature in an appliance it might be a fault with the thermostat. In this video Josh shows us how to use a multimeter to test if a thermostat is still working.

A multimeter is a versatile tool that can be used to measure electrical resistance within a circuit, just as you would use a ruler to measure distance. If you've got a faulty appliance within your home and you're not sure what's causing the fault, a great way to find out is to use a multimeter.

Multimeters come in two different types: digital and analogue. On some you may have to setup and calibrate according to your manual before you're ready to test. A multimeter can test elements, thermostats, switches - in fact it can test most electrical component within an appliance. If you would like to see how to test your parts for problems, you can see Matt fault checking vacuums, thermal fuses and dryer elements.

What You Will Need:

Step 1 - Switch Off Your Appliance

Safety First! Please make sure that you have switched your appliance off at the mains before starting your repair.

Step 2 - Setting Up The Multimeter

You may need to set up and calibrate the multimeter as per the instructions, and then turn the dial to the lowest ohm rating. A working thermostat should have a reading of zero or as close to zero as possible.

This first thermostat in the video has a reading of 01 - so it's actually working fine. However, this second thermostat has no reading at all, so this thermostat is faulty and would need to be replaced.

Fancy Giving Your Appliance A Good Clean Now?

If you think it’s about time that you showed your appliance some TLC, eSpares are here to help you. We have a wide range of cleaning products for the various appliances that are found around the home and garden, and they can all be found on our website in the Cleaning Products area.

You can find lots more of our useful help and tips on looking after your appliances at home, and also further advice and video tutorials on how to fix your appliances yourself at the eSpares Advice Centre.

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