Some of the test equipment we use when troubleshooting marine system electrical and corrosion problems is shown below. Together with pictures we have included general information on how we utilize each device.
You can use the following links to jump to the information about a specific device.
Links to Information about the test equipment we use. |
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• Conductance Diagnostic Tester - The Midtronics Intellect EXP-1000. This is an automotive-based full feature diagnostic tester that is adapted to marine uses. This heavy duty unit provides added functionality and increased accuracy over the Conductance Battery tester we previously used. Like the Conductance Battery Tester it eliminate the need for hydrometers and high-draw load testers and provides a safe means of determining the condition of sealed batteries. In addition it has functions for starter circuit, and alternator testing and capabilities for voltage drop testing. It permits isolation of circuit faults caused by loose, corroded connections or undersized wiring and it can also function as a multimeter. (BACK TO TOP)
• Tone-Generating Circuit Tracer - We use the GB Instruments GEI-4110 Wire Tracker (left) and the Progressive Electronics 200EP Inductive Amplifier with the Tracer 2 Model 77HP (right). 
These units are both tone-generating circuit tracers that has two components: a transmitter, and a handheld receiver or tracer. The allow us to trace a signal down a cable to locate breaks where you can access the cable. They also allow identification of the other end of a wire in a hidden run. (BACK TO TOP)
• AC Circuit Analyzer - The SureTest model 61-164 from Ideal Industries, Inc. is a circuit analyzer. It iuses a unique microprocessor that allows us to o perform 6 important tests on AC systems. These tests include: checking for polarity, check for false grounds, measure voltage, make voltage drop measurements, make impedance measurements, measure available short-circuit current, test GFCI, GFP and Equipment Leakage Circuit Interupter devices. It is great for checking voltage drop on docks and for analysis of shore power problems. (BACK TO TOP)
• Infrared Heat Sensor - The MARS 25580 Infra Red Thermo Meter is an infrared heat sensor that allows you to locate a number of potential problems including: loose cable termination points, damaged or corroded terminals, undersized wiring and faulty circuit breakers, relays and switches. They also allow you to avoid problems related to component placement that either produce or are damaged by high temperatures. (BACK TO TOP) 
• Megohmmeters (Megger) The AEMC Instruments, Model 1026, digital megohmmeter, or “Megger” is used to measure high resistance values in insulation in the mega, or millions-of-ohms range. It is used where residual current readings are higher than normal on heavy-gauge wire winding sets on equipment like compressor on a refrigeration system, a shore power supplied battery charger or an onboard generator. (BACK TO TOP)
• Oscilloscope - The oscilloscope is useful for work on complex AC systems with inverters, generators and transformers that perform voltage and frequency conversions. The oscilloscope allows us to quickly and easily answer key questions about the power supplied to a boat. It is very useful in testing generator frequency and voltage together and where on board equipment like regular and flat-screen televisions, audio systems and computer systems have poor performance due to a faulty AC power waveform. This can be caused where a generator or inverter produces distorted AC sine waves. We use a Fluke Model 867-B graphic multimeter which is both a full featured multimeter and oscilloscope. (BACK TO TOP)
• Laptop Computer - No longer a tool only for office use we use one of our laptop computers with FlukeView data logging software, as a useful tool on the job site for gathering data about intermittent electrical problems. (BACK TO TOP)
• Receptacle Tension Tester - The Woodhead LP 1760 is a simple device provides a way to test the spring contact tension on standard straight blade AC reciptacles to ensure there is proper tension on the outlet. (BACK TO TOP)
• Electronic Tachometer - The Extech Instruments 461995 is a combination contact and laser photo tachometer. The units narrow beam laser permits distance non-contact measurements. We use it to measure shaft rotation speed, motor and generator RPM. It also helps us calibrate engine instrument displays. (BACK TO TOP)
• Silver/Silver Chloride Reference Electrodes - The Silver/Silver Chloride electrode is needed to conduct corrosion surveys, this special electrode is used to measure extremely small voltage potentials with a high level of sensitivity and precision and function in a variety of electrolytes (i.e., water with various degrees of salinity). We use the Capac from Stemens Water Technologies, and the Mercathode reference electrode tester, Mercury part # 91-76675T-1. (BACK TO TOP)
• Clamp-On Test Equipment are useful test devices the AC Leak Tester - is used to check for and measure residual current from AC appliances and High Resolution DC Amp Clamps + are used to detect low level leakage resulting from bonding and grounding systems. We use a Fluke Model I-410 AC/DC current clamp with one of our Fluke Multimeters. (BACK TO TOP)
• Multimeters - Last but still one of our key diagnostic tools are the following multimeters: We have a PROVA Model CM-01 volt/ohm meter and two Fluke multimeters. They are the and the Model 87 III a which is a true RMS multimeter (shown at the left) and a Model 867B graphic multimeter (shown above with the AC/DC current clamp). Both of the Fluke meters are checked, calibrated and certified regularly by the manufacturer. (BACK TO TOP)