How long should you hold the probes of an ohmmeter to obtain an accurate reading?

To obtain an accurate reading with an ohmmeter, it is essential to allow sufficient time for the instrument to stabilize and register a consistent value. Holding the probes for about 5 seconds typically ensures that the measurement has settled, particularly in the presence of high resistance or fluctuating readings. This duration allows the ohmmeter to send a steady current through the component being tested, which helps to filter out any noise and provide a more reliable resistance measurement.

Shorter durations, such as 1 or 3 seconds, may not allow the circuit to stabilize fully, leading to potential inaccuracies in the resistance reading. While 10 seconds may seem like a cautious approach, it may be unnecessarily lengthy, as most reliable readings can be obtained within the 5-second timeframe without compromising accuracy.