International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
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| Electrical Contains discussions about electrical systems. This includes outlets, panels, wiring, et cetera. |
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#1
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for those of us who use multimeters (we all should) ...
I've been reading a multi-page article in my IAEI News about multimeter accidents, injuries, and deaths from multimeter misuse (or using the wrong multimeter in the wrong location). This is the gist of the warnings: If the multimeter you are holding fails for any reason (could be operator caused, could be age, deterioration, moisture, etc.) there is a good probability that the multimeter failure acts as a short across whatever you were measuring - with one lead connected to one side, the other lead connected to the other side, the meter fail and shorts out ... you might as well be holding a piece of copper wire between the two things you were measuring. That short can lead to an arc or arc flash, burning your hands, clothes, etc., not trying to be scary of anything, but there have been many, many, many cases of such happening. The meter you use needs to have the correct CAT I, CAT II, CAT III, or CAT IV rating for the area (not just what you are measuring, but what is around that area and what is supplying that area). Here is some good information, descriptive drawings, and examples of the different CAT areas in which different CAT rating meters should be used. http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/e...ter_Safety.pdf and Anatomy of a high quality meter Most of what we would normally check would be CAT II or CAT III, however, many of us stray into CAT IV (basically when you use your meter outdoors to measure the things we might measure) __________________ Jerry Peck Construction / Litigation Consultant www.ConstructionLitigationConsultants.com Ormond Beach, Florida badair ADAIR INSPECTION 972-487-5634 Residential-Commercial-Construction-EIFS-Infrared Thermography TREC # 4563 EDI: EIFS-MA TX # 39 2008 US Member of the Year life is the random lottery of events followed by numerous narrow escapes...accept the good |
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#2
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I disagree with Jerry's comment that we all should and can't imagine why he said that.
The info is very good but the vast majority of HIs would have little use for a multimeter. Let's hear it if you feel differently. "Never underestimate the difficulty of changing false beliefs by facts." |
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#3
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About the only time I take mine out is to check the dryer or oven receptacle in a vacant house.
Stephen Stanczyk Washington State Licensed Home Inspector # 221 Structural Pest Inspectors License # 71043 Vice-President, Washington Association of Property Inspectors (WAPI) (253) 241-0602 calls answered until 10pm Safe Haven Inspections Puyallup Home Inspectors - Olympia Home Inspectors Tacoma Home Inspectors - Bellevue Home Inspectors Pierce County -Thurston County - King County - Snohomish County |
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#4
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Quote:
"Never underestimate the difficulty of changing false beliefs by facts." |
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#5
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Quote:
The problem with most modern multimeters is the high input impedance. Once meters exceed 100KΩ/V, the trouble starts. Those of you who have participated in the free electrical course that we (InterNACHI, CMI, BestInspectors.Net) do know that I feel very strongly about this. Proper use of an ultra-high impedance meter requires a very good understanding of the behavior of electricity. A Wiggy has a very low imput impedance which makes it ideal for a wide variety of uses by people. It is an especially good choice for people who have only a basic understanding of electricity. |
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#6
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George, I've had a Wiggy for over 30 years.
I have seen far to many guys(even ones that should know better) get confused by what a digital meter or a neon tester is apparently telling them. Same problem with trouble shooting automotive or trailer wiring. Use a test lamp. It won't fool you. "Never underestimate the difficulty of changing false beliefs by facts." |
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#7
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well...let me just say this....I am not trading my FLUKE in anytime soon....
Paul W. Abernathy,CMI,CEI,CEPE NECŪ Consultant/Columnist www.twitter.com/ElectricalGuru - ICC & IAEI Certified Electrical Inspector - ICC & IAEI Certified Electrical Plans Examiner - Look for my article in the Nov/Dec 2009 IAEI Magazine - 2007 "Top Gun" Winner - Mike Holt Enterprises " visit www.TheElectricalGuru.com Today !" |
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#8
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Please Note:
gmortensen is a non-member guest and is in no way affiliated with InterNACHI or its members.
Quote:
When I was an apprentice I used an RCC, because it was cheap. Then it blew up in my face. I've used fluke ever since. Though not just anyone should be sticking the leads anyplace they feel like it. |
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#9
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I hate it when I test my car battery voltage on the current setting!
The lead just falls off the probe. Most lead wires are such low guage, they act as a fuse. "An expert is a person who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field" Niels Bohr "Learn all you can from the mistakes of others. You won't have time to make them all yourself" Alfred Sheinwold Eureka, Fortuna & Arcata, CA
Last edited by rbrady; 7/29/08 at 11:39 PM.. |
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