# Source: https://learn.adafruit.com/tmp36-temperature-sensor/testing-a-temp-sensor.md

# TMP36 Temperature Sensor

## Testing a Temp Sensor

Testing these sensors is pretty easy but you'll need a battery pack or power supply.

Connect a 2.7-5.5V power supply (2-4 AA batteries work fantastic) so that ground is connected to pin 3 (right pin), and power is connected to pin 1 (left pin)

Then connect your multimeter in DC voltage mode to ground and the remaining pin 2 (middle). If you've got a TMP36 and its about room temperature (25°C), the voltage should be about 0.75V. Note that if you're using a LM35, the voltage will be 0.25V

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/000/473/medium800/temperature_tmp36test.jpg?1396763356)

_The sensor is indicating that the temperature is 26.3°C also known as 79.3°F_

You can change the voltage range by pressing the plastic case of the sensor with your fingers, you will see the temperature/voltage rise.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/000/474/medium800/temperature_tmp36squeeze.jpg?1396763367)

_With my fingers on the sensor, heating it up a little, the temperature reading is now 29.7°C / 85.5°F_

Or you can touch the sensor with an ice cube, perferrably in a plastic bag so it doesn't get water on your circuit, and see the temperature/voltage drop.

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/000/475/medium800/temperature_tmp36ice.jpg?1396763372)

_I pressed an ice-cube against the sensor, to bring the temperature down to 18.6°C / 65.5°F_- [Previous Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/tmp36-temperature-sensor/overview.md)
- [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/tmp36-temperature-sensor/using-a-temp-sensor.md)

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