n Hydronics The test instrument market is filled with many great products.
Any measurement device works best when it is designed for the specific application and it is important to pick one that will meet the range of the device. By Roy Collver www.plumbingandhvac.ca
Every technician has a wish list of tools that they know will help them do a better, faster, and more accurate job. High on these lists should be reliable and accurate diagnostic test instruments. Sometimes you may not even know what you need until you hit the troubleshooting wall and realize you are unable to figure something out due to a lack of information. I have most of the tools on my list, but there are always more that would be nice to have—ask any technician’s spouse. Study the specifications for any instrument you plan on using—it is the first thing
to look at after you have checked out the features. Any measurement device works best when it is purposely designed for a certain application, and it is important to pick one where the required measurements are roughly in the middle of the range for the device. It is also necessary to check the level of precision required so the readings you get are useful. Establishing an order of priority for purchasing test instruments will vary depending on the type of work you are doing. You will only buy some when the need arises, but there are some that are mandatory for safety and efficiency reasons, and you should get them while you are still in training. Keep in mind that electronic instruments will need battery changes or charging, so always keep some spares with the tools, and buy an inexpensive battery tester to make sure your spares are still in working order. Electronic instruments are subject to Continued on page “33”
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