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A TEST & MEASUREMENT BUYER'S GUIDE

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Electricians invest a substantial amount of money into the tools they use every day on the job site, so it’s important that they do their research and buy tools that are specifically appropriate to into their line of work. 

There’s good-natured discourse involving any tool purchase, with tried-and-true favorites among seasoned professionals, and newcomers touting the benefits of newly released features. However, there are guidelines that should be followed and information to consider prior to making a purchase, especially in the world of Test & Measurement equipment. 

UNDERSTANDING FUNCTION 

It’s important to comprehensively understand how a meter functions: not only in general, but in the context you’ll be using yours. Since meters can be just simple diagnostic tools that accurately quantify voltage, amperage, and continuity, they’re used by almost every electrician in almost every setting. When combined with the specialized knowledge these electricians possess, they can help test, install, and repair electrical components of various capabilities and complexities. Meters can easily determine if faults exist, verify proper circuit functionality, and can actively assist in keeping infrastructure up and running. Most importantly, they help prevent unsafe conditions, not only for the customer, but for the electrician working on the circuit.  

 

 

BEFORE MAKING A PURCHASE 

Each potential buyer must consider their work environment as being the biggest factor in making a purchase – not only now, but in the future. Since these tools can be expensive, they should be considered an investment and treated as such. Buying a tool that is “future-proof” for your career path is critical. If you’re a residential electrician, you may pick something completely different than an electrician who plans on working on high-current outdoor industrial applications. Each role may require a different tool. Remember: you get what you pay for, but you can make your money go a long way if you know what you need. 

CATEGORY RATING & JOB SETTING 

Meter capability spans four categories. Each category is progressively more capable, but also impacts the cost. Higher protection ratings are necessary for specific types of work environments. Any meter rated at a specific Category can be used in that Category or lower rated environment but cannot be used safely in a higher rated environment. For instance, a CAT III meter may be used in a CAT II environment, but should not be used in a CAT IV environment, even if the voltage to be measured is within its nominal range. Test instruments are rated on their ability to withstand a voltage spike, which is applied through a specified level of resistance. This applied voltage spike increases with each CAT rating.

 

CAT I - Electronic 

    These meters are useful for small electronics work, battery testing, and continuity adjustments in low-current applications.  

  

 CAT II - Residential 

    Useful in single-phase situations up to 120v, for small appliance, socket, plug-in,    and long branch applications within the home.  

  

CAT III - Commercial 

    Capable of three-phase distribution, including single phase commercial high-amperage lighting. Includes distribution devices, feeders, industrial plant circuits, and high current appliance circuitry in service areas.  

  

CAT IV - Industrial 

    The highest rating, which can be used in outdoor applications of utility power, meters, distribution, overhead line, and overcurrent protection modules. 

  

Electricians will opt for the highest category of protection given the environment they will be working in - i.e., if they plan to do mostly residential work, it’s in their best interest to get at least a CAT III, as they may run into situations in which they will have to do work at the meter or panel of the residence.  

METER TYPES

The capacity at which a meter can measure and the way they go about it may be different, but their function is straightforward. There are situations in which probes are necessary, and actual physical conduction is needed in line of a circuit to take a measurement. However, many measurements are made without breaking the circuit, which is the benefit of a clamp-on meter or fork meter, which measure the electromagnetic field around the conductor to make a reading, making them far more useful and much safer in many applications. Many clamp and fork meters also include probes as well for situations where direct conduction is needed. 

Some broad categories of meters you’ll see on the market: 

 

Multimeter 

These meters are used for everything from small electronics applications to battery testing and continuity assessments. 

 

Fork Meter 

A two-pronged “fork” fits around the conductor and takes a measurement without interfering or breaking the circuit. Particularly useful in higher voltage environments and space-saving areas. 

 

Clamp Meter

A retractable clamp fits around the conductor that is being measured, allowing isolation from other contacts. More suited to applications in which conductor isolation is necessary, or for convenience’s sake in the work environment. 

 

Non-Contact Voltage Testers

A specialty meter that is typically only useful in situations where only the presence of voltage or current is being measured, to provide a “starting point” for electricians. These meters simply verify the existence of electricity in a particular circuit or conductor. Non-contact meters do so without any conduction and can be a complimentary tool. However, most instructors discourage this as being a primary tool. 

 

ADVANTAGES OF PICKING THE RIGHT METER     

            One of the most obvious benefits of choosing the correct meter is safety. In high-current applications, a clamp or fork meter is clearly less risky to use than a multimeter that uses probes, as it is not necessary to break the circuit to take a measurement. There is always a potential for an arc flash when interrupting a circuit, so using a meter that doesn’t require a circuit interruption is not only ideal, but also much safer. 

            Clamp meters can be the easiest to use in situations in which an electrician may have to isolate a single conductor from an array of others. However, fork meters may be even more useful still in tight situations, where the prongs are able to fit around conductors without having to manipulate the clamp. Even though they tend to be bulkier, clamp meters also come in handy when you’d like to hang the meter from the conductor for a hands-free reading. Some manufacturers offer a secondary display on the base of the meter to make those dark junction box readings easier. 

 

 

FEATURES WORTH LOOKING FOR 

When asked, seasoned professionals will all mention their favorite features in meters. When we had the opportunity to speak with industry pros, we got a variety of answers, including: 

  • Battery Life 

For obvious reasons, this is an important aspect of a meter. You don’t want to be on a jobsite with a nonfunctional piece of equipment. 

  • Alert/Tone Technology 

An audible notification is crucial in certain environments that are dimly lit, or just from an ease-of-use perspective. Many meter manufacturers offer this feature. 

  • Clear Digital Display with backlight 

            Being able to see your reading accurately in challenging workplaces is critical. Single or dual displays that are legible are extremely important regardless of where your job site may be. 

  • Heavy Duty 

            Although meters are precision instruments, they must be tough and durable. Many manufacturers rate their meters to easily survive a 2-meter fall. Some offer a rubber overmold that helps with both insulation and drop protection, in addition to helping with grip and ergonomics. 

  • Certifications 

            Professionals typically buy their gear as a lifetime investment. Most of the reputable manufacturers certify their meters to be accurate and test them prior to leaving the factory, as well as providing some sort of warranty. Some even offer third-party certifications (such as a UL Listing) to ensure their accuracy, safety, and longevity. 

  • One-handed Design 

            A good meter is ergonomically comfortable and can be used with one hand. This is useful in a variety of situations, whether you are a lineman, industrial, commercial, or residential electrician.

 

TRUE RMS RATING

When a meter is accurate enough to read an entire sine wave and its potential variations, it can be rated as a TRMS capable meter. Basic RMS measurements are not entirely reliable because of potential noise in electrical systems, which may affect the AC waveform. It’s important to note that if you’re pursuing a career as an electrician, you’ll want a True RMS meter. 

This is because the True RMS measurement (True Root Mean Square) uses more complex mathematical formulas that will ensure a reading that is much more accurate in real-world applications. In addition to peak values of the sine wave, TRMS meters sample along the cycle as well, making them a more precise and safer tool to use.  

 

 

WHAT THE PROS BUY 

Most professional electricians don’t bother using any meter in the field that is less than a CAT III. Many wouldn’t even begin to consider a meter that doesn’t hold a TrueRMS rating. A well-appointed, TRMS-rated CAT III clamp or fork meter is useful in a broad range of environments (battery, small electronics, all residential work, service, agricultural, and light industrial). They are typically the easiest to manipulate and are safe and robust.