Safety Checklist: 10 Dumb Things Smart People Do When Testing Electricity, Part 1

Safety Fluke

Feb 5, 2017

People who make their living by working with electricity quickly develop a healthy respect for anything with even a remote chance of being “live.” Yet the pressures of the getting a job done on time or getting a mission-critical piece of equipment back on line can result in carelessness and uncharacteristic mistakes by even the most seasoned electrician. Here in Part 1 are the first five of 10 quick reminders of what not to do when taking electrical measurements.

DO NOT:

1. Replace the original fuse with a cheaper one. Digital multimeters (DMMs) that meet today’s safety standards include a special high-energy fuse designed to pop before an over- load hits your hand. Fluke meters use a special sand-filled fuse designed to extinguish an arc within the fuse enclosure. Be sure to replace it with the same kind of authorized fuse.

2. Use a bit of wire or metal to get around the fuse. That may seem like a quick fix if you’re caught without an extra fuse, but it won’t provide protection against a spike headed your way.

3. Use the wrong test tool for the job. Make sure your test tool holds the correct CAT rating for each job you do, even if it means switching DMMs throughout the day (see Table, below).

4). Grab the cheapest DMM on the rack. If that cheap test tool doesn’t actually have the safety features it advertised, you could end up a victim of a safety incident. Look for independent laboratory testing markings like CSA or UL that ensure the tool meets standards.

5. Skip out on PPE. They’re called “safety” glasses for a reason. Take them out and put them on. The same goes for insulated tools, insulated gloves, ear plugs, your face shield/hood, and arc-resistant clothing.

This article was first published by Fluke Corporation; http://content.fluke.com/platforms/wpcf/downloads/10_common_mistakes_EN.pdf. Watch for the five remaining safety don’ts in the March 21 issue of EIN.

Table: Measurement Categories IAW IEC/EN 61010-031

Safety Table

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Breaking out of a Winter Slowdown

    Breaking out of a Winter Slowdown

    March 10, 2025 For many Canadian electricians, winter months bring a painful slowdown in business. You’re grateful for your projects, but snowbanks, cold temperatures and slippery surfaces mean a half-day project eats up most of the day and the battery in your heated hoodie always seems to be on “empty”. Generate new business by strengthening… Read More…

  • How Technology is Reshaping Lighting Design: Augmented Reality, Sustainability, Smart Lighting, and 3D Printing

    How Technology is Reshaping Lighting Design: Augmented Reality, Sustainability, Smart Lighting, and 3D Printing

    March 10, 2025 By Kaitlin Burke, Lead System Engineer at Cooper Lighting Solutions & Rajat Bhayana, Lighting Product Manager at Cooper Lighting Solutions Technology is rapidly reshaping the lighting design industry, offering new ways to streamline workflows, enhance aesthetics, and optimize energy efficiency. In 2025, lighting professionals will have more tools than ever to balance… Read More…

  • A Powerful Partnership

    A Powerful Partnership

    March 10, 2025 By Milwaukee® Milwaukee® believes in the power of relationships. The global leader in hand tools and power tools has built its reputation over the past 100 years from the combination of producing high-quality tools designed for the jobsite, while continuing to go above and beyond their user’s expectations. A perfect example of… Read More…

  • ECAO Tariff Tracker

    ECAO Tariff Tracker

    March 7, 2025 ECAO is closely monitoring the evolving tariff battle between Canada and the US. ECAO are staying in touch with their industry partners and legal resources, and continually monitoring news feeds. In addition, they will be meeting with affiliate partners, suppliers and other industry players to plan implementation of possible solutions, to advise… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • IDEAL Electrical™ Unveils Fresh, Modern Brand Identity

    IDEAL Electrical™ Unveils Fresh, Modern Brand Identity

    March 7, 2025 IDEAL Electrical was the first company to obtain a patent to make and sell wire connectors in the United States 96 years ago this month – and today IDEAL® announces a modern look for the brand, which captures the company’s spirit of relentless innovation and the optimistic future of the electrical trade. … Read More…

  • Noramco Announce Promotion at London Branch

    Noramco Announce Promotion at London Branch

    March 7, 2025 Noramco has announced the promotion of Erika Liddle to Commercial & Industrial Account Manager – London. “Since joining us in September as Sales Support, Erika has embraced every challenge with determination, quickly making a strong impression. Her ability to learn, adapt, and build meaningful relationships with our customers has set her apart…. Read More…

  • Leviton Canada Unveils New Conveyor System at the Canadian DistributionCenter in Pointe-Claire, Quebec

    Leviton Canada Unveils New Conveyor System at the Canadian DistributionCenter in Pointe-Claire, Quebec

    March 7, 2025 Leviton Canada is thrilled to announce the unveiling of their new conveyor system at the Pointe-Claire (Quebec) distribution center, designed to boost efficiency and enhance service for their valued customers across Canada. With cutting-edge automation and improved accuracy, we’re ready to handle your orders faster and more reliably than ever before. This… Read More…

  • ESA President and CEO Named One of Canada’s Top Women in Safety

    ESA President and CEO Named One of Canada’s Top Women in Safety

    March 7, 2025 The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is proud to announce that Josie Erzetic, President and CEO at ESA, has been named one of Canada’s Top Women in Safety by the Canadian Occupational Safety (COS) magazine for 2025. The awards recognize exceptional female leaders who shatter glass ceilings while influencing the health and safety… Read More…