Electrical Contracting News (ECN) September 2017 | Page 59

TEST & MEASUREMENT
SPECIAL
FEATURE
BUILT TO LAST
The latest multipurpose test and measurement gadgets provide electrical contractors with accurate
data and functionality at their fi ngertips, but can they really hack it in the fi eld? Malcolm Duncan,
UK distributor for Klein Tools, looks at how the design of test meters is evolving.
T
he electrical industry
is changing as new
technologies and
regulations come along
to make electrical
installations safer
and more effi cient.
To keep pace, testing
and measurement devices ae evolving,
with many new products refl ecting both
the need for improved functionality and
society’s love of all things digital.
While these innovative devices may
do what contractors need, their technical
make up and expensive components mean
a great deal of thought needs to go into
their physical design to ensure a day’s hard
graft on a busy job site is not their last.
Robust casing
The fi rst area to consider is the casing.
This protective outer shell must be
user-friendly as well as protecting the
technology inside from the electrical
contractor’s working environment. Many
test meters on the market are now
completely sealed and IP67 rated, so they
are both dust and water proof.
Casing materials are an important
consideration. With the right casing
material, such as rubber moulding, a test
device should withstand rigorous daily
use and be tough enough to absorb or
dissipate the impact of a fall from height
without breaking.
As well as protecting the inner
components, the casing also needs to
protect vulnerable areas, such as the
display. Large screens should have a
slightly raised edge around them to
protect from damage, particularly
drops from height.
Contractors should check
before they buy, as drop
protection can vary from product
to product. Klein Tools’ Tough
Meters, for example, are built to
endure a 2m drop.
Ergonomic design
Of course, protection should not come
at the expense of functionality. The
casing should also be ergonomically
designed to fi t in a contractor’s hand
and be easy to grip for comfortable
use. Some test meters also come with
extras to reduce hand fatigue, such as
a stand or a hanging device.
Ergonomic design should also
extend to a meter’s user interface.
As some electrical professionals like
‘A great
deal of
thought
needs to
go into the
physical
design of
testers to
ensure a
day’s hard
graft on a
busy job
site is not
their last.’
The protective
outer shell must be
user-friendly as well
as protecting the
technology inside.
to work with gloves on, designs tend to
feature chunky buttons and dials that can
be operated effectively with gloves.
Manufacturers aim to ensure their
products are a contractor’s best friend.
Lots of devices therefore come with auto
power off functions to extend battery
life and when it fi nally does need
replacing, battery compartments
are kept accessible to simplify
maintenance.
With an understanding of the real
world where contractors work and use
their tools, manufacturers can design
durable equipment that offers electrical
contractors many years of effi cient,
trouble-free operation.
Designs tend to
feature chunky
buttons and dials
that can be operated
effectively with
gloves.
Durable details
Products can be durable in other
ways too. Some kit is designed to
operate in extremes of temperature,
with Klein test meters operating in
temperatures from zero to 50°C. For
contractors working in particularly
hot or cold locations, this is a feature
worth checking for.
Finally, some devices are available
with carry pouches to help contractors
keep equipment in good condition
and, more importantly, keep all the
accessories in one place. This ensures
the contractor can arrive at a job knowing
everything they need is in the bag.
September 2017 | 59