Basic Electrical Measurements

Basic electrical measurements
Using handheld electronic test tools
2003 Fluke Corporation
Electrical measurement safety
Goals of this presentation

Understand safety specifications and how to operate handheld electronic testers in a safe manner Understand how handheld electronic testers and accessories perform basic measurements Learn how to set a digital multimeter (DMM) to the correct function and range for a given measurement Learn how to measure a variety of electrical parameters and test electrical components Determine the proper measurement tool for safe and accurate measurements Understand the differences between average responding and true-rms measurement on non-linear loads
Digital multimeter basics

Agenda
Chapter 1: Chapter 2: Chapter 3: Chapter 4:

A first look at the DMM Multimeter safety Multimeter specifications Multimeter measurements
Ohms Law: basic volts, amps, ohms measurement Special functions: Min/Max, Peak Hold Voltage: understanding high input impedance Current: using current clamps Resistance: DMM source voltage and multiple sources Testing components: diodes, caps Measuring temperature
Chapter 5: Non-linear loads

True-rms vs. average-sensing
2003 Fluke Corporation Electrical measurement safety 3
Chapter 1
A first look at the digital multimeter

Visual inspection Front panel symbols Hands-on safety inspection:
Test leads and probes Amps inputs: fuses Volts/ inputs: overload protection
Front panel features:

Volts / / inputs How is this input protected? Amps, mA, mA inputs How is this input protected? CAT IV - safety rating Range: select manual ranging button Second function HOLD button Hold function
Check out the back...

Look at the back of the meter:
Safety warning Fuse ratings How are fuses specified? Certifications Battery access
Front Panel Symbols

Symbol V V mV A Meaning V dc V ac Millivolts (.001 V or 1/1,000 V) Amps
mA
A
Milliamps (.001 A or 1/1000 A)

MicroA (.000001 A or 1/1,000,000 A) Resistance (Ohms)
k , M
))
Kilo-ohms, megohms
Continuity beeper
Electrical measurement safety 7
))
Front panel symbols

Symbol Meaning Capacitance (uF: microfarads, (nF: nanofarads) Diode test Hz dB Hertz (cycles/sec) Decibels
Range
Hold MIN MAX
Manual measurement ranging

TouchHold/AutoHOLD - last stable reading Highest, lowest recorded readings
Dangerous voltage levels

Caution: see manual
TouchHold
Displays last stable reading
Turn dial to Vdc Press Hold Take measurement Remove probes Press hold a second time and you are in Autohold Turn dial to Press Hold Measure resistor Remove probes Measure second resistor
Hold updates automatically.
Automatic Touch Hold / Shift (second function)
First look at the DMM

Summary
What we learned: Meaning of front panel symbols Back panel safety warning and other info TouchHold & Autohold functions -- how they work
10
Chapter 2
Multimeter safety
Test leads & probes Fuses Overload protection IEC 61010 standard
11
Safety inspection
Test leads and probes
Check test lead resistance: Step 1: Insert leads in V/ and COM inputs Step 2: Select , touch probe tips Good leads are 0.1 - 0.5 How do you check a single test lead? Visually check for: New category rating (CAT III-1000 V or 600 V CAT IV recommended) Double insulation Shrouded connectors, finger guards Insulation not melted, cut, cracked, etc. Connectors not damaged: no insulation pulled away from end connectors Probe tips: not loose or broken off
Safety inspection
Amps inputs need fuses
In a power circuit, use current clamp accessory or stand alone clamp meter In low energy ckt, 10 A or less, open the circuit:
Measure in series (current is the same in a series circuit). The amps circuit resistance must be small to have a minimal effect on the current. This low impedance input requires fuse protection.
A, mA/uA inputs Ammeter circuit inside DMM
Caution!!! Dont leave the leads in mA or A input jacks and then take voltage measurements.
COM
Electrical measurement safety 13
Safety inspection
Checking meter fuses on most meters
Step 1: Plug test lead in V/ input. Select Step 2: Insert probe tip into mA input and read value Step 3: Insert probe tip into A input and read value Is the fuse okay? What would an open fuse read?
14
Safety inspection
High impedance on Volts/ inputs
Volts measurements need high impedance circuit
Voltage measurements are in parallel Voltage is the same across each parallel branch Parallel circuits divide current: High impedance branch = less current Low impedance branch = more current
What about protection for ohms measurement?

Safety inspection
Overload protection on volts inputs
With leads in V/ and COM inputs:
Step 1: Select V and put probes in a live outlet. Will you damage the meter if you... Step 2: Select mV
Step 3: Select Step 4: Select A.

Overload protection is only to the DMMs rated voltage.
Common DMM / tester hazards

Arc from transients (lightning, load switching)
Protection: Independent certification to meet CAT III-1000 V or CAT IV 600 V
Voltage contact while in continuity or resistance

Protection: Overload protection in ohms up to the meters volt rating
Measuring voltage with test leads in current jacks

Protection: High energy fuses rated to the meters voltage rating Use meters / testers without current jacks
Shock from accidental contact with live components

Protection: Test Leads double insulated, recessed / shrouded, finger guards, CAT III 1000 V. Replace when damaged
Using meter or tester above rated voltage

Protection: Good karma
Multimeter safety
Summary
What we learned:
How to check for good test leads Why amps inputs need fuse protection Low input impedance circuit How to check for open fuses in the meter Function of overload protection on V/ inputs
18
Chapter 3
DMM specifications
Display Accuracy Range and resolution
Electronics
Electrical
19
Understanding DMM display specs

Display is specified as digits or as count
Digits: 3 1/2, 4 1/2, etc.
Example: 3 1/2: starting from the least significant digit, 3 full digits from 0-9, 1 half digit at less than 9. Ex: 1999 Can be confusing: 5000 count how do you specify 3999?
Count: 6000 5000 4000 3200 etc

4000 count display reads from 0-3999 3200 count display reads from 0-3199
Hands-on: 6000 count display

Select V, measure battery
20
Understanding DMM accuracy specs

Accuracy is specified in percentage
Closeness with which an instrument reading approaches the true value being measured; largest allowable error Percentage of reading (digital multimeters) vs. percentage of scale or range (analog meters): Example: 1 % scale vs. 1 % reading % scale: If scale or range is 1000 V, an accuracy of 1 % is equal to +/- 10 V. 120 V reading could = 110-130 V % reading: 1 % accuracy with 120 V reading = 118.8-121.2 V Least significant digit unstable: Example: Accuracy spec = +/-(1 % +2) Reading of 200.0 mV= 197.8 - 202.2 mV
Understanding DMM specs

Range and resolution
Resolution is the smallest change in measured value to which the instrument will respond As the range increases, the resolution decreases:
Turn Fluke 179 to Vac and hit Range button (Auto disappears): Range: Resolution: 600.0 mV .1 mV (=1/10 mV) 6.000 V .001 V (=1 mV) 60.00 V .01 V (=10 mV) 600.0 V 0.1 V (=100 mV) 1000 V 1V (=1000 mV) (To exit Manual Range, hold Range button for 2 secs)
For maximum resolution, choose the lowest possible range

ABCs of DMM specs

Summary
What we learned:
Display specifications: Digits or counts

Accuracy specifications: Percent of range or percent of reading Range and resolution specs: Low range, high resolution (e.g.: 400.0 mV) High range, low resolution (e.g.: 400.0 V)
23
Chapter 4
DMM measurements
Basic measurements:
Special functions: How DMMs measure voltage:
Ohms Law
Min/Max Understanding high input impedance Using clamp-on accessories
How DMMs measure resistance: No other voltage please How DMMs measure current:
Testing components:
Capacitors, diodes, LEDs
How DMMs measure temperature

Ohms Law (V=IR) Can you prove it, Mr.

Battery voltage: V = Resistor: R = Calculate current:
I CALCULATED = V / R =
Measure current: create series circuit with resistor and battery and measure current (use mA inputs):
I MEASURED =
25
Special functions
DMM as recorder: Min/Max/Avg
Capture sags: (>100 ms)
Fluke 179: push MIN MAX button. (Meter beeps with each new MIN or MAX) Scroll through Max, Min and Average screens by pushing MIN MAX button. Record voltage sag as motor is turned on.
FAST MN MX
MINMAX
26
How DMMs measure voltage

Measuring volt / input impedance
Step 1: Meter 1 (179): Select ohms Meter 2: Select Vdc Use meter 1 to measure input impedance of meter 2. Meter 2 input Z = ______ Step 2: Reverse procedure Meter 1 select Vdc, meter 2 select ohms: Meter 1 input Z = ______
27

Advantages of High Input Z
Exercise: Gum wrapper battery Step 1: Construct battery with foil, wet card and penny (dont overlap penny onto foil) Step 2: Select mV-dc and measure battery voltage
28

Demonstrating ghost voltages
Turn meter to Hz. Lay leads parallel to power lines. What does the display read? Voltage from hot to capacitively coupled ground:
Effect of floating ground:
29
How DMMs measure resistance

The meter supplies voltage to the circuit Presence of external voltage in circuit being measured causes meaningless readings and can damage a meter without overload protection How it works: Measured V1 across a precision R1 is compared to measured V2 across an unknown Rx
30
How DMMs measure resistance

Open circuit voltage
First measure open circuit voltage of meter when in ohms mode Meter 1: V (dc) mode Meter 2: mode V OUT (METER 2) = Reverse the procedure. V OUT (METER 1) =
Now connect both meters in mode across a known resistor. Both meters are sourcing voltage. What is the reading?
How DMMs measure current

Current clamp accessories
In power circuits, clamps are used to measure amps Two types of clamps: ac or ac/dc
AC AC/DC
Output signal Scale factor Sensor Battery
Current 1 milliAmp per Amp Current transformer No
Voltage 1 milliVolt per Amp Hall effect Yes
(Scope clamps have BNC connectors: AC or AC/DC both output mV )


AC current clamp accessories
Current transformer (CT) style preferred for ac:
CT clamps have good noise immunity: recommended for ac variable speed drives and other noisy environments
How to use: use A inputs

They are CTs with 1:1000 turns ratio: 1 A on primary (circuit being measured) = 1 mA on secondary (input signal to DMM) Connect probe to amps jacks of DMM Select mA function on the Fluke 179
True-rms measurements require a true-rms meter.


AC/DC current clamp accessories
AC/DC clamps: use V inputs of DMM Use Hall-effect technology: require batteries in clamp 1 mV per amp Select Vdc or mVdc to measure dc current Select Vac to measure ac current To measure ac+dc, use the following formula: V total = Vac + Vdc Example: Vac = 5 V, Vdc = 5 V, but V total = 10 V V total = 5 + 5 = 25 + 25 = 50 = 7.07 V True-rms measurement (of ac current) requires a true-rms meter

Measuring load current and inrush
Plug the ac current clamp accessory into the meter: Fluke 179: use mA inputs Remember: 1 mA = 1 A
Select mA function Select auto range and connect to mA input and common
Measure motor inrush current:

Select MIN MAX
35

Single phase measurements
Measuring load current: measure hot conductor Checking for shared neutrals:
Measure with load on and off: current in neutral with load off indicates shared N If neutral current > hot current, indicates shared N
Ground current:
Measure hot and neutral separately. Difference is leakage current. Assumes non-shared neutral.

Three phase measurements
Current imbalance on motor loads:
% current imbalance = Deviation from average x 100 Average Max (of three phases) Example: A = 50 A, B = 30 A, C = 40 A Average = (50 + 30 + 40) / 3 = 40 A Max deviation = 10 A (10 / 40) x 100 = 25 % imbalance Motors should not exceed 15 % - 25 % current imbalance
Neutral currents at panelboard:

Fundamental N current caused by uneven distribution of single-phase loads among the three phases 3rd harmonic N current from non-linear single-phase loads 3rd harmonic is additive in neutral

Temperature accessories
Integrated temperature function
Use type K thermocouple probes (requires no adapter)
Non-contact: Infrared probe

Non-contact can measure electrically live or moving parts 1 mV dc per F or C 4:1 distance-to-target ratio: 4 away reads 1 circle Internal 9 V battery (10 min. auto shut-off saves battery)
Contact: Thermocouple module

Uses mV dc function (requires input Z of 10 M ) Adapter for type-K thermocouple probes Comes with a general purpose bead probe Switch selectable for F or C Internal 9 V battery

Temperature accessories
Type-K thermocouple temperature probes
Mini-connectors plug into adapter Different probes are specialized to measure: Liquids and gels Air and gases Food Surfaces including hot rollers and plates Pipes (probe designed to clamp onto pipe)
39

Some DMMs have integrated temperature measurement functions Temp
function Adapter accepts type K thermocouple probes. Remove for voltage measurement. Temp
OC/OF
MIN MAX temperature.

Select TEMP (C/F) Select MIN MAX. Measure hot (Max) and cold (Min).
40
Testing components
Capacitors
Capacitors store electrical charge Caution !
Before measuring a cap, disconnect circuit power and make sure its discharged. Use Vdc to test if cap is discharged (= 0 V). The 179 will display disc while discharging cap.
How it works:
The meter charges the cap with a known current for a known period of time, measures the resulting voltage (up to 1.2 V) and calculates the farads.
Testing components
Capacitors
Fluke 179:
Turn dial to Capacitance Press yellow button to select With probes in voltage jacks, measure cap
Measurement note:
1.0 F (microfarads) = 1000 nF (nanofarads) 0.1 F = 100 nF
42
Testing components
Diodes
Diodes turn ac to dc.
A good silicon diode will have a voltage drop of approximately 0.5-0.7 V when it is forward biased (conducting). It will be open when it is reverse biased. To test a diode, the DMM forces a test current through the diode in the forward bias direction and measures voltage drop across the diode.
Testing components
Diodes
Forward bias = ____ V
Red lead Black lead anode cathode
Reverse bias = ____ V

Red lead Black lead anode cathode
Shorted: Open:
0 in both directions OL in both directions
44
Testing components
Diodes
Diode forward bias = ____V (Red lead) + ---- P / N ---- - (Black lead) Diode reverse bias = ____V (Black) - ---- P / N ---- + (Red) LED forward bias = ____V (Red) + ----- P/N/P/N/P/N ----- - (Black) Transistor: finding the base lead (Black) - ----- N / P / N ----- - (Black) + (Red)
45
DMM measurements
Summary What we learned
Its the law: Mr. Ohm was right. MIN MAX and other recorder functions Voltage measurements: The ups and downs of high impedance inputs Resistance: DMM is the only voltage source Current: Capturing inrush current Use of temperature accessories Components: Capacitor and diode checks
46
Chapter 5
Measurement Issues with non-linear loads

True-rms vs. average-sensing Crest factor
47

How accurate is your meter?
When can you use an average-sensing meter and when do you need a true-rms meter? Are you measuring a sine wave or something less ideal than a sine wave?
48

What does rms mean
Rms is the root mean square or effective heating value of any ac voltage or current waveform. Rms is the equivalent dc heating value of an ac waveform.
Power consumed in R1 is same for both ac and dc source if the Vacrms equals Vdc.

Average-sensing works for a perfect sinewave
An average-sensing meter assumes a non-distorted sinewave and does the following calculation: Rms value = 1.11 X average value
50

What if the waveform is nonsinusoidal?
For this current waveform, the effective or true-rms value = 1.85 x average value An average-sensing meters reading (1.11 x average) would be 40 % too low
51

What causes nonsinusoidal waveforms?
Waveform distortion is caused by non-linear loads, which includes virtually all electronic loads:
Switching-mode power supplies (PC, office equipment) Light switch dimmers and electronic ballast Variable speed drives
The diode -capacitor input circuit draws short pulses of line current during the peak of the line voltage
52

What if the waveform is nonsinusoidal?
Average-sensing meters typically measure rms high for voltage and low for current where there is waveform distortion True-rms meter or clamp accurately measures both distorted waveforms and sine waves
Multimeter type
Response to sine wave Response to square wave Response to single phase diode rectifier Response to 3 phase diode rectifier
Average
Correct 10 % High 40 % low 5-30 % low
True-rms
Correct
Correct
Correct Correct
53

What if the waveform is nonlinear?
Current measurement exercise: Measure these loads with true-rms and avg-sense clamp, noting differences:
Linear load (hair dryer/drill) Non-linear load (TV, monitor, PC)
Voltage measurement: Measure voltage using true-rms and average sensing meters while someone makes adjustments at the source. When are the readings closest and when do they differ?
54

What is crest factor?
Crest factor = Peak / rms For ideal sinewave, CF = 1.414
55

What is crest factor?
For this current waveform, crest factor = 2.9
56

Crest factor is an indication of harmonics
For current or voltage measurements, the higher the CF, the greater the waveform distortion. CF spec is important for accurate measurements. It is only specified for true-rms products. It is more critical for current measurements since harmonic distortion typically is higher for current than for voltage. C.F. = 2.39 C.F. = 4.68 C.F. = 1.43
57

Summary Minimum specifications for measurements on electrical power systems:
True-rms
Accurate for both linear and non-linear loads
Crest factor = 3
Accurate for current waveforms with CF not exceeding 3 CF = 3 at max range; CF = 6 at half-range
IEC 61010-1 CAT III-600 V

Distribution level: power distribution equipment.
58
59

Basic Electrical Measurements

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Basic Electrical Measurements

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Basic electrical measurements

Using handheld electronic test tools

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

Goals of this presentation

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

Digital multimeter basics

Chapter 5: Non-linear loads

A first look at the digital multimeter

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

Front panel features:

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

Check out the back...

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

Front Panel Symbols

Milliamps (.001 A or 1/1000 A)

2003 Fluke Corporation

Front panel symbols

Manual measurement ranging

Dangerous voltage levels

Automatic Touch Hold / Shift (second function)

First look at the DMM

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

2003 Fluke Corporation

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

What about protection for ohms measurement?

Step 3: Select Step 4: Select A.

Common DMM / tester hazards

Voltage contact while in continuity or resistance

Measuring voltage with test leads in current jacks

Shock from accidental contact with live components

Using meter or tester above rated voltage

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

Understanding DMM display specs

Count: 6000 5000 4000 3200 etc

Hands-on: 6000 count display

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

Understanding DMM accuracy specs

Understanding DMM specs

For maximum resolution, choose the lowest possible range

ABCs of DMM specs

Display specifications: Digits or counts

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

Capacitors, diodes, LEDs

How DMMs measure temperature

Ohms Law (V=IR) Can you prove it, Mr.

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety

2003 Fluke Corporation

Electrical measurement safety