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How Do We Test For Continuity Using Digital Multimeters?

how-do-we-test-for-continuity-using-digital-multimeters

As far as testing is concerned, testing for continuity also holds a big deal to know if something is wrong with your electrical circuit. It takes a significant stand in testing since it will allow you to know if there’s something wrong with the current flow. Technically, it checks if the current in the circuit is still continuous.

Think of it this way, if a straw is bent, little liquid can pass through it and if in such circumstances that it is punctured, then all liquids will likely seep through that hole. It is the same thing with electrical circuits. Devices will not function properly if the current can’t flow freely.

Watch out for these two things…

There are two things that you need to watch out for when you test for continuity. Mainly, these are the resistance between the two points measured. Ideally, low resistance means that there is electrical continuity. Meanwhile, high resistance means that the circuit is open and therefore, the continuity is lacking.

The best device to measure is a digital multimeter.

Fluke Digital Multimeters are one of the most versatile tools that a maintenance person can have. Not only does it boast advanced functions, but its efficiency is well-spoken. This infamous tool has all the qualities that Fluke tools possess, but the most notable one will truly be keeping workers safe from possible electrical hazards that are inevitable to happen.

These are the most preferred tools for testing continuity since digital multimeters can be used to test switches, fuses, electrical connections, conductors, and other components. Its flexibility to test multiple assets in one makes them the most suitable tool for the job.

Benefits of Continuity Testing

According to Power Assembles, in order for electricity to flow, things need to stay connected. Ideally, there can’t be any breaks in the pathway or there won’t be a continuous flow of electricity. And this is where the need for continuity testing comes in. One of the huge benefits that continuity testing holds is its ability to determine faults within electrical circuits that can be harmful to man in the long run. But that’s not all, take a look at the other benefits that they hold…

Other benefits of continuity testing:

  • Continuity testing can let you determine if a circuit is open, closed, or shorted.
  • It lets you know if a fuse is good or blown.
  • Makes sure a switch is operating properly.
  • Verifies wires operating on the same circuit.
  • Validates whether wire and cable assemblies are functional.
  • Helps test the resistance of conductors.

Here’s a quick guide on how you can do continuity testing using digital multimeters.

Let’s go into detail on how you can safely perform a continuity test using your digital multimeter. And no, it’s not as complicated as you may think. It’s actually fairly easy to understand, it only takes a couple of steps for you to give this a shot. According to an official Fluke source, here’s how you can do it…

  1. First, insert the black test lead into the COM jack.
  1. Then insert the red lead into the VΩ jack. When finished, remove the leads in reverse order: red first, then black.
  1. With the circuit de-energized, connect the test leads across the component being tested. The position of the test leads is arbitrary. Note that the component may need to be isolated from other components in the circuit.
  1. The digital multimeter (DMM) beeps if a complete path (continuity) is detected. If the circuit is open (the switch is in the OFF position), the DMM will not beep.
  1. When finished, turn the multimeter OFF to preserve battery life.

Get your digital multimeters through an authentic source!

Hey, you made it to the bottom! Are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your machines? You’re in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Prevent these faults from penetrating your machine by using the best test tools there are!

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila.

Shop Now: https://presidium.ph/?s=clamp+meter+

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Electrical Measurement Safety: How to Test Your Test Leads?

electrical-measurement-safety-how-to-test-your-test-leads

Test leads are a common sight to maintenance and women who are constantly working in electrical testing. It is also a known tool for electrical measurement safety that is often seen connected to digital multimeters. What most users do not know is that it is a Fluke accessory that is ideal to use in every operation especially if you’re using a digital multimeter (or a Fluke device that can be connected to test leads).

Importance of test leads.

Some people might think that it’s okay to measure without leads. But having to do so is very unwise. Never take your leads for granted. Even with the use of the infamous Fluke tools, you will still not be completely bulletproof when a hazardous occurrence takes place.

Test Leads will act as the first line of defense when you encounter high currents. Given the electrical measurement safety that it provides users, it makes it an essential part of test tools, especially for digital multimeters.

Make sure that your test leads are safe to use.

It is partly common knowledge that test leads are a vital part of every digital multimeter. With this said, you need to make sure that they are always in good working condition. Keep in mind that Fluke test tools are always going to be something more when they are paired with Fluke accessories like test leads. But beware, test leads may seem like a durable accessory but they are also prone to over usage and wear, making them decrease in performance.

Therefore, it is particularly important for you to inspect them before and after usage. A malfunctioning test lead can make matters worse for you than you think. In the maintenance department where accurate reading is necessary, a worn test lead may just get you into trouble. You see, test leads are prone to giving inaccurate readings when they are (1) under-rated, (2) worn, and (3) poorly manufactured.

Prevent the possible hazards.

Although test leads are naturally safe to use, there is an excessively significant difference once it starts to get old. Ideally, all test tools and accessories need a keen eye as well as all sorts of maintenance checks to keep them in good working condition. And this does not leave out test leads. If there are no maintenance checks for these test tools, daily maintenance operations might take a turn for the worst.

Remember that test leads are our first line of defense when working with high currents? Well, at worst and your test leads are in real bad shape to perform any extremely sensitive maintenance checks, then your test leads may provoke electrocution and shock hazards for the user. Therefore, it is very much preferred to also check your test leads to prevent the possible hazards that they may pose.

Do not forget to evaluate the test leads!

You read it right, your test leads also need to evaluate to ensure that they are still fit to do readings accurately and safely. It is simple to apply these in your day-to-day tool maintenance check. Trust that caring for your test leads early on can reap rewards in terms of future use. This will ensure accurate readings in every electrical measurement operation. Here’s how you’ll do it according to an official Fluke source!

Assessing the test leads:

  • Make sure to evaluate the leads while it is plugged into your DMM (digital multimeter).
  • Assess your leads using a simple OHMs measurement to ensure reliability.
  • You may isolate a problem to one lead or the other by assessing them separately.
  • If you are doing separate testing, simply connect one lead at a time between the ohms and common input.
Photo Source: Newark

Additional Tips: Conduct an inspection for your test leads.

Some of the underlying issues of test leads can be seen in plain sight. A visual inspection might just do it. It is simple, doable, and will not require much of your time. That is if you know what you are looking for and where to look for faults.

When you are conducting a visual inspection, you should (1) check the insulation. Make sure that it is not cracked or nicked. This is because with age the insulation material—whether PVC or

silicone—can become dried out, brittle, and susceptible to cracking. (2) Be sure that there are no gaps or cracks located at the junction between the insulated wire and the banana-like plugs at each end.

Resolve these failures using Fluke Tools!

Hey, you made it to the bottom! Are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your machines? You are in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Prevent these faults from penetrating your machine by using the best test tools there are!

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila.

Shop now: https://presidium.ph/?s=test+leads+

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How Often Should You Calibrate?

how-often-should-you-calibrate

Calibrate your Fluke tools to keep them in pristine shape. For test tools, calibration is one of the utmost crucial steps for you to maintain their performance level and their accuracy in reading and testing. Many may think that calibration happens only once, but you need to do it based on the exposure to stress that your Fluke tool experiences. But the question remains, how often should we calibrate fluke tools?

There is additional to it than simply ensuring that the tools are dependable and safe. Take note that there are multiple calibration tools and not just one to ensure that all products and Fluke equipment are accounted for. There is also a thing called calibration intervals which also stands on important grounds when you are planning to do this on a regular basis, but we’ll get to that in a bit.

Importance of calibration

Fluke builds to last. The durability of products is one aspect that Fluke considers when building test tools. Therefore, Fluke is known for its rugged features and its ability to withstand harsh elements. Moreover, it can tolerate strenuous activities and pressure since these test tools are built to keep workers safe and confident working in risky environments. And that is what makes them so sought-after. Initially, when Fluke builds a product, one of the most important things we think about is how our instruments perform over time. And this is where calibration comes in.

Calibration ensures that the device is still well-equipped to manage activities that are in a high-pressure environment.  Moreover, performing calibration can reap rewards overall since you will be able to determine errors, faults, and the limits of your test tool.

What are Calibration Intervals?

Be aware of calibration intervals. As the name itself suggests, calibration intervals are the time in between calibration tests. It is the period that the test tools need before going back for a recalibration session. There is no hard rule for calibration but there is a couple of things you need to remember to determine whether your Fluke tools need one.

How often do you need to calibrate?

The utmost accurate calibration is twenty minutes intervals! We know that is a close call but don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that you need to calibrate every twenty minutes. A one-year calibration is preferred. But that is not only the one specific timeline that you must keep track of. If your Fluke tool is frequently in use and is mostly exposed to harsh environments, you might need to calibrate more often. Here is a quick guide to it!

Calibrate through manufacturer recommendation.

These are calibration instructions based on the manual itself. You can find your manuals tucked in the box of your Fluke tool. Every box has a warranty inside, if it doesn’t have one, then you better have a chat with your supplier. Those aren’t official Fluke products.

Also, keep in mind that the calibration interval may be different for each tool depending on the gravity of its usage.

Calibrate before undergoing a major critical measuring project.

It is preferred for you to calibrate your Fluke device accordingly before an extremely sensitive operation. Let us say you are about to do testing that requires accurate results. To achieve this, you need to prep your Fluke tool through calibration. Keep in mind that the older your Fluke tool is, the more it needs calibration to ensure that it is still at the tip of its performance.

Take note that operating on an extremely sensitive project may require you to act based on your finding. This fact makes it even more important for you to calibrate accordingly.

Calibrate after a major critical measuring project.

Calibrating before the project is just as important as calibrating your Fluke device after. In some industries that rely on accurate data. It is actually a required process for them to also calibrate after the testing. This is done because it ensures that the reference used can either show an intolerant condition before, during, or after the measurement project.

Calibrate monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually

As we’ve stated before, calibration is truly a recommended step for every Fluke test tool. The shorter the time span of your calibration, the better. This will ensure that your tools are in good reading condition. Plus, this will prevent you from receiving questionable readings during your operations.

So really, calibrate your Fluke tool whenever you can. Make it monthly, quarterly, annually, semi-annually, etc. Just always remember to calibrate your tool to keep them at their peak performance during every operation. But of course, the decision still stands with the user. You can either opt for shorter cycles or longer cycles depending on the results.

Calibrate through an authentic source!

Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Rest assured that all tools have gone through calibration and proper tests. Prevent faults from penetrating your projects that might cause bad downtimes by using the best test tools there are!

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila.

Email us at calservices@presidium.ph / info@presidium.ph

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Pressure Calibrating Transmitters in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres

pressure-calibrating-transmitters-in-potentially-explosive-atmospheres

It is always a challenging feat to perform operations in a potentially dangerous environment. And even with the greatest test tools that adhere to its user’s safety, you cannot be completely complacent. Pressure calibrating can pose a challenging task when done in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Therefore, when faced with such an assignment, make sure that you have undergone proper training and are equipped with the right equipment.

A deeper understanding of “intrinsically safe”

Primarily, to conduct pressure calibration in a high-risk atmosphere, you need a tool that is deemed “intrinsically safe”. To give a simple explanation, if your tool is intrinsically safe, it means that it is designed to prevent the release of sufficient energy by either thermal or electrical means. Doing so will cause the ignition of flammable material such as gas or dust particles.

In general, intrinsically safe standards don’t just apply to one device or a certain operation, but it applies to all tools and devices that are regularly exposed to potential explosive sources. Here are some of them…

  • Electrical sparks
  • Electrical arcs
  • Flames
  • Hot surfaces
  • Static electricity
  • Electromagnetic radiation
  • Chemical reactions
  • Mechanical impact
  • Mechanical friction
  • Compression ignition
  • Acoustic energy
  • Ionizing radiation

If you are a technician or maintenance man working in industries such as mining, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, or something that exposes you to explosive gases then make sure that your devices are deemed intrinsically safe. Remember, that you are the best asset on the field, so do not take any chances of proceeding with your operation without safe tools to use.

How to pressure calibrate a transmitter in a risky environment.

Now you know all about the device’s safety, let us move on to pressure calibrating a transmitter. It is already a given that you’ll probably tread on eggshells the entire time and try not to provoke the explosive substances that are surrounding you. However, that is not all you need to worry about. The most important thing that you need to do is to perform the procedure carefully and with precision.

Here’s how you can do it according to an official Fluke source:

  1. Depressurize and isolate the transmitter. If opening the transmitter exposes voltages beyond the Intrinsic Safe (I.S.) rating use a continuous monitoring gas detector to monitor for explosive gases.
  2. Plumb the transmitter to the 1/8 inch NPT pressure port of the 718Ex. Connect the test leads per the figure above.
  3. Turn the calibrator on. Vent the calibrator and press zero to zero the pressure displayed. Close the vent control.
  4. Press the UNITS key until PSI shows in the display.
  5. With the 718Ex’s bleed valve open to the atmosphere, press the ZERO key. Close the bleed valve. Set the pressure/vacuum valve to +, for positive pressure.
  6. Use the hand pump to apply 3 psi to the transmitter. Partial pump strokes will apply small increments of pressure. Use the fine-adjust knob to get close to 3.00 psi.
  7. Press the HOLD key and record the psi and mA readings. Press the HOLD key to resume reading.
  8. Calculate and record the error, using: Error = ([(i-4)/16] – [(P-3)/12]) * 100 where Error is in % of span, i is your measured current in mA, and P is your measured pressure in psi.
  9. Repeat steps 5 through 7 at mid-range, around 9 psi, to check linearity at mid-span.
  10. Repeat steps 5 through 7, now at 15 psi, for a check at 100 % of span.
Photo Source: https://us.flukecal.com/literature/articles-and-education/pressure-calibration/application-notes/calibrating-pressure-transm

Purchase from an authentic source!

Hey, you made it to the bottom! Are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your machines? You are in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines.

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila.

Visit our website https://presidium.ph/shop/?wlfilter=1&product_cat=fluke-calibration to know more about our fluke calibration products.

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The Importance Of Electrical Grounding

the-importance-of-electrical-grounding

What is electrical grounding?

Indeed, people have made notable advancements in the electricity department and electrical grounding is one of its big improvements. Technically, electrical grounding is storing electricity on the ground to prevent fatal risks from occurring. It is the process of connecting electrical panels, electrical motors, installations, electrical controls, etc, to the earth. As a result, this will make the environment safer for people since it reduces dangers from civilians and equipment.

What happens if I do not do electrical grounding?

You will be exposed to fatal shocks if your currents are not grounded. So, there are three things about wiring that you need to know about. Ideally, there is an active wire, a neutral wire, and a grounding wire. So, let us look at each one of them closely.

An active wire is the one that supplies power to the wires. Meanwhile, the neutral wire is the one that carries the current back. Lastly, the grounding wire is the one that can be attached to outlets as well as other electrical devices to be connected to the ground at the breaker box.

Originally, the grounding wire is only an additional feature. However, regardless of their “newness” grounding wires holds the most advantageous feature for people since it gives them complete protection from fatal shocks. The grounding wires work for electrical current to safely return to the ground.

As a result, if a short circuit did occur the current would flow through the ground wire causing a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Better a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker than a fatal shock, right?

Benefits of proper grounding

Let us face it. Grounding is also one of the most overlooked aspects when it comes to electrical wiring. Nevertheless, according to Platinum Electricians, grounding your wires is an ideal choice to provide protection against possible shocks. They explained. “Grounding your electrical system is a smart and effortless way to make it a whole lot safer, as well as to protect against the very real possibility of having to deal with fluctuations in power supply.”

Just imagine if an electrical error occurs such as lightning strikes or power surges. When you have no electrical grounding, this will cause metal components to function as conductive surfaces. Therefore, these surfaces become electrically energized. And when people touch these surfaces, they will get shocked in the process.

Platinum Electricians further explained by saying, “If you want to safeguard all of your important assets, whether at home or at the office, as well as a lookout for the health and safety of everyone around you, find out if your electrical system is grounded”.”

Advantages of proper grounding according to Conserve Online:

  • Eliminates shock hazard
  • Protects equipment from voltage
  • Prevents electrical fires
  • Reduces equipment repair cost and downtime
  • Lowers levels of electrical noise (fluctuations in an electrical signal)

Why do you need electrical grounding

Not only does it bring notable safety benefits for people and their equipment, but it also brings a lot to the table overall. So, if you do not want your electricity grounded, you might want to think again. Take note of these four significant reasons why you should.

  • Electrical grounding protects against electrical overloads.
  • It stabilizes voltage levels
  • Earth conducts with least resistance
  • It prevents severe damage and death

Resolve these failures using Fluke Tools!

Hey, you made it to the bottom! Are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your machines? You are in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Prevent these faults from penetrating your machine by using the best test tools there are!

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila.

List of Fluke models: https://presidium.ph/earth-ground-testers/

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Quick Run Through of Power Quality Symptoms and What’s Causing Them

quick-run-through-of-power-quality-symptoms-and-whats-causing-them-presidium-ph

Are you experiencing power-related symptoms with your machines, panels, or electrical wiring? Although it is a given fact that Fluke tools can undoubtedly solve these issues with a simple click of buttons, it is also a good practice for electricians and caretakers to know what is causing them. Remember that action prevention is always better than relying on tools alone. Therefore, knowing the causes of power quality symptoms also takes a substantial chunk regarding understanding the process for it to go as smoothly as possible.

Importance of power quality

When we touch upon the topic of power quality, it relates to things that consume power. And for electronics and machines to function properly, they need a good consistent flow of voltage. Power quality is important because, in the modern world that we live in today, electricity and power are widely used and saturated in most businesses and households. Imagine what it would be like when your power is tripping or acting up. This will cause unwanted downtimes for businesses, and it will also cause pricey maintenance assistance.

Remember the famous quote “health is wealth”? It does not just apply to people’s health, but it also applies to electrical aspects as well. Keeping your power lines in their peak condition and maintaining their optimum power quality will be beneficial for your business and households overall.

Causes of poor power quality

If you are experiencing these issues with your lights or electricity in general, then it might be high time for you to contact someone to look at your powerlines. Take note that the causes of poor power quality can happen to any electrically powered thing when it is starting to age. According to ICAR, here are some of the possible causes of poor power quality…

Probable causes:

  • Power failures (Release switches, fuses blowing).
  • Breakdowns or malfunctions of machines.
  • Overheating of machines (transformers, motors, etc.) leads to reduced useful life.
  • Damage to sensitive equipment (computers, production line control systems, etc.).
  • Electronic communication interference.
  • Increased distribution system losses.
  • The need to oversize systems to cope with additional electric stress results in higher installation and operational costs.
  • Luminosity flickering

A quick run-through of power quality symptoms.

Let us not make things complicated. There are a lot of possible causes of why your electric machines or your panels are malfunctioning. Here, we are going to quickly run-down the most common ones that you will experience. We will state the issues, their symptoms, and their possible potential causes.

Dips and Sags

One of the most common occurrences of electrical or power-related issues is “dips and sags”. You will know it when it happens when you start experiencing dimming lights, computer lockups, equipment shutdown, systems shut down, and unexplained shutdowns in general.

One of the main causes of dips and sags are extreme weather conditions that can really shake up electrical lines and cable posts. In line with this, starting large loads, especially large inductive can also be a reason for electrical dips and sags.

Electrical Swells

You might want to watch out for electrical swells. You will know when your power lines are experiencing this when your power supplies are failing. Also, overvoltage shutdowns and alarms on variable frequency drives can be in the works when electrical swells take place. The potential causes for this are capacitor bank switching, sudden load decrease, or faulty single phase of three-phase systems.

Transients

One of the most dangerous causes of power quality symptom transient usually triggers arcing effects and flashovers that are very harmful to maintenance men and women when they are exposed to them. In line with this, it also triggers damaged insulations, computer lockups, and failed electronics.

To prevent this occurrence, try and watch out for these things that are causing them.

  • Lightning strikes
  • Switching of capacitors
  • Reenergizing systems after a power failure
  • Sudden stoppage of large equipment
  • Dirty or worn contactors

Harmonics

Its symptoms consist of overheated electrical functions. To prevent this, watch out for the overheating of your conductors, transformers, and inductive motors. These elements can cause damage to your harmonics. Also, like other causes of poor power quality, you may also experience unexplained shutdowns of your electronic equipment. But let us not forget about its potential causes.

Causes of harmonics:

  • Nonlinear loads such as switching power supplies
  • Converter sections of uninterruptible power supply (UPS), VFDs, and battery chargers
  • Welders
  • Arc furnaces

Power Interruptions

This is one of the most common faults that people experience when heavy rains or storms occur. technically, this entails a total power shutdown of appliances, lights, or anything that is powered by electricity. In simple terms, it is a momentary loss of utility power. Power interruptions may seem like a simple and common thing, but it is also a cause of unwanted downtimes that can affect a business’s productivity. Not to mention, some downtimes can be costly to some industries as well.

Resolve these failures using Fluke Tools!

Hey, you made it to the bottom! Are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your machines? You are in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Prevent these faults from penetrating your machine by using the best test tools there are!

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop-shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila.

Read more