I am trying to make the auto ranging ohmmeter shown below, and I was wondering if this circuit would be a good alternative for protection just in case a user accidentally connects a power in place of the resistor to be measured, these powers can be up to 20V DC and up to 15VRMS AC.
Could I get away with only series resistor and clamping diodes?, the relay method could still be dangerous if the user pressed while power is connected etc..
Thanks Jim.
Is it because of the connection?, because the diode package might be confusing but they are essentially connected the same as the schematic you shared.
Also can you please elaborate about the 200ohm value?
The 200 ohm resistor will limit the current through the diodes. Your circuit has no current limiting resistor. So when someone applies +/-20V to J54, it will be directly connected to 5V (or GND) through a diode and a very large current will flow untill the diode burns out.