Common Examples of Tech Instrumentation Tools
Engineers and instrument technicians need to be able to take accurate field measurements so they can solve day-to-day problems. Taking accurate measurements requires effective Tech Instrumentation tools. This article will offer a basic introduction to the types of general tools and instruments used by engineers and technicians.
Thermometers and Temperature Probes
Thermometers and temperature probes are some of the simplest and most common forms of instrumentation technology. Modern, digital versions are more advanced than their analog predecessors, though. They often come with high/low alarms, infrared thermometers, and the ability to temporarily store minimum and maximum temperatures.
Moisture Meters
Moisture meters are often designed as handheld probes. They measure the moisture content of solid substances, including soil, compost, grain, and other agricultural products. Surface-mounted moisture readers are also available.
Humidity Sensors
Like moisture meters, humidity sensors are designed to measure moisture levels. However, they measure the moisture content of air, not solids. Many modern thermometers come with built-in relative humidity sensors.
Timers
Timers are simple but essential devices. They come in both analog and digital forms, with many modern timers offering additional features such as stopwatch and clock functionality. The cost of timers varies significantly depending on their complexity and intended application, but these common tools tend to be inexpensive.
Electrical Test Equipment
There are many tools designed to test electrical connections, including everything from digital capacitor testers to wire circuit testers. Other examples of electrical test equipment include non-contact voltage testers or inductance testers, circuit analyzers, continuity testers, multimeters, digital clamp meters, and more.
Gas Measurement Devices
The most common type of gas measurement device is the CO2 monitor. These devices measure levels of carbon dioxide and are often equipped with alarms that alert users when they get dangerously high. Single-gas and multi-gas monitors are also available that measure levels of other potentially dangerous gases, although they tend to be quite expensive and are usually used only in professional applications.
Signal Calibrators
Signal calibrators measure and source mA signals in a loop. These cost-effective calibration tools can measure the pressure, flow, temperature, and pH with 4-10 mA signals on 2-wire transmitter loops. Thermocouple and RTD calibrators are also available.
Always Buy From a Trusted Supplier
When purchasing instrumentation tools, engineers and other professionals need to buy from trusted suppliers. If some of these tools don’t work properly, they can wind up causing significant harm not just to a worker’s reputation but also to a client’s property.