Electrical measuring devices

Determining voltage, current and many other physical measured variables safely and efficiently

Electrical measuring devices

In order for electricians it is very important that they are equipped with the relevant electrical measuring devices to be able to carry out their daily work safely and precisely, for example on electric lines. They must be capable of measuring various physical quantities, such as current and voltage, to detect hazards, faulty installations, or even voltage-free conditions, so that they can then carry out installations, maintenance or servicing safely and with a clear conscience.

In the tool assortments from Wiha, electricians will find all the essential tools they need in their daily work environment. They also provide additional storage space for further tools. Ideal for the electrical measuring devices from Wiha. In order to use this extra storage space efficiently, the following table of contents will help. Follow the various headlines to find the right measuring devices for your needs.

With these electrical measuring devices you are optimally equipped:

Multifunctional measuring devices – the ideal companions for the electrician's daily routine

Multimeter
Clamp meter
Two-pole voltage tester

Measurement devices for specific measuring projects

Rotational field indicator
Continuity tester
Socket tester
Non-contact, single-pole voltage tester

What measurement categories are there?

When to use which measurement device?

The most important measuring ranges and their units

Multifunctional measuring devices – the ideal companions for the electrician's daily routine

Multimeter

The multimeter, as the name suggests, is a general-purpose electrical measuring device, which is suitable for many different types of electrical measurements in the realm of physical quantities. These include voltage, current, resistance, frequency, capacitance and temperature measurements. Multimeters are suited for measuring both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) voltages and are used, for example, to check a car battery or an outlet. The multimeter is used, for instance, in the field of maintenance/servicing, for the repair of existing systems or in the field of installation, to analyze and rectify installation problems. Generally, the multimeter is used in the low-voltage range.

Measurements using the electrical measuring device

Operation is performed by means of a round rotary switch in the center of the device. Multimeters from Wiha have an automatic measuring range selection, so only the desired measuring mode has to be set.

The two measuring lines are used to establish a connection between the multimeter and the measured object. The measuring lines are connected to the matching colored sockets directly on the device. Black represents the negative pole and red the positive pole. The left, third socket represents a special input for the current (10 A). During the measuring process, the test probes are pressed against the two measuring points.

Important: When measuring direct current, plus and minus stand for polarity. Red represents the positive pole, black the negative pole.

Important: Before measuring the current, the circuit must first be interrupted!

To Digital multimeter up to 1,000 V AC

To Digital multimeter up to 600 V AC

Clamp meter

Like the multimeter, the clamp meter offers a wide range of measuring functions. Except for temperature measurement, the clamp meter can be used to perform all measurements that can also be performed with the multimeter, both in the range of direct voltage (DC) and in the range of alternating voltage (AC).

So what is the difference?

Clamp meters are mainly used for measuring high currents. Compared to the multimeter (10 A), the clamp meter has a much higher measurable current range of up to 400 A. What else distinguishes the clamp meter? - Measurement without disconnecting conductors thanks to clamping jaws increases your safety - Measurement without switching off the circuit simplifies handling

The clamp meter is used, for instance, in the field of maintenance/servicing, for the repair of existing systems or in the field of installation, to analyze and rectify installation problems.

Generally, the clamp meter is used in the low-voltage range.

Measurements using the elctrical measuring device

Depending on the desired measurement, the rotary switch must first be correctly set. For a current measurement, the release lever must be actuated, so the clamping jaws of the clamp meter can be opened and a cable can be gripped. Then, the amperage can be measured. For voltage measurements in the direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) voltage range, as well as resistance, frequency and capacitance measurements, the measuring lines with test probes are used. They also can be used for continuity and diode tests.

Clamp meter up to 1,000 V AC

Two-pole voltage tester

The two-pole voltage tester, which is subject to the general VDE standard and provides reliable results, is suited for a more professional use (compared to the single-pole voltage tester). It is used in low voltage ranges, however for both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). Unlike the non-contact single-pole voltage tester, the two-pole voltage tester can be used to determine the absence of voltage on electrical equipment, so that work can subsequently be carried out on it. In addition to voltage testing, continuity tests, optical rotating field tests, single-pole tests and automatic polarity detections can be performed. Some models also allow resistance and frequency measurements. The two-pole voltage tester is independent of grounding, so that testing of different phase conductors in the three-phase voltage network is possible. The ground fault interrupter can also be tripped and its functionality tested with the help of a GFI button.

Measurement with the electrical measuring device

The two-pole voltage tester is automatically switched on by touching the two test probes. The two test probes are then contacted with two different potentials (e.g. two wires). The measured voltage or voltage level is then displayed on an LED or LCD display.

To the two-pole voltage tester

Measurement devices for specific measuring projects

Rotational field indicator

The rotating field direction indicator is used to determine the direction of rotation in a three-phase power supply as well as the live phase conductors. A three-phase power supply consists of three individual alternating currents at the same frequency. The three-phase system is mainly found in the field of electrical power engineering, to transport and distribute electrical energy in power grids. These include three-phase high-voltage transmission grids, low-voltage grids or three-phase busbars used as drives in elevators or in electric vehicles.

Measurements using the electrical measuring device

The test probes L1, L2, L3 are brought into contact with the 3-phase network to be tested. The phase-to-phase voltage is then displayed via an LED display labeled L1, L2 and L3. Depending on the connection, an LED light for a clockwise or counterclockwise rotating field is then additionally activated to indicate the direction of rotation. Application to obtain a reliable indication of the rotating field direction.

To the rotational field indicators

Continuity tester

By means of a visual and acoustic signal, the Wiha continuity tester indicates whether two points are electrically connected with each other. If you want to check the correctness of the wiring of an installation or find faults in existing installations, then the continuity tester is the right measuring device. It works by means of two test probes, between which a battery is connected, generating a harmless auxiliary or test voltage.

The continuity tester is used in low-voltage ranges with alternating current (AC).

Measurements using the electrical measuring device

The two test probes are simply pressed against the electrical points to be tested. An acoustic signal and an LED display then indicate whether the points are electrically connected with each other.

To the continuity tester

Socket tester

The socket tester can be used to check isolated ground receptacles, cable drums or extension cords so that personal injury or property damage can be prevented in advance. Electricians can use the device to perform a simple pre-test on outlets.

The socket tester is used in low-voltage ranges with alternating current (AC).

Measurements using the electrical measuring device

The socket tester is simply inserted into the live test object. Depending on the wiring, the corresponding LEDs of the device will then light up. An imprinted status table provides information about wiring states and any wiring errors. The test procedure should be carried out using the following steps:

Insert the socket tester
Compare the LEDs with the status table on the device
If the connection is correct, the GFI button can now be pressed

Causes of error:

If no LED is lit, no phase conductor is connected
If only the right LED is lit, the neutral conductor is missing
If only the center LED is lit, the protective earth conductor is missing
If only the outer LED is lit, the phase and protective earth conductors are reversed
If all LEDs are lit, the phase conductor is connected to the protective earth conductor contact and the protective earth conductor is completely missing.

To the outlet tester

Non-contact, single-pole voltage tester

The non-contact single-pole voltage testers from Wiha are used to detect the absence of voltage by means of a sensor in the low-voltage range with alternating current. The measuring ranges extend from 12 - 1,000 V AC and 90 - 1,000 V AC. The range also includes a voltage tester with ATEX standard (II 3 G ic opis IIC T4 Gc), for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

The single-pole voltage tester is subject to the basic standard for the design of measuring and test equipment (DIN EN 61010-1; DIN VDE 0411-1). Therefore, they are not suited for determining the absence of voltage in electrical systems, in order to subsequently work on them. The non-contact single-pole voltage testers rather provide an initial indication of whether voltage is absent. In this way, line interruptions can be detected or voltage tests can be carried out, for example, on outlets, cables, lamps, or switches. Whether a lighting is switched off or defective can be easily determined by means of the single-pole non-contact voltage testers.

Measurements using the electrical measuring device

It is clear that the measurement can be performed without touching the cable or the socket. The first step is to switch on the voltage tester. Functionality is then indicated by a green LED. In the next step, the voltage tester is moved in the direction of the object to be tested without touching it, to ensure hazard-free testing. A visual or audible signal then indicates voltage.

To the non-contact volt detectors

What measurements categories are there?

CAT I

Short description: Protected electronic devices (battery operation)

Application: They perform measurements on circuits that are not directly connected to the grid.

Example: Battery powered devices e.g. car battery

CAT II
Short description: Single-phase loads connected to the outlet
Application: They perform measurements on circuits that are electrically connected directly to the low-voltage network, i.e. via a plug.

Example: Household appliances, portable electrical appliances
Outlets > 10 meters away from CAT III source Outlets > 20 meters away from CAT IV

CAT III

Short description: Three-phase distribution incl. single-phase commercial lighting

Application: They perform measurements within the building installation.

Example:
Lighting system
Distribution boards
Busbars
Lighting systems in large buildings
High-voltage outlet

CAT IV

Short description: Three-phase at the electricity connection

Application: They perform measurements directly at the source of the low-voltage installation, i.e. the low-voltage connection is made directly with the electric utility. This includes laying utility cables/lines from the connection point to the building.

Example: Electricity meters, main connection Low-voltage overhead lines to buildings House junction boxes