Training Procedure for
Using Meters
Document Number: D00002022 (Revision A)
Multimeter Guide © Copyright 1999, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
June 29, 1999
A Guide for Using Meters to Test Electrical Functionality in the Field
Multimeters
A Guide for Using Meters to Test
Electrical Functionality in the Field
Testing components such as cables, cable heads, slip rings, pins, connectors, and other
items for electrical functionality (continuity, leakage/insulation) should be a common
practice in the field prior to each run downhole, and as part of preventive
maintenance. Neglect on the part of the operator to do so may result in failures that
could be prevented. This document discusses three common types of metering
devices used for testing electrical functionality. They are:
• Multimeter or volt-ohm meter
• Blaster’s multimeter
• Megohmeter
1.0 Multimeters
The two most common multimeters or volt-ohm meters used in the field are the
Simpson Model 270 and the Triplett Model 630-PL (though there are other equivalent
devices in the industry.) Both meters can be used to test for continuity and resistance,
diode effect, capacitance effect, etc. Some features that are common to the Simpson
270 and Triplett both include:
• Analog scale display
• Battery-powered
The Simpson uses a 9-volt and a 11/2-volt (“D” cell) battery
The Triplett uses a 30-volt and a 11/2-volt (“D” cell) battery.
• Specific (non-interchangeable) contact leads
• Range dial (AC/DC, resistance, etc.)
• Current knob or switch (AC, +DC/-DC)
• Zeroing knob/thumbwheel
• Polarity switch
• Contact lead inputs (black in “Common” and red in “Positive”)
• Common functionality
Danger: Do not use multimeters or volt-ohm meters with explosive detonators.
Multimeter Guide © Copyright 1999, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. 1
June 29, 1999
A Guide for Using Meters to Test Electrical Functionality in the Field
Using the Simpson 270 Multimeter
1.1 Using the Simpson 270 Multimeter
1.1.1 Measuring Resistance
Procedure
1. Set the meter function switch to the +DC scale.
2. Set the Range dial for the appropriate range of measurement as follows:
Set the Meter If the Range of Measurement
Range Dial To... Is...
Rx1 0 to 200 ohm
R x 100 200 to 20,000 ohm
R x 10,000 20,000 to infinity ohm
Note: For an unknown resistance, different ranges may have to be selected.
3. Zero the meter by touching and holding the ends of the two connector leads
together, and turning the Zero knob until the needle on the analog gauge points to
“0”.
Danger: Be sure the component to be measured does not have any power
applied when measuring resistance.
4. Contact the object to be tested with the meter leads.
5. Read the analog scale for the +DC setting, then multiply by the meter range factor
(i.e., 1, 100, or 10,000) to determine resistance.
Note: Use the top or uppermost scale. “Infinity” is at the far left of the scale and “0” is
at the far right.
6. Turn the meter off.
1.1.2 Measuring AC Voltage
Procedure
1. Set the meter function switch to the AC position.
2. Set the Range dial for the appropriate range of voltage (2.5, 10, 50, 250, or 500).
Note: For an unknown voltage, use the highest range. If the actual voltage is within a
lower range, the switch can be set to a lower range for a more accurate reading.
3. Contact the red meter lead to the positive circuit, and the black meter lead to the
grounded circuit.
2 © Copyright 1999, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Multimeter Guide
June 29, 1999
A Guide for Using Meters to Test Electrical Functionality in the Field
Using the Simpson 270 Multimeter
4. Read the voltage as follows:
Note: Voltage is read from the far left of the scale to the far right.
If the Meter
Read the Values From...
Range Is Set To...
2.5 V The 2.5 V AC scale.
10, 50, and 250 V The red AC scale (use the black values above the scale).
500 V The red 0-50 V AC scale and multiply by 10.
5. Turn the meter off.
1.1.3 Measuring DC Voltage
Procedure
1. Set the meter function switch to the +DC scale.
2. Set the Range dial for the appropriate range of voltage (2.5, 10, 50, 250, or 500).
Note: For an unknown voltage, use the highest range. If the actual voltage is within a
lower range, the switch can be set to a lower range for a more accurate reading.
3. Contact the red meter lead to the positive circuit, and the black meter lead to the
negative circuit.
4. Read the voltage on the DC scale as follows:
Note: Voltage is read from the left of the scale to the right.
If the Meter
Read the Values From...
Range Is Set To...
2.5 V The 0-250 V scale and divide by 100.
10, 50, and 250 V Each individual scale
500 V The 0-50 V scale and multiply by 10.
5. Turn the meter off.
Multimeter Guide © Copyright 1999, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. 3
June 29, 1999
A Guide for Using Meters to Test Electrical Functionality in the Field
Using the Triplett Multimeter
1.2 Using the Triplett Multimeter
1.2.1 Measuring Resistance
Procedure
1. Set the meter function switch to the +DC scale.
2. Set the Range dial for the appropriate range of measurement as follows:
Set the Meter If the Range of Measurement
Range Dial To... Is...
x1 0 to 20 ohm
x 10 20 to 200 ohm
x 1K 200 to 20,000 ohm
x 100K 20,000 to infinity ohm
Note: For an unknown resistance, different ranges may have to be selected.
3. Zero the meter by touching and holding the ends of the two connector leads
together, and turning the Zero thumbwheel (Ω ADJ) until the needle on the
analog display points to “0”
Danger: Be sure the component to be measured does not have any power
applied when measuring resistance.
4. Contact the object to be tested with the meter leads.
5. Read the analog scale for the +DC / Ω / AC settings, then multiply by the meter
range factor (i.e., 1, 10, 1000, or 10,000) to determine resistance.
Note: Resistance is read from “0” at the right of the scale to “infinity” at the left.
6. Turn the meter off.
4 © Copyright 1999, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Multimeter Guide
June 29, 1999
A Guide for Using Meters to Test Electrical Functionality in the Field
Using the Triplett Multimeter
1.2.2 Measuring AC Voltage
Procedure
1. Set the meter function switch to the AC scale.
2. Set the Range dial for the appropriate range of voltage (2.5, 10, 50, 250, or 500).
Note: For an unknown voltage, use the highest range. If the actual voltage is within a
lower range, the switch can be set to a lower range for a more accurate reading.
3. Contact the red meter lead to the positive circuit, and the black meter lead to the
negative circuit.
4. Read the voltage on the AC scale as follows:
Note: Voltage is read from the left of the scale to the right.
If the Meter
Read the Values From...
Range Is Set To...
2.5 V The red AC 0-3 V scale.
10, 50, and 250 V Each individual AC/DC scale.
500 V The black 0-10 V AC/DC scale, then multiply by 100.
5. Turn the meter off.
1.2.3 Measuring DC Voltage
Procedure
1. Set the meter function switch to the +DC scale.
2. Set the Range dial for the appropriate range of voltage (2.5, 10, 50, 250, or 500).
Note: For an unknown voltage, use the highest range.
3. Contact the red meter lead to the positive circuit, and the black meter lead to the
negative circuit.
4. Read the voltage on the DC scale as follows:
Note: Voltage is read from the left of the scale to the right.
If the Meter
Read the Values From...
Range Is Set To...
2.5 V The 0-250 V scale and divide by 100.
10, 50, and 250 V Each individual scale.
500 V The 0-10 V scale and multiply by 100.
5. Turn the meter off.
Multimeter Guide © Copyright 1999, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. 5
June 29, 1999
A Guide for Using Meters to Test Electrical Functionality in the Field
Hawk Blaster’s Multimeter
1.3 Hawk Blaster’s Multimeter
The Hawk SD-109 blaster’s multimeter is the only intrinsically safe meter that can be
used around explosives or detonators such as those found on a perforating job. The
Hawk meter is a digital device that can perform many of the same functions as the
Simpson and Triplett multimeter/volt-ohm meter such as measuring:
• AC/DC voltage
• AC/DC current
• Resistance (grounding clamps, cables, detonators, etc.)
• Capacitance
• Stray current and voltage
Danger: Do NOT use a Simpson or Triplett multimeter when working with
detonators and explosive devices.
1.3.1 Checking the Multimeter Fuse
Before using the Hawk blaster’s multimeter, check to make sure that the meter fuse is
not blown by doing the following:
Procedure
1. Plug the red (positive) lead plug into the current (A) input.
2. Turn the range/scale dial to align the arrow with the “diode select” mark (at the 5
0’clock position on the dial face).
3. Touch the red lead to the voltage (V-Ω) input and maintain contact.
4. The digital readout should display between 1 and 2 ohms. If it does not, replace
the fuse.
6 © Copyright 1999, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Multimeter Guide
June 29, 1999
A Guide for Using Meters to Test Electrical Functionality in the Field
Megohmeter
1.4 Megohmeter
Another common electrical meter is the Amprobe Model AMB-4D megohmeter or
megger. A megohmeter measures resistance in the range of millions of ohms, or
megaohms, by generating a regulated, stable voltage. The Amprobe Model AMB-4D
megohmeter features an auto and manual mode. The auto mode reads and displays
data continuously while the manual mode reads and displays data when the red
POWER/TEST button is pressed. This also helps conserve battery power. A low
battery indicator warns when battery cells need to be changed. Some features of the
Amprobe megohmeter include:
• Digital display
• Range dial (resistance range, DC voltage, etc.)
• Automatic and manual modes
• Specific (non-interchangeable) contact leads (red positive goes to HI and black
negative goes to LO).
• Battery-powered (six AA cells) with a low battery indicator
Following are some safety concerns when using a megohmeter:
• Megohmeters generate a high voltage that sometimes makes people wary. Use
caution when working with a megohmeter but beyond that, there is no cause for
concern. Even though the voltage is high, the current is limited. An electrical
shock is possible, but it will not cause injury.
• Always perform insulation testing on de-energized equipment.
• Using generic test leads (that happen to be handy on a work bench) can be a
serious safety hazard because generic leads may be adequate for common
multimeter devices, but may not have a safety rating for high-voltage insulation
applications.
Danger: Do not use a megohmeters with detonators or explosive devices.
1.4.1 Measuring Resistance (Auto Mode)
Procedure
1. Set the mode switch to AUTO.
2. Select an appropriate resistance and voltage range.
Note: Use the 500 volt/200 megaohm range when testing the resistance of downhole
tools, and the 1000 volt/2000 megaohm range when testing the resistance between
wireline cable conductors.
3. Press and release the red POWER/TEST button to turn the meter on.
4. Test the meter by contacting and holding the ends of the two test leads together.
The meter should display a “0” (zero).
5. Now “open” the two test leads. The meter should display an over range reading
(usually a “1”).
Multimeter Guide © Copyright 1999, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. 7
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A Guide for Using Meters to Test Electrical Functionality in the Field
Megohmeter
Note: If the meter behaves erratically or oscillates, it may be due to bad leads and not
a malfunction of the meter. If unsure, test the meter with a new set of leads.
6. Contact the test leads to the component being measured, and observe the
resistance value displayed.
Note: When using the 200 and 2000 megaohm ranges, values are shown in
megaohms. When using the 200 ohm range, values are shown in ohms.
7. Press and release the POWER/TEST button to turn the meter off.
1.4.2 Measuring Resistance (Manual Mode)
Procedure
1. Set the mode switch to MANUAL.
2. Select an appropriate resistance and voltage range.
Note: Use the 500 volt/200 megaohm range when testing the resistance of downhole
tools, and the 1000 volt/2000 megaohm range when testing the resistance between
wireline cable conductors.
3. Test the meter by contacting and holding the ends of the two test leads together.
4. Press and hold the red POWER/TEST button. The meter should display a “0”
(zero). Release the POWER/TEST button.
Note: If the meter behaves erratically or oscillates, it may be due to bad leads and not
a malfunction of the meter. If unsure, test the meter with a new set of leads.
5. Contact the test leads to the component being measured. Press and hold the
POWER/TEST button, and observe the resistance value displayed.
Note: When using the 200 and 2000 megaohm ranges, values are shown in
megaohms. When using the 200 ohm range, values are shown in ohms.
6. Release the POWER/TEST button.
8 © Copyright 1999, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Multimeter Guide
June 29, 1999
