Electronic Test Equipment

Electronics is a vast field of study encompassing systems and technologies that control the flow of electrons and other types of charged carriers in various devices such as valves and semiconductors. The application of electronics is fairly widespread and is often the base for the growth of technology. Almost every new or old invention uses the concepts of electronics. Electronics is one of the primary branches of electrical engineering. To put electrical engineering into practice, a large number of electrical devices and equipments are required to test the workability and durability of complex electrical machines and systems.

Electronic test equipment is usually simple and cheap though there are compound electrical gears that are more difficult to test. Electronic test equipment is often referred to as test gear. These devices generate stimulus signals in order to receive responses from electronic gadgets referred to as Devices under Test (DUTs). By using these devices, the functioning of the DUTs can be proven and faults can be tracked and repaired.

Electronic test equipment can range from a simple light bulb to complex computerized and automated testing systems. There are different types of test equipment available for testing different devices. Basic electronic test equipments are used for simple measurement of the capacity of voltage and current in common circuits. Such test gear includes devices such as voltmeters, ammeters, galvanometers, ohmmeters, multimeters, power supplies, signal and pulse generators and oscilloscopes. These devices are usually digital and check simple prototypes. Certain advanced and less commonly used equipment such as clamp meters, electrometers, EMF meters, RF probes and logic analyzers are used to test the operation of higher and advanced components. Most test equipment used generate signals and hence are called signal-generating devices. Signal generating devices such as frequency synthesizer, function generator, pulse generator and signal injectors are used to generate signals for testing the working of electrical circuits.

Electrical test equipments have extensive use in fields such as aerospace, defense, automobiles and telecommunication. The use of these equipments helps in reducing the need for future quality assurance tests.

A Guide to Miniature Circuit Breakers

Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) are designed to protect the cable downstream of the device against overloads and short circuits, preventing damage to cables and equipment.

MCBs are installed in modern consumer units, and are a convenient alternative to fuses as they can be reset without having to replace wire with a simple flick of a switch or button. There are 3 MCB types, Type B, Type C and Type D, and the speed at which they trip depends upon the level of overload, and is usually determined by a thermal device within the MCB.

An MCB works by tripping when a circuit is overloaded or when a short circuit has occurred in the system, and has a current rating such as 6A, or 10A depending upon its intended use, i.e. for residential, commercial, industrial or public buildings.

MCB ratings relate to continuous service under specified installation conditions, although cables can carry higher currents for short periods without causing permanent damage.

There are 3 MCB types, Type B, Type C and Type D, and the speed at which they trip depends upon the level of overload, and is usually determined by a thermal device within the MCB.

Selecting the right one should be done in accordance with BS 7671:Requirements for Electrical Installations (The IEE Regulations, Sixteenth Edition) and will ensure that the device will not give unwanted tripping.

All 3 MCB types use a magnetic fault protection, which trips the MCB within one tenth of a second when the overload reaches a set level.

* Type B trips between 3 and 5 time full load current;

* Type C trips between 5 and 10 times full load current; and

* Type D trips between 10 and 20 times full load current.

An MCB's circuit rating is given in Kiloamps (KA), and this indicates the level of its ability to work. For example a domestic MCB would normally have a 6KA fault level, whereas one used in an industrial application may need a unit with a 10KA fault capability.

Type B devices are commonly used in domestic systems and light commercial applications where surges are low, for instance where inrush currents may come from a small number of fluorescent fittings.

However, unwanted tripping can occur due to high arcing currents, often due to poor quality lamps, and in this case either a higher rating B type MRC should be used, or a type C device may be more suitable instead. Again, the MCB type used should be selected in accordance with BS 7671.

Type C MCBs are most suitable for commercial and industrial use, where there are motors and perhaps a high number of fluorescent fittings which, when switched off together may cause a high inrush current. Whether an upgrade to a Type D is suitable should be decided according to operating times and consideration of Regulation 413-02-08.

Type D units are for more specialist industrial use, where current inrushes can be high, for example with X-ray machines and transformers. They may require a lower earth loop impedance (Zs) to achieve the operating times required.

Whichever MCB type is used, it is extremely dangerous to cut corners by using inferior quality devices, therefore they should only be bought from a reputable manufacturer.

Tips for Buying Electrical Supplies

You could get good quality electrical supplies for a cheaper price if you take the time out to browse around. Buying online would be cheaper too. Remember to never compromise on quality though.

You should take a lot of care while buying electrical supplies since faulty electrical components are dangerous. They could lead to accidents such as short circuit. Also it would be costly for you if you compromise quality for price since you would have to replace your sub standard supplies more frequently than if they were of good quality. That said there are tips which you could use to buy good electrical supplies cheap.

1. Browse Around - The prices of electrical supplies vary from store to store. You could call up the different stores and find out the prices. At times you could get cheaper supplies at your big supply stores rather than your local electrical supply store. For some others, it would be the other way round. Hence at least the first time, you could check out their pricing and then make the decision.

2. Buy Online - Typically, for supplies of similar quality, the prices which are charged at websites are lesser compared to the store prices. You would need to make sure that the place is trustworthy since electrical components need to be trustworthy. There are no buts regarding that. Hence go for a well recommended website or the website of one of the famous stores.

3. Buy from Wholesale Places - There are places, especially on the internet, who would offer you electrical components at wholesale prices. The quality would be good, yet the prices would be a lot cheaper than retail. As long as you go to a seller with good reviews and good track record you would be safe.

4. Buy Used - In this case, you should make sure that the electrical supplies are really good and not damaged. You should have a trusted local electrician check the parts out before you buy it. If the electrician gives you the go ahead then you can buy it. The price would of course be less.

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