Beatrice Lang
Electrical testing equipment is used to verify the calculations within a circuit. There are various types of electrical testing equipment, including voltage detectors, energy loggers, and portable oscilloscopes. Electrical testing equipment can be used to check for voltage, amperage, continuity, shorted or open circuits, and improper wiring. Some common electrical testing equipment includes non-contact voltage testers, plug-in circuit analyzers, multimeters, clamp meters, and source measurement units (SMUs). These tools are used by professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike to ensure accurate electrical measurements and safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To check for voltage, amperage, continuity, shorted or open circuits, and improper wiring |
| Types | Non-contact voltage testers, plug-in circuit analyzers, continuity testers, solenoid voltage testers, ammeters, ohmmeters, multimeters, LCR meters, source measurement units (SMUs), automatic test equipment (ATEs) |
| Functionality | Some testers are multifunctional, while others are single-function devices |
| Usage | Electricians use various types of electrical testers to troubleshoot, diagnose, and fix issues in circuits and other components |
| User | Professional electricians, DIY homeowners |
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What You'll Learn
Non-contact voltage testers
Electrical testing involves applying voltage or current to a circuit and comparing the measured value to an expected result. There are a variety of electrical testers available, each serving a specific purpose. Non-contact voltage testers, also known as inductance testers, are among the most commonly used electrical testing equipment.
Most non-contact voltage testers indicate the presence of voltage with a red light at the tip of the tester and a buzzing sound. Basic models only indicate whether voltage is present or not, while more advanced models can provide a rough measurement of the voltage. These testers are typically battery-powered, and it is important to ensure that the battery is fully charged for accurate results. To verify that a non-contact voltage tester is working properly, it is recommended to test it on a known power source, such as an outlet or switch.
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Plug-in circuit analysers
These analysers can detect faulty wiring conditions and identify electrical hazards in circuits before any damage is done. They can also be used to test the ground back to the panel by taking a true impedance measurement of the system. This helps to avoid shock or electrocution by verifying that equipment has been grounded.
The latest plug-in circuit analysers have LED indicators that can withstand hard knocks or gentle drops without giving false readings, unlike older models with moving needles. They also have indicator lights or LCD screens that display voltage and circuit conditions. Some models indicate only whether voltage is present, while more advanced models can provide a rudimentary measurement of voltage.
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Continuity testers
Electrical testing involves applying voltage or current to a circuit and comparing the measured value to an expected result. Electrical testers are used to check for voltage, amperage, continuity, shorted or open circuits, and improper wiring. One such tester is a continuity tester.
A continuity tester is a battery-powered device with a probe at one end and a cord with an alligator clip or another probe at the other end. It is used to check whether there is a continuous path for the electrical current to flow between two points in a circuit. To use a continuity tester, you touch each end of the device to two points along an electrical path. If a light is illuminated on the tester's body, it means a circuit has been completed. Some continuity testers also make a sound when a complete circuit is established.
Unlike voltage testers, continuity testers are always used when a circuit is turned off or when testing wiring or devices that are disconnected from the circuit. They are used to see whether an electrical path is intact in an appliance or a device, rather than testing for the presence of voltage. For example, they can be used to check whether a single-pole switch or three-way switch is working or to test whether a fuse is blown.
There are various types of electrical testers available, ranging from simple and inexpensive devices to complex and sophisticated equipment. Some testers are multifunction devices that can perform most electrical testing duties, while others are single-function devices that test for just one thing, such as live voltage. Plug-in circuit analyzers, for example, are inexpensive and easy to use, providing information about a circuit's functions when plugged into an electrical outlet. More sophisticated plug-in circuit analyzers can also display voltage and circuit conditions on an LCD screen.
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Ammeters
Some ammeters are designed to test specific types of outlets, such as grounded outlets with three slots, while others are more versatile and can be used on various circuits. Ammeters can be used to test for voltage in wires, devices, electrical wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, lamp cords, light sockets, and switches.
When using an ammeter, it is important to ensure that the device is working properly by testing it on a known power source. Ammeters are an essential tool for anyone working with electrical systems, as they provide valuable information about the current in a circuit, which can be used to verify calculations and ensure the proper functioning of electrical equipment.
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Ohmmeters
An ohmmeter is a tool for measuring electrical resistance, which is the opposition offered by a circuit or component to the flow of electric current. It can be a standalone tool or part of a multimeter. It uses a small electrical current to check the continuity of a circuit. Using different settings, it can also tell how much resistance is in a circuit. Electricians, mechanics, and HVAC technicians use ohmmeters to check continuity in motors, cables, or fuses.
There are different types of ohmmeters available, including micro-ohmmeters, megohmmeters or insulation testers, analogue ohmmeters, and digital ohmmeters. Micro-ohmmeters can measure extremely low values of resistance down to micro-Ohms (1 millionth of an Ohm), while megohmmeters can measure extremely high values of up to Tera Ohms (1 million, million Ohms) and above. Analogue ohmmeters need to be zeroed before each measurement, while digital ohmmeters can store data that can be transferred to a computer for further analysis.
To use an ohmmeter, it should first be set to the lowest scale on the resistance setting, which is usually denoted by the Greek letter omega (Ω). When testing a motor, the red ohmmeter cable is connected to the red motor cable, and the black to the black. When testing a fuse, each end of the ohmmeter cable is touched to the opposite ends of the fuse. A reading between 0 and 2 indicates continuity, while a reading of infinity (∞) or OL (open line) indicates a break in the circuit.
A more accurate type of ohmmeter has an electronic circuit that passes a constant current through the resistance, and another circuit that measures the voltage across the resistance. These measurements are then digitized and processed to provide the user with a reading of the resistance value. For measuring very low resistances, a precision ohmmeter with four terminals, called Kelvin contacts, is used. Two terminals carry the current, while the other two measure the voltage across the resistor. This four-terminal measurement technique is called Kelvin sensing, named after William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, who invented the Kelvin bridge in 1861.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many types of electrical testing equipment, including:
- Multimeters
- Solenoid voltage testers ("wiggles")
- Plug-in circuit analyzers
- Digital clamp meters
- Non-contact voltage testers
- Source measure units (SMU)
The digital multimeter (DMM) is the most commonly used electrical test tool in the world. It is rugged, reliable, accurate, and has extra attention to safety features that other meters can’t match.
Plug-in circuit analyzers are inexpensive, easy-to-use testers that can tell you a lot about a circuit's functions when plugged into an electrical outlet. They are designed to test grounded outlets with three slots and use neon lights in different patterns to indicate specific test results.
