What should be done when measuring a known DC voltage with an analog multimeter?

When measuring a known DC voltage with an analog multimeter, choosing a range scale that causes mid-scale deflection is ideal for several reasons. Mid-scale deflection provides a balanced reading that tends to minimize display errors and enhances accuracy. This positioning allows the meter to utilize its full scale without being overloaded or hitting the limits, which can lead to less precision and a lower quality reading.

In analog multimeters, maximum deflection can cause the needle to become saturated, risking damage to the meter while also providing less clarity in reading small changes in voltage. Alternatively, selecting the lowest range may not always be advantageous, as it can lead to a higher likelihood of inaccuracies due to potential scale limitations. Setting the meter to AC mode is inappropriate for measuring DC voltage, as it will not give a correct reading and could potentially damage the multimeter.

Choosing a scale for mid-scale deflection ensures the utmost functionality of the analog meter for accurate and reliable voltage measurements.