Electricians have been utilizing multimeters for nearly 100 years. Although the tool has advanced over the years and evolved into a digital tool, its purpose has remained the same. Digital multimeters are used for 3 main things: checking voltage, verifying ampere (current flow) and validating continuity. With safety as one of our core values at Hill Electric, this tool helps alert our industrial electricians of any warning signs and is used to reassure our electricians that everything is working properly during routine maintenance.
“When using multimeters, the two main things you’re doing is either verifying or troubleshooting,” said Trey Thomas, Vice President. “You can do various things when reading the multimeters. You can verify the voltage, current draw, or continuity”.
When troubleshooting with multimeters, the tool can help eliminate possible issues and read for vital signs. For example, if the multimeter detects a faulty connection in power distribution, the electrician may look for things like a blown fuse, a loose terminal or a damaged wire, which would need to be immediately repaired.
“When you’re troubleshooting, it’s kind of like working on a car. When your car doesn’t start right, you learn to go to certain places and look for vital signs to, help eliminate possible problems in order to dive into other issues. We train our employees out in the field as well as internally. Learning the ropes and learning how to use tools like a multimeter is important for helpers to move up and become electricians. As employees gain experience, they learn what to do next when taking readings,” said Trey Thomas.
Typically, digital multimeters are used at the beginning or end of tasks. At the beginning of a task, the meter assesses what needs to be done and at the end of a task the meter verifies everything is where it needs to be. For example, when our team is performing machinery installations or manufacturing equipment installations, the meter is used to verify the vital signs before and after the installation.
At Hill Electric, we believe in empowering our employees with the best equipment, so they can perform their best work. Equipping our team with the right tools is crucial to their success out on the job. We hold ourselves to the highest standard of quality in our work, and believe the tools we use can make all the difference.
As all industrial electrical tools used to test manufacturing machinery, multimeters have come a long way. In this photo we have three meters that go as far back as a vintage GE Volt-Amp Meter manufactured in the 1940’s. Throughout the years the multi-meters have advanced in their capabilities and design: easier to use, reliable, easier to read, lighter weight, and designed for measuring in tight spots. Wireless multimeters are now available.
