Vector G08 Series Faq page 38

G08 Vector Monitor Guide
TESTING TRANSISTORS WITH A DIGITAL MULTI-METER
Set your meter to the diode test. Connect the red meter lead to the base of the transistor. Connect
the black meter lead to the emitter. A good NPN transistor will read a JUNCTION DROP voltage
of between 0.45v and 0.9v. A good PNP transistor will read OPEN. Leave the red meter lead on the
base and move the black lead to the collector. The reading should be the same as the previous test.
Reverse the meter leads in your hands and repeat the test. This time, connect the black meter lead
to the base of the transistor. Connect the red meter lead to the emitter. A good PNP transistor will
read a JUNCTION DROP voltage of between 0.45v and 0.9v. A good NPN transistor will read
OPEN. Leave the black meter lead on the base and move the red lead to the collector. The reading
should be the same as the previous test. Place one meter lead on the collector, the other on the
emitter. The meter should read OPEN. Reverse your meter leads. The meter should read OPEN.
This is the same for both NPN and PNP transistors. Thanks to Randy Fromm
<randy@randyfromm.com> for this excellent summary of the diode test method.
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