As an electrician or anyone skilled in electrical work, owning an electrical multimeter is a must-have tool. Having a fluke multimeter in your toolbox is one of the most useful things you can do. However, multimeters are not the only electrical testing tools that you need. There are other essential electrical testing tools required to get your work done smoothly and efficiently. This article explores other electrical tools out there that you could benefit from.
Non-contact Voltage Tester
One of the essential electrical testing tools that are a must-have for any electrician is a non-contact voltage tester (NCVT). It’s a device that doesn’t need to be placed in contact with the electrical wires, and it is very convenient. It is, in fact, the safest way to test for the presence of hazardous electrical energy that might be lurking there.
The NCVT is very handy and saves you a lot of time in dealing with accurate voltage measurements, especially for live circuits. It’s an affordable tool that will come in handy in your next electrical project.
Cable Tester
If you are an electrician who frequently works with cables or in networking, owning a cable tester will make your work much more manageable. It saves time and will help you identify any faults in wires quickly.
Faults such as breaks, shorts, and misplaced connectors are identified using a cable tester device. These devices are available in different styles such as handheld and rack-mounted, suitable for various cable testing applications.
Tone and Probe Tester
Another vital electrical tool to add to your kit is the tone and probe tester. It is used to detect low voltage signals from power sources and trace any issues. Tone and probe testers come in various types, such as the traditional toner and amplifier probe type and the newer advanced models that enable digital signal processing. They can be used to locate a wire within a complex wiring panel and identify patch cords and cables in an enclosure without removing covers or connecting to a jack.
The tone and probe tester can help in avoiding any unnecessary demolition by searching for electrical wiring. It saves time and ensures there is no damage to the building’s infrastructure.
Clamp Meter
The clamp meter is another essential electrical testing tool every electrician should own. It measures the current in a conductor without breaking the circuit. It is easy to use and saves time and effort. The tool firmly clamps the conductor allowing for quick and accurate current measurement.
Most clamp meters today measure a range of values, plus an added measure of voltage and resistance. It’s an essential tool for troubleshooting electrical faults and a necessary tool for verifying current loads in different electrical circuits.
In Summary
If you’re an electrician or conduct regular electrical work, owning only a multimeter is not enough. There are many essential electrical testing tools to consider adding to your kit. The tools mentioned above- the non-contact voltage tester, cable tester, tone and probe tester, and clamp meter- can help make your work much more comfortable and ensure you have everything you need on hand to verify any faults accurately.
Altogether, electrical multimeters like the Fluke multimeters are reliable, but electrical testing goes beyond multimeters. So consider investing in these electrical testing tools as an essential step to enhance productivity and ensure all your projects are done to a high standard.
