A multi-function tester is used to evaluate the performance of an electrical installation via a range of electrical tests. These typically can include Insulation Resistance, Continuity, Loop, RCD, Phase Rotation & Earth Resistance testing amongst others. These tests assure the user that an electrical device is working in accordance with manufacturer specifications and within the tolerances of industry standards. This ensures the ongoing performance of the device but also ensures its safety, and hence the accuracy of these tests and results is essential.
Why we need to calibrate a multi-function tester
The accuracy of a multi-function tester can deteriorate over time, just like any electrical instrument. This variation in accuracy might be negligible, but it might be significant, the fact is we don’t know. And if we are using the multi-function tester to verify the accuracy of another electrical device, then it is essential that the instrument we are using is 100% accurate for 100% of the time, otherwise, if we can’t verify the accuracy of the multi-function tester, then we definitely can’t verify the accuracy of the device we are testing.
Multi-function testers are extremely versatile instruments and hence are one of the most popular and commonly used instruments for the electrical tester. However, the flipside of this is that they undertake significant usage, which may lead to the accuracy of readings starting to drift. Equally, the instrument can be dropped or knocked through frequent usage, which can shift the readings. In electrical testing we work to strict tolerances and we require readings to comply with known standards, so we need to know that every test is accurate to specific tolerances. So we are required to calibrate the multi-function tester when we need accurate results, which is all the time. This could be required for various reasons, such as:
- Precision
- Compliance – to internal/external standards
- Reliability
- Safety
- Extending the lifespan of the instrument
Carrying out calibration and maintenance of a multi-function tester
The frequency of calibrating a multi-function tester can be stated in manufacturer’s specifications, although this is technically a recommendation and what ensures you comply with a product warranty agreement. There could be much stricter requirements stated by industry standards, external bodies, customers or internal procedures. You can therefore calibrate your multi-function tester before and after certain projects, after an accident, before and after specific tests or simply periodically, ie. daily, weekly, monthly, bi-annually etc.
Maintenance of a multi-function tester involves periodically inspecting and cleaning the instruments, so that ports, probes and sensors are free of dirt and debris and in good condition so that they can suitably receive cables and inputs and can accurately take readings. You should also inspect for any external signs of damage or wear.
It is mostly recommended that an electrical installation tester is calibrated at least once a year, which can be undertaken by a company such as Test Instrument Calibrations, which has ISO9001 accreditation for Quality Assurance peace of mind.
A daily, weekly or monthly interim accuracy check system can also be implemented by the instrument user by utilising a Calibration Checkbox such as the TIS CHECKBOX, which has in-built known values for comparing measurement values.
Video Demonstration
Below is a product demonstration video of the TIS CHECKBOX:
Please note that this section is for information purposes only. Anyone using equipment referred to in this section must be suitably qualified and/or experienced within the respective field. If in doubt before use, please consult a qualified electrician or engineer & thoroughly read all instruction booklets.