When working with electronics, multimeters education and training helps you take accurate measurements and readings. The multimeter measures both AC and DC voltage, resistance and current in addition to performing continuity and diode tests.

Having an education on multimeter test equipment and its uses helps you professionally as you work with the proper tools for each situation. Knowing the nuances of the multimeters gives you precise measurements, ensuring top-notch work results. To educate yourself on multimeters, you might want to consider the following options:

1. Obtain basic multimeter information from online resources.

2. Garner multimeters education and training to ensure proper usage for a variety of instruments.

3. Bypass multimeter makers by learning how to custom-make multimeters that suit your purposes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about basic multimeter information before you begin taking measurements

Whether you plan to use fluke multimeters, digital multimeters, analog multimeters or other types, consider learning the basic science behind multimeter usage. Learn which multimeters work best in what circumstances.

I recommend: Adrio Communications instructs students on the proper techniques for using a multimeter. It covers usage for analog and digital multimeters among others. CBS Interactive offers a basic tutorial for students who are novices in electrical testing. It offers a detailed look into ways to troubleshoot power problems in a personal computer (PC) using a multimeter.

Learn how to properly use a multimeter for measurement by taking tutorials

Discover how to achieve the most accurate results in multimeter testing by observing video tutorials on the subject. From the comfort of your living room, learn how the experts use their multimeters to troubleshoot and take accurate electrical measurements.

I recommend: Tangent Tutorials offers an online video for those interested in learning how to properly use a multimeter. Watch this video tutorial in real time or downloaded it for higher-quality picture. O'Reilly Media offers a video podcast on multimeter use that teaches students how to measure for resistance, perform a continuity check and measure the voltage. It includes a PDF file with handy tips for students to use even when away from the computer.

Create custom multimeter test equipment using instructions from online resources

Compare multimeters on the market and tweak them to meet your own criteria. Look through online blueprints and instructions to aid you in custom designing your own multimeter.

I recommend: National Instruments gives detailed instructions on how to build a PDA digital multimeter with Bluetooth capability. It shows interested parties how to take a standard multimeter and custom make it to meet specific needs. All About Circuits demonstrates ways to make a multimeter. It not only tells you which materials and parts you need to buy but gives detailed instructions on how to put them all together.

Multimeters are great instruments to have since they measure current, voltage and resistance, all with one machine. This saves you from having to buy an ammeter, voltmeter and ohmmeter, and thus, you'll spend less money on supplies for your business.

There are a few types of multimeters to choose from: There are traditional analog multimeters, newer digital ones and clamp meters. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Compare each kind before you buy for your business.

1. Train your workers to read analog multimeters. It's not hard, once they get used to it, but the meters must be read correctly for the test to be accurate.

2. Use digital multimeters to reduce user error. These display the reading in digits, leaving no room for interpretation.

3. Increase productivity by using clamp multimeters. These meters eliminate the need for disassembling the circuit to be measured.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go with traditional analog multimeters

These meters have been around for years and years. They are inexpensive and small. The only downside is that the reading must be taken properly; a needle swings quickly and rests on part of the display scale, then you carefully look to see the value at which the needle rests. With experience, analog meters are just as easy to read as digital ones, which are obviously very simple.

I recommend: Take advantage of discounted pricing by buying in bulk from Kaito Electronics, which offers lower prices when you buy five or more multimeters. Check out the drop-resistant analog multimeter at CableOrganizer.com, which can safely fall up to five feet without breaking.

Let your workers use digital multimeters to make their jobs easier

A digital multimeter displays its readings using digits. This makes for easy reading with no interpretation needed: Simply glance at the display and move on. These meters do tend to be a bit more expensive. Another disadvantage is that they don't measure continuous fluctuations as well as analog meters can.

I recommend: Check out the handheld Fluke multimeters available from Tequipment.net; Fluke is one of the best known manufacturers of electronic testing equipment. Cole-Parmer has two types of waterproof multimeters for sale.

Simplify your job by using clamp multimeters

Clamp meters are made so electricians don't have to disconnect any wiring when they want to take a reading. These tools have clamps that encircle the wires in question to allow the meter perform the necessary tests. These devices are also known as 'tongs.'

I recommend: Check out the measurement ranges of the clamp meter at Carl's Electronics. Electronix Express also offers a good digital clamp multimeter.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Fluke is one of the best known brands of electronic equipment. This brand was established in 1948 and has a great reputation. Fluke's products renowned for their durability, quality and user friendliness. This company is the leader of all multimeter makers.

A hot water boiler is useful in industrial as well as residential applications. Hot water boilers have applications in various industries, such as textile, medical and food processing. In addition, you can install a hot water boiler to maintain a comfortable temperature inside a residential complex.

If you want to buy, rent or repair a hot water boiler, you will need to be conversant with certain terms that you will hear from the boiler industry professionals. This guide attempts to familiarize you with important key terms, such as hydronics, hard water and AFUE.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hydronics

Hydronics or hydronic heating is the process of using hot water to transfer heat from one location to another. A hot water boiler is an important component of a hydronic heating system.

I recommend: Hydromatic Technologies Corporation, a provider of cloth drying equipment, offers basic information about hydronics. To learn more about the hydronic heating process, read through information at Appropriate Designs.

Hard water

Hard water contains mineral salts that deposit on the internal surface of boiler components. This affects the performance of a hot water boiler and it is necessary to soften the hard water before passing it through a hot water boiler.

I recommend: P.C. McKenzie Company, a supplier of boiler parts, offers a glossary for important boiler terms, including hard water and gauge glass.

Gauge glass

For the safe operation of a hot water boiler, its water level must be maintained within certain limits. A gauge glass is a glass-enclosed visible indicator of the water level in a boiler.

I recommend: Johnston Boiler Company, a reputable supplier of marine boilers, provides a glossary of boiler terms, including gauge glass.

Boiler controllers

Boiler controllers are electronic devices that monitor and control the system variables, such as steam (or water) temperature and pressure.

I recommend: You can read through information on boiler controllers at GlobalSpec, an information resources for industrial products.

Pressure relief valve

A pressure relief valve is an important device for the safe operation of a hot water boiler. These valves operate if the system pressure exceeds the pre-defined pressure value.

I recommend: Anderson Radiant Heating, a supplier of residential and commercial hydronic heating systems, provides a glossary of technical terms, including boiler and pressure relief valve.

BTU (British Thermal Unit)

This is the British unit for measurement of heat. One BTU is the amount of heat needed to raise one pound of water 1°F from a starting point of 39.2°F.

I recommend: To learn more about BTU and its relation with other units, read through the glossary of wood heating terms at Greenwood Technologies, a provider of renewable heating solutions. Alternative Energy Solutions also provides a glossary of biomass boiler terms, including BTU.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)

AFUE is the unit of heating efficiency of a heating device. To compare different heating devices, you must know their AFUE.

I recommend: For the definition of AFUE, you can refer to the glossary at GasNetworks. Moose Heating & Air Conditioning, a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) company, offers basic information about AFUE.