What does it mean if my multi-meter creates sparks when I try to test the volts in my microhydro turbine?

Question

I tested them successfully for months by touching the red prong to the red wire terminal and the black prong to the black wire terminal. One day all of a sudden whichever I touch second creates sparks and melts the prong a little. I have some knowledge of electricity, but obviously not enough. Any help would be appreciated

Answer 1

Perhaps your multimeter is not set to test voltage. Voltmeters are supposed to have a very high resistance through them, and the fact you get sparks indicates that there is very little resistance in the multimeter. This could be because you didn't set up the multimeter right, and you're measuring current or something, or the multimeter is not working properly. You're probably getting sparks because you're shorting out a capacitor.

Make sure your multimeter is set right (dial set to measure Voltage), or try a different multimeter.

Answer 2

Your meter is set to AMPs . Set it to volts and you will be ok. Your last sentence is the truth !

Cheers Pete