Electrical Power Instruments and Meters

Joseph E. Fleckenstein, P.E.

Course Outline

A number of electrical instruments are needed during the installation of an electrical system. For example, a multimeter might be needed to measure voltages. Perhaps a phase sequence meter is needed to establish three phase sequence and perhaps the insulation requires testing to confirm suitability. And, grounds should be checked to confirm suitability. After installation a number of instruments are needed for the purposes of troubleshooting, to confirm proper operation or for any one of a number of other possible needs. Engineers in the electrical power industry will find benefit in understanding what types of instruments are available for measuring electrical system properties.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

Upon completing the course, the student will be familiar with the purpose, function and use of the following types of instruments and meters:

• Voltmeters;
• Ammeters;
• Watt meters;
• Watt-hour meters;
• Demand meters;
• Smart meters;
• Submeters;
• Phase sequence meters;
• Earth ground meters;
• Megohmmeters;
• Hi pot testers;
• Multimeters; and
• Oscilloscopes.

Intended Audience

This course is intended primarily for electrical engineers or electricians who at times become involved in the installation, troubleshooting or analysis of electrical systems.  

Benefit for Attendee

Attendees will become familiar with the capabilities of a range of instruments and meters that are available for measuring electrical power system properties.

Course Introduction

At times it becomes necessary to measure the properties of an electrical system. The electrical system could be one that is in the process of being installed, or it could be one that has been in use for many years. Instruments and meters are needed for that purpose. However, a person needs to know what kind of instruments are available to measure the various properties. This course reviews the types of instruments and meters readily available for measuring electrical properties.

Course Content

The course content is contained in the following PDF file:

Electrical Power Instruments and Meters

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Course Summary

This course offers a brief review of the electrical instruments and meters that are available for the purpose of measuring electrical properties as currents, potentials, current lead/lags, VA, VARS and transient conditions.

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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