Test with a multimeter

Zener diode

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Now: Forward: red on the anode

CircuVanta 6000 counts · auto range DCAUTO•)))HOLDFUSE− HOLD LIGHT OFFV⎓V~Ω•)))FmA⎓ mA400 mACOMVΩ Anode (A) 1 A Cathode (K) 2 K
Pin 1: Anode (A) (A) Pin 2: Cathode (K) (K)

Red probe Not connectedBlack probe Not connected

Hold the probe and drag it to the tip of a leg. Tapping works too: first pick the probe, then the leg.

Set the range to diode test.

Measure step by step

In diode test mode, a zener diode acts like a regular diode. The multimeter’s test voltage doesn’t reach the zener voltage, so this test only shows the junction is intact.

  1. 1Forward: red on the anode
  2. 2Reverse: red on the cathode