Multimeter Troubleshooting: Your Guide to Accurate Diagnostics, Part 2

We continue our in-depth conversation with Tom Tinney, Product Specialist and equipment guru at AquaPhoenix Scientific diving deeper into the technical aspects of multimeter troubleshooting. This episode is packed with practical tips designed to help you navigate the often-confusing world of diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, Tom’s hands-on advice will guide you through common troubleshooting challenges so you can improve your accuracy and efficiency in the field.

Missed Part 1? No worries! You can catch up on Episode 390 to get the foundation before diving into this advanced discussion.

How Can You Avoid Fake Signals? Ever wonder why you're getting water meter readings when the system isn’t running? Tom breaks it down. If low-voltage sensor wires run too close to high-voltage AC wires, electrical interference can mimic a water meter signal, leading to fake readings.

Pro tip: Keep the wires separated by at least 12 inches, and if they must cross, do so at a 90-degree angle. "Running them through the same conduit isn’t just a bad idea; it’s a code violation," Tom advises.

The Troubleshooting Tool, You Didn’t Know You Needed: A Paperclip That’s right—Tom channels his inner MacGyver with this simple tool. "When I troubleshoot, I always bring paper clips," he shares. They’re perfect for quick fixes, especially when dealing with short circuits or stripped wires.

How Long Can a Conduit Run Be on a Water Meter? Tom recommends keeping conduit runs short and efficient: ● Water meters: up to 1,000 feet ● Conductivity sensors: 200 feet max ● Amplified pH sensors: up to 1,000 feet ● Non-amplified pH sensors: Stick to 20 feet or less for optimal performance.

Pro Tip: Save Your Multimeter’s Battery Life You don’t need to keep your meter on "Resistance" all the time. Switching it to Volts AC, Volts DC, or simply turning it off can extend your battery life significantly.

Troubleshooting with the Experts: Top 4 Calls Tom Tinney shares the top troubleshooting calls he receives:

1. The 1575 Controller Mystery ● Issue: Controller reset every time the relay activated. ● Fix: A simple switch adjustment from 230V to 115V solved the issue.
2. The Miswired Outlet ● Problem: Controller shutting off when a relay turned on. ● Fix: Rewriting the outlet, which had reversed hot and neutral wires.
3. Destroyed Chlorine Sensor ● Issue: Excessive flow and pressure destroyed the sensor.  ● Lesson: Always stick to the manufacturer's guidelines and communicate them clearly to plumbers and electricians.
4. Competing Controllers Failing ● Issue: Controllers from different manufacturers failing simultaneously. ● Fix: The culprit was a faulty sensor and excessive aeration.

Who Should Be Using Remote Communications? While it may seem logical to apply remote communications to your highest-value accounts, Tom suggests starting with smaller ones. Remote communication technology can save time and money by allowing you to troubleshoot remotely, and the investment often pays off with just one saved trip a year.

Troubleshooting Leaks in an MPT Thread When it comes to troubleshooting leaks in an MPT Thread, maintenance is key. First, make sure you clean your sensors at least once a season, or even more frequently, similar to how you maintain a cooling tower.

When replacing the boiler sensor in an MPT Thread (an angled thread going into an angled pipe), don’t screw it in until it "clicks"—this can cause leaks. Instead, tighten the sensor by hand. O