Electrical Test Equipment Every Electrician Should Know
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ค. 2024
- It’s an electricians job to be able to identify what’s going on in an electrical circuit, and sometimes this can be a difficult task. Having a firm knowledge of how to use various pieces of electrical test equipment can be the difference in solving a problem and making a guess. In this episode, I cover all of the pieces of test equipment I believe an electrician should know how to use.
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#1 Basic Multimeter/Tester
This is a pretty obvious piece of equipment for an electrician to have, but you’d be surprised at how many electricians and apprentices out there don’t know how to use one. Well, let's dive in!
For starters this is not “technically” a multi-meter. Fluke calls it a tester, but most of us in the field still call it a multi-meter, so for the sake of this article I’m going to continue calling it a multi-meter. It has multiple functions, which is why we call it a “multi-meter.” It can read voltage (difference of potential), amperage (current flowing in a conductor), resistance (opposition to current flow in a conductor), and continuity (whether or not you have a complete loop.
Most of the time, this is all an electrician will need to know. This Fluke T5-600 fits in your back pocket, has detachable leads that can be snapped into the tool, or used hands-free, and a backlit LED display. This model is one of the most used testers on the market, and because of its rigidity and reliability will continue to be so for quite some time.
#2 Clamp-on Ammeter
The clamp-on ammeter is similar to a standard tester or multimeter with the addition of a clamp/jaw that reads amperage on large diameter conductors. What the clamp provides is the ability to measure larger size wires for use on feeders and service-entrance conductors. In addition to measuring amperage, this tester also allows you to read voltage, resistance, continuity, and capacitance. This specific model (Fluke CL323) does not allow you to snap the leads to the tool so it can be a bit cumbersome to use when testing voltage - unless you have something nearby that you can clamp on to, allowing the tester to hang in front of you while you use the leads with both hands.
#3 Pocket Voltage Tester
The pocket tester is for quick and convenient AC/DC voltage testing. It’s not a high-dollar, 100-feature tester but it does allow you to test if power is present in a circuit. It fits easily in your pocket, so I personally keep one of these on me everywhere I go. You never know when you’ll need to use it, but when you don’t have all of the rest of your tools on you - carrying this around will give you a little bit of an edge, and possibly save you a trip to the truck.
This tester can test ranges from 0 - 240v AC and 0 - 17v DC making it extremely versatile as most electricians work in both of these ranges, most often. Do not try using this meter on 480-volt systems as it is only rated for up to 240v max.
#4 Tick Tracer
Taking a walk down the average Facebook Group or Electrical Forum, you’ll come to know that the use of a tick-tracer is a rather contentious issue. And for good reason. A lot of people have gotten hurt thinking that the audible beep this tester gives off, should be trusted for accuracy. These tools are not very accurate and have a definite purpose, but a very limited one.
First things first - DO NOT USE THIS AS A REPLACEMENT FOR A MULTIMETER. Always double check with a multimeter before touching a wire. What the tick tracer is used for is testing for the presence of power. If you’re unsure whether or not there is power on a conductor or not, you can use this tick-tracer to tell you that. It doesn’t tell you anything beyond that. Some of these are auto-ranging so they’ll tell you if you have low voltage or line voltage present - but again….ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK WITH A MULTIMETER BEFORE STICKING YOUR HANDS ON A WIRE! his tool is battery powered so make sure you always have an extra set just in case yours are low. If you are going to use this tool, know that it uses capacitive coupling so it’s not sensing true “power” meaning it’s possible for you to get readings that make no sense. Not the most reliable tool in your belt however it is good for quick diagnosis when checked afterward with an actual multi-meter.
#electrical #testequipment #electrician #tools
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Passionate about the trade. That's what makes him so great.
Literally been watching your videos during my lunch. 5 month commercial electrician helper here in CA. I feel like I learn more each day and watching your videos connects the dots from what I learn at work and school.
Are you still working as an electrician
Pretty comprehensive test equipment list and basic explanations of each one. Got to give credit where it is due. Most videos on this subject are lacking in explanation than this one. Hello, pat on the back here! Good job guy! 👍🏻
I use that same Fluke toner all the time. The reason I like it is because it helps eliminate errors from cross talk. With many wires in the same conduit or JB, the toner can beep very loudly on the wrong wire due to cross talk. This process can only work when you have access to both ends of the wire you’re trying to trace. Clip the black lead to ground and the red lead to the wire you’re trying to locate the other end of. When you think you’ve found the right wire, touch that lead to ground. If the tone changes, you’ve got the right wire. If the tone doesn’t change, you’re picking up the signal through cross talk.
As a Fire Marshal, I carried a ticker. I would often find wires running every which way, uncovered boxes, etc.....Made my life a bit easier...
Thanks for the video for sure. It made me rethink my tool setup. You do an awesome job and I am studying to take my EE98J exam in New Mexico so you've helped me a lot. Thanks a million!
Thanks amigo for the video I appreciate it for what U do!! Keep it up
I use that Fluke toner, brilliant tool. One of the best features is if you short your two wires at the field end, it will change tone-up to 5 or 6 different ones; brilliant for verifying poorly marked circuits. It also has an RJ11/45 plug ideal for data points.
You can use a tone generator hooked up to a fish-wire when in thick insulation to determine where the tip is (non conduit) 👍
love all your videos , detailed, clear which makes it easy to follow, please keep them coming and thanks for spending your time making these videos.
As an electrical troubleshooter/installer in industrial & commercial environments, I own each of these tools & have to say you covered the tools & their capabilities very well. There is other test equipment on the market as well but many of the showcased tools are the basics that the average electrician should know how to use.
Taught me a lot in this video! Loved it.
Thanks for always making such quality videos they are very helpful. I’v been electrician about 2.5 years and love it.
Great video. Thanks for the super simple explanations. Looking forward to more of your videos.
Best Electrician page on TH-cam by FAR!
THANK YOU for those comments on Volt Pens!!! I personally HATE those damn things! I can’t tell you how many times the helpers had to buy a new pair of linesman’s because they thought the circuit was dead... Or how many outlets weren’t working because they tested for proper operation with the volt pen, and later on found out the string wasn’t working due to a missing neutral!
Never trust these things unless your a 100% sure with a working VOM or at least a load such as a light bulb.
You are awesome. Just picked up my apprentice license. Now time to earn my journeyman. I really enjoy the pace of your videos. You drop a lot of info and don’t waste time. If I’m not reading my NEC2020 I’m watching your vids.
Thanks man I appreciate for all the information
@10:12 "What it does is connects the ground and neutral together inside here and trips that GFCI."
I don't think so. Since neutral and ground are at pretty much the same potential, there is no guarantee that enough current flows from neutral to ground (more than 5mA as I recall) to trip the GFCI voltage comparator circuit. I believe that the GFCI test function works by shunting a small amount of current through a resistor from the hot leg to ground, not the neutral leg.
PS: I appreciated the equipment roundup. I just bought a 1961 house and the branch circuits are a nightmare. I'll be busy for a while :3)
I prefer the Goldak for tracing. It works for plumbing as well
Been doing this a very long time and i still learn off your videos. Best of all is i recommend your channel to all the apprentices in my company. Especially my helper i make sure he watches your videos.
Thanks for watching my friend, I’m trying to get better and more accurate with my newer stuff. I’m glad you get value from what I’m doing!
This is why I refer to the touchless voltage testers (tick tracers) as suicide sticks. Never take the presence (or lack of) beeping/light/vibration as law. I use mine exactly as mentioned in the video. It is definitely a helpful tool, but not a crutch, and definitely not a full on diagnostic tool.
Good stuff! I've been in this trade a while, but I always learn something from your videos.
Always excellent examples and detailed info. Keep it up!
I think i will start my new career in 2-3 years when i move to Texas, want to become electrician, i know some stuff about electricity but looking forward to become real deal electrician, i like to work with wires and have good feeling when you turn the barker and everything is working, lest time i connect 3 extra barkers in my apartment to life panel, its all about knowledge and safety even in life old panel. I hope i will do good. You are great person, thanks for all this info, all do i know a lot of it but there always a lot to learn every day.
thank you for the video its was great
My Fluke multimeter has a Megger as well, the one thing I love to use with it is the magnet, I’m constantly in panels so the ability to do everything with a gator clip and my probe at eye level makes troubleshooting that much easier.
Recently retired from a large hospital/research center ( 5 millon sq feet ) where I used the fluke multimeter with the built in megger for 10 years. Used it everyday for PM' ing over 500 drives. Dropped it off a 6 & 8' stepladder couple of dozen times. Most electricians do not know how to use a megger. Have to make sure motor is not turning while meggering.
Awesome video. Some good info
Hi there, I've got a point to the sniffer. I have it always with the tester and I use it as a line/circuit tracer. I switch on the breaker I want to test and just go by the line. Truth is to be told that I work in Europe and the there is a big difference in the building materials and ways the cable is ran trough the walls... So I have these two tools with me all the time and some of the other stuff you've shown in my bag or toolbox.
TY CYA
You are the apprentices best friend!! Thanks Dustin!
Thank you for helping people in the trade.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge very informative, it inspired me to focus more making electrical video
Thank you very much I highly appreciate it
No problem thanks for watching my friend!
Cl800 clamp has the notch for lead it's great! I'm gonna get 360 though cuz I need more compact w/ notches for leads..
The tick tester is great in my experience at home as just as a fast way to check that you shut off the right breaker before doing work.
@D L yeah but also a majority of wires aren't 220 unless working with larger equipment. For standard outlets and switches it worked pretty damn well.
Good video, one thing I think most electricians should have is a decent infrared temperature gun which is great for scanning disconnect switches and panelboards.
Klein cl700 is my meter and I love it it even has the probe holder thing
You're a natural teacher, Dustin. I loyally watch e.u.
Can you do a live demonstration with your cable tracers.
10:47 - When using a toner to trace a Romex cable, connect one of the toner's alligator clips to ground and the other clip to the black the wire of the cable you are trying to follow. Also, in order for this to work properly, temporary disconnect the white neutral wire while tracing the cable.
Yeah, it's RF, you don't want a circuit, you want to turn the wire into an antenna.
love your channel bud. I work for a guy who does all kind of work but we mainly install generators, he has been teaching me everything from the ground up. I passed the installers test because I am really good at "monkey see monkey do". I started my prerequisites for basic electricity and only got a 65%. I hope to educate myself enough to pass the basic electricity course and become a certified installer. This channel seems like my best bet at educating myself, so thank you for your hard work in educating the helpers of the world.
Thank you for this video, very electrifying 😂⚡💪
A tick tracer is useful for detecting open neutrals. If it keeps on what is supposed to be a neutral wire, your problem is in the neutral wire upstream near the panel. It can also be used to tell the difference between a live and a neutral wire with knob and tube wiring.
Thanks! I never thought about using it with a dropped neutral.
If you're a commercial/industrial electrician, you'll also need a phase rotation tester. They come in a solid state and a mechanical version. I prefer the mechanical version because you can actually physically see which direction the little motor inside is turning indicating the phase order. NEC articles 408 and 409 mandate a clockwise phase rotation. ABC left to right, front to back, and top to bottom.
That’s first tester and the big clamp one can show your the phase rotation electrically
Can you tell us about the gloves you wear? The lineman gloves. Thank you.
#2 I use the clamp to hold lead.
YES good idea! If you have a set of TL175 leads it's even better. The little rotating sleeve that pops up to shield the lead also provides a flat spot for the clamp to settle into. Keeps the lead from popping out of the clamp and flying at your face.
Thank you
I thermal camera is a must have.
Leakage clamp meter is missing. Especially in times of more and more GFCI protected circuits it is important to be able to measure small leakage currents. GFCIs will fail in most cases that they start tripping very often. The leakage clamp meters can measure currents mostly down in the mikroamp range and mostly only go up to 100A (compared to most regular clamp meters this is very little). I built myself an adapter for testing, a plug and an outlet connected with open wires (cable without sheathing). You can also buy them, but they're pretty steep here. I put this adapter between the outlet and the appliance, put the line and the neutral into the clamp. This will indicate the leakage current which is using the wrong path. You can also use them to test the insulation resistance if you can't switch off a circuit. For the regular insulation test the circuit must be switched off and disconnected. But there are a few situation where you simply can't do this. For example in a hospital, you can't go there and tell them that you'll have to switch off the emergency room to perform an insulation test.
For the test of an RCD/GFCI I use an installation tester (in my case a Fluke 1654B) which can perform several tests, for RCDs/GFCIs you can measure the real tripping current, the tripping time and it can create several types of fault currents: AC, DC (smoothed) and pulsating DC (DC unsmoothed directly from the rectifier). The last one is caused mostly by defective switch-mode power supplies, which are in almost every appliance these days. RCDs/GFCIs are permitted to trip in the range between 50 and 100% of the rated tripping current.
The installation tester also contains an insulation tester functionality (Megger), so most guys here don't have a Megger as a separate device. On a new installation you'll always have to test the insulation resistance before you switch it on.
The outlet testers contain a resistor inside to limit the current if you push the GFCI test button. This resistor can become very hot if you push it for too long (and the GFCI is not tripping), so if the GFCI is not tripping instantly don't hold that button! Otherwise you'll damage that test plug.
Here in Germany 2-pole voltage testers are very common. Mostly two handles connected with a cable, and most electricians hang them arround the neck, sometimes called "the electricians stethoscope". Simplest version is a neon indicator in one handle, in the other handle is a plunger coil instrument. Normally the neon indicator is working only, showing only dangerous voltages above 60V. If you push a button the neon indicator will go out and the plunger coil will indicate the voltage. The plunger coil is also used as a load to a circuit, the current is high enough to trip a GFCI if you measure between line and ground. Some have several LEDs indicating different steps of voltages, and some have in addition a Display. Some have a display only, most of the modern ones also feature the indication of the direction of the rotating field in a three-phase system, continuity and such things.
Three circuits in one single junction box? Really? Here the electrician which did this would be crucified...only one circuit per junction box, exceptions: Three-phase circuit (which requires three circuit breakers) or the circuits are in different compartments of the junction box. In case of a wiring with conduits and single wires you're permitted to chase wires of other circuits through a junction box of another circuit, but no terminals in the junction box, just the uncut wires chasing through.
Great video
Pro Tip: some of the fluke meters offer a removable magnet that can be attached to the meter to hang it from panelboards and such. If you are cheap like me or your meter won’t mount that accessory... just buy a small neodymium magnet from amazon or eBay and super glue it on the back of the meter.
I'm not sure but that magnet might interfere with some readings.. I'm thinking there's a reason all the brands use a strap instead of building a magnet into the housing. I know some of these companies make other tools (such as combustion analyzers) with built-in magnets, so it's not like they haven't thought of it..
Dan Africk a couple of my fluke meters have a magnetic place on the factory housing that is OEM. I am not saying that you were wrong when it comes to cheap meters being affected by a magnetic field but if you open up any reasonably good quality meter you will find that it’s fully EM shielded.
Hi great video. From the UK. For what we would call Earth and you would call Ground leakage I use, for detecting tipping, a Martindale CM69 clamp meter. True RMS and CAT 4 at 300 volts.
awesome awesome love the videos
If you want to test series circuit components a 20pce trace board using type5 coil springs as connectors can enable easy voltage drop/ohm test maybe pop in a few LED's here and there with a variable power source.
I used an led once to see if I was getting voltage when I was kicking my bike. The multimeter wouldn’t pick it up. Best 5p I ever spent.
Worked at a large candy company where we had box erecetors that sprayed hot glue on a moving box up to 8 shots a second. No meter could pick it up so used a 24 volt LED to pick it up.
A TDR meter can come in handy at times. I works real well on coax but can be used on other wires.
great video AAA+ I use alot of Gossen Metrawatt/ Metrahit meters in my field of work.
Love the channel. Thoughts on the Ideal Circuit Analyzer 61-165? I mainly use it to test voltage drop, impedance, polarity, and bootleg grounds but it can do AFCI and GFCI tests . I use the Edison base adapter to test lighting circuits. I use my Fieldpiece SC56 swivel head clamp meter for everything: inrush amps, MFD, microamps for flame rectification and DC millivolts for thermocouples and thermopiles. Back lit display. Wish it had a mag. strap. Didn't hear you mention meter CAT ratings. I've seen meters blown up and dudes arc flashed when I was a paramedic b/c meter wrong CAT. Transient got one. Thx,
TIP: Gorilla tape (or epoxy) a neodymium magnet onto the back of the amp clamp & you won't have to buy 2 multimeters. You can magnetically put it on the main panel door or even on a nail in the stud, those magnets are crazy strong. Now you have both hands free, problem solved.
You should check out Milwaukee's Fluorescents tube tester.
great video what meg meter do you recommend
I know this is year old video man but as someone who is looking into this career since I got bored of aerospace/engineering I appreciate it man.
Thanks for watching!
You’re a beast bro
I like. The non contact test but I perfer the volt con over a multi meter of cource the clamp on for the amp meter ..
Can you send link for them boots you have on :)
Wise man . Love your channel
Personally I like the clamp meters. Especially when your up in a Wilson joist or something and the clamp can hold the meter for you. I have a basic circuit tracer but would love one for 347/600. Who makes that line locator you showed?
I generally work on electrical controls, so I'm by no means an electrician, but I generally try to use the tick tracer on a known live circuit before I use it to test something that's dead to verify that I isolated with the correct breaker.
Also if you do ethernet, there is a fluke network tester that should also work with the toner receiver he showed.
Well done. You are way above my pay grade ….OK … COMPLETELY ABOVE…. But I truly enjoyed this and will be initially purchasding the Fluke T5-600
8:02 I made one in electronics class in 10th grade as a kit.
I just bought a cat5/6 end crimp tool and I need to get myself a tester so I'll know for sure that my wires are good..
Excellent tutorial. I have used underground pipe locators that looked like a mini suit case. I have located steel water and Gas pipe. Do they even make a unit like that anymore ?
I know this is an old comment, but I used on if those last year to find which way some light poles were ran 60 years ago. They're still around.
7:45 yes thank you
Love you vids first of all. At 4:07 you put your finger up against a what appears to be a live lug do you have rubbers under your leathers? Can you talk about gloves in a video?
This is the only channel im subscribed to .
Fluke T+Pro is an incredibly versatile, fast and easy to use tester. You lose amps, but you get a lot of wiggy like features, and a gfci tester.
You know why I don't carry testers in my pocket? So I can say "Man, all my gear's at home!"
That tick tracer saved me, line was off but there was a hot wire in the box.
I think I can handle getting shocked by an electric fence again, 18 and trying to get my electrician license so here I am thanks for the help lol.
Justin what model is that pocket meter?cant see it clear love in videos man keep it up.
Nice safety face shield and gloves you used when you were checking the box. What face shield is that and gloves??
Use some Sugru and hack the Clamp on Ammeter by creating the lead/probe holders.
That's great! but I thought you were going to speak about the Fluke T6-1000 which is in fact safer and quicker testing voltage without leads. have a look at it!. I like your video anyway. Thanks for sharing!
Javier Llerena if you do a search on YT for the T6 you'll see a lot of negative reviews. Look at the videos that AvE posted regarding the T6. He's pretty involved about the pros and cons.
Love the vid.... think everyone should know how to use all these tools. Do have a question. When is it time to “update/get new testers” when in the electrical field? Been doing this since 90s & just curious, cuz have some “old tools” & sometimes get looked at funny(not shiny new) 😉
Aepek I have grungy ass old testers that still work man. Don’t replace it if you don’t need to. But buy new ones because it’s like getting new toys! Treat yourself from time to time lol. I have a TON of testers but don’t get it twisted, the old dogs are still among them. I keep one in the truck, one in the garage, one in my travel bag, one at my in laws, a spare in the truck in case one shits the bed, etc. never know when/where you’ll need one.
When they quit working.
As a guy finishing trade school in 2months, i appreciate this vid on test equipment that i will be needing soon! :)
You're finishing school and haven't used these? Where have you been doing your apprenticeship? Be safe and get the gear. All the best.
@@neocount6397 ive used clamp meters and multimeters obviously, how do you do electricity without those? ive just been looking for opinions on the better brands to purchase, but some of the tools near the end id never heard of
@@nicholasbrassard3512 well, these are great videos to learn from. You rarely encounter every scenario even as a J-man. Honing your skill is a good thing. Stay safe, all the best.
Question can you check tone resistance on a live circuit
I like a solenoid tester. Putting a small load on the circuit wont tell you lies, especially if you work around triac relays.
i remember trying to fix someone's line running to swimming pool turns out somebody buried it without conduit, and it got hit with a shovel and they just taped it up so it would short out when wet out it would leak voltage to ground
The Extech CT20 continuity test is great too because it has a transmitter and receiver to cover long distances. It’s also polarity sensitive.
Great Video, it was a little hard following the American terminology but I got there in the end.
You mean learning the correct terminology.
Hey so if a GFCI tester touches neutral to ground inside of it, how come they don’t trip an arc fault breaker when used on an arc fault protected circuit?
Do you have a ground resistance meter? Or do you always drive two ground rods and call it a day?
Why would it matter if the two conductors, (besides the ground) where switched? ) how does the technology work?
Also keep in mind a tick meter doesn’t always work if there’s no load. Learned that the hard way.
ive had my fluke low volt toner for about 4-5 years now. its been attached to live 120v lines multiple times and some mf even ground faulted out on a hot recp in the middle of trying to trace with it all on accident all by people who used it and also dropped off a 6ft ladder causing it to snap the most important part (the top tip) of the wand off but did not snap off completely. anyway after all that abuse it works flawlessly and will always give off a faint faulse tone, metal conduit and any metal cabling will cancel out the signal- even shielded fire alarm wire but as long as you are connected to one end and have a clue of where the other end is located you can tone out and find your wire(s) 10/10 worth the $65-75 i paid for it.
I think a process meter, Fluke 789, could have been demonstrated. The ability to source a 4-20 mA signal, and also read 4-20 mA can be essential in industrial troubleshooting.
What brand am model underground tracer was shown? Good job!
Michael Oakley greenlee
Damn u got me good buying all these deals lol
Just in case there are home gamers watching these videos: When Dustin says "you will blow up" a tool he means that literally. If you try using a tool that is only rated for low/no voltage on a live 120/240V circuit, that tool will very likely explode. Obviously that's not ideal when you happen to be holding the tool in question. Little glass fuses in low voltage devices go boom when the wire inside becomes plasma. On the other hand, a good multimeter will use fast-blow fuses packed with silica or something similar that can physically intrerrupt the current flowing through the fuse.
Still, everybody should see an arc flash in their lifetime. From a safe distance. Sunburns in your eyeballs are no bueno.
What would you use to measure the resistance between ground points and ground rods? Would you use a megger?
Earth ground resistance tester
Real nice meters
What's good for tracing DC power lines?
Any toner and probe if they aren't energized.
I'm not an electrician but when I did CATV work, we relied on tic tracers to keep us safe. Most people don't know that there is voltage on telco lines, but it is low voltage. We always checked the line with a tic before working on it. There was a CATV installer killed on a service call a few years ago because he got electrocuted due to a shitty electrician. Homeowner had some work done and noticed after the work their CATV was messed up. Service tech goes out to trouble shoot the problem and goes to the access box on the side of the house to hook up his meter. As soon as he touched the connector he was electrocuted. It turned out that an electrician messed with wires he shouldn't have (should have been a power company job). Anyway, the electrician put a high voltage line against a Coax. There was bleedover and the coax became energized. Tics were very important to us. Used the pocket ones all the times, used one on a hot stick for aerial.