Test & Measurement

• if any circuits or electrical equipment are being overloaded
• locate any potential electrical shock risks and fire hazards
• identify any defective electrical work

Precision measurement is essential because if there are measurement errors this can prove costly. By having confidence in each measurement, manufacturers save time and money, and improve the quality of their products.

Types of measurement units

Measurement units can include the following:

• Energy - joule ( J)
• Power - watt (W)
• Electromotive force - volt (V)
• Electric field strength - volt per metre
• Electric resistance - ohm (Ω)
• Electric conductance - siemens (S)
• Capacitance - farad (F)
• Magnetic flux - weber (Wb)
• Magnetic flux density - tesla (T)
• Inductance - henry (H)
• Magnetic field strength - ampere per metre
• Magnetomotive force - ampere (A)

Test and measurement equipment is used in various fields to measure and analyse various components:

• Electronics
• Electrical
• Research labs
• Material analysis
• Manufacturing, and particle analysis

Range of Test and Measurement Equipment

• Ohmmeters - measures the resistance of a component
• Ammeters - measures current
• Capacitance meters - measures the capacitance of a component
• EMF meters - to measure electronic and magnetic fields
• Signal generators - generates signals for testing purposes
• Oscilloscopes and frequency counters - used to produce signals and then measure the response of the object being tested.
• Ammeter - measures current
• LCR meter - measures the inductance, capacitance and resistance of a component
• Multimeter - general purpose instrument measures voltage, current and resistance
• High voltage detectors

Things to consider

The types of test and measure equipment that will be needed depends on the types of materials being tested and which of their properties need to be measured. Size, durability, portability and cost are also key factors.

What is calibration?

Calibration is the comparison of a test instrument against a more accurate standard which can ensure the instruments accuracy. RS offers a great calibration service:

• New calibrated, ready to use equipment
• Re-calibration service
• UKAS-accredited laboratory
• Fast turnaround and delivery