2. There are different types of tools and
equipment used in electrical installation and
maintenance. All of them serve different
purposes and knowing about them and how to
operate them helps you become more efficient
in your job. As an electrician, you must also
know how to care for these tools and
equipment to prevent accidents from
happening.
19. Electricians use different types of equipment to
measure the various components of electricity.
Here is a list of commonly used electrical
testing equipment:
26. Analog multimeters are inexpensive electrical
testing instruments that measure voltage,
current, and resistance. It is preferred by some
electricians because the continuous movement
of the needle allows more precise monitoring
of changes in current and resistance that the
digital multimeters cannot make. Analog
multimeters cost less than digital multimeters.
28. The display features the scale, the needle or
pointer, and the dial or infinity knob.
The scale shows the value of what is being
measured. There are usually three arcs printed
behind the needle, which represent three
different scales:
The Ω scale is for reading resistance. This is
usually the largest scale and is located at the
top. It differs from the other scales because the
0 (zero) value is on the far right instead of the
left.
The "DC" scale is for reading DC voltage.
The "AC" scale is for reading AC voltage.
29. The needle, also known as the pointer, indicates
the values read from the scale.
The dial or infinity knob points the needle to the 0
at the left side of the scale.
The zero ohm adjuster is for the manual
adjustment of the needle to the right side of the
scale.
The range shows more accurate measurements for
small values.
The range selector knob enables the changing of
function and scale.
The two test probes are used to connect to the
circuit or device under test. The positive probe is
red and the negative probe is black.
30. Digital multimeters are used to measure
voltage, current, resistance. It can also be used
to check the continuity of wires and fuses.
Unlike the analog multimeter, digital
multimeters show more precise reading
through digits on an LED or LCD screen.
Hence, it can read the decimal places of the
measurement, whereas in the analog
multimeters, you can only get the approximate
value.
32. Display - where the measurements can be read
Rotary Range Selector Dial - enables you to
choose the function that will be used on the
meter
Connection Sockets - where the 4mm probe
leads are plugged.
Test Probes - used to connect to the circuit or
device under test.
33. A clamp-on tester or clamp meter is a type of
electrical tester that has the function of a basic
digital multimeter with a current sensor. The
clamps measure the current, while the probes
measure the voltage. The hinged “clamp” jaw
allows for easier current testing by clamping
around the conductors at any point in the
electrical system without having to disconnect
the conductors.
35. Clamps - used to hold the conductor to detect and
measure current
Clamp-opening Trigger - opens the clamps when
pushed
Display - shows the reading of the measurement
Dial - allows the changing of quantity and
resolution
Alignment Marks - indicate where the conductors
must be placed
Test Probes - connect to the circuit or device under
test
36. Maintenance is defined as keeping a tool,
equipment, room, or organization functioning
and preserving them from failure or decline.