A ubiquitous tool for set electricians are multimeters. We often call them "amp probes." These are the multimeters with a built-in amp probe.
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| This RCC meter was my trusty, dependable amp probe for 20 years |
The gaffer and the best boy electric should always have a one. I don't expect that every set electrician have one, though many do.
Best practices are to only use multimeters with appropriate CAT ratings. My meter is a name brand, Fluke, with a CAT III 600 volt and CAT IV 300 volt rating. I would consider these minimum for our work. I would not use my meter for checking a 480 volt service.
Often overlooked are the leads which have CAT ratings, too. These must have a CAT rating to match the meter or higher. I have heavy duty leads with adjustable tips. They have a CAT III 1500 volt and CAT IV 1000 volt rating.
I was told anecdotally by an electrical engineer at a training class that one of the most common causes of electricians getting shocked are incorrect or damaged leads.
There are cheap meters at discount stores, but you get what you pay for. These meters are not safe for our work. Even if they have CAT ratings, they generally lack any independent certification from an industry recognized group. All good meters will have certifications from groups like these:
It is best to stay with name brand meters with a proper CAT rating and certifications.
There is a universe of different types of meters. Not all meters are ideal for film and television production. You want to have a meter with certain features like: AC and DC volts, ohms and continuity, built-in amp-probe, and Hertz. An IP rating for use in wet and dusty conditions good.
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| All the features a set electrician needs are here! |
PS: Here is a link to an excellent multimeter guide from Fluke:
https://www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/safety/multimeter-guide
PPS: I mentioned 480 volt in the post. On rare occasions, I have worked with 480 volt equipment; feeding step-down transformers, for Softsun lights, and once powering an aircraft power unit for an airliner.
480 volt is much more dangerous than the 120/208 voltage we are generally working with. An arc from a 480 volts will cause a violent arc flash that can cause severe injury. Extra precautions must be taken.