What can a multimeter NOT measure?

A multimeter is a versatile instrument primarily used to measure voltage, current (electricity flow), and resistance. However, it does not directly measure electrical energy consumption.

Electrical energy consumption involves quantifying the total energy used over a specific period, typically expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This measurement requires a device known as an energy meter or watt-hour meter, which accounts for both the voltage and current over time to provide the energy consumed.

In contrast, while a multimeter can measure voltage (the potential difference in an electrical circuit), current (the flow of electricity), and resistance (the opposition to current flow), it does not have the intrinsic capabilities to calculate energy usage over time, which is a separate and more complex function that involves integrating power over a given duration. This distinction is crucial in understanding the limitations of a multimeter compared to dedicated energy measurement tools.