390 Multimeter Troubleshooting: Your Guide to Accurate Diagnostics, Part 1

In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Tom Tinney, Product Specialist and equipment guru at AquaPhoenix Scientific. Tom shared invaluable insights into troubleshooting multimeters—an essential tool every water professional should have on hand during site visits. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion that you won’t want to miss!

Why You Need a Multimeter: An Essential Tool for Your Kit
Tom emphasized the importance of carrying a multimeter. “This is the tool that checks the controller to ensure you’re delivering your products and services on site while you’re not there. If you need to check its health or troubleshoot, you need a multimeter.” Even a $12 model will suffice, so you won’t stress about leaving it behind. This handy device can save you time and reduce anxiety, especially if it’s misplaced.

Troubleshooting Power Issues: More Than Just Fuses
A common scenario Tom encounters is technicians reporting that their controller is powered on but has no output. While it may seem like a blown fuse isn't the issue, controllers often have separate fuses for the relays. With your multimeter, you can quickly check for voltage on either side of the fuse.

If one side shows voltage and the other doesn’t, it indicates a blown fuse. Tom’s golden rule for troubleshooting fuses? Always bring three with you because “troubleshooting with fuses always takes three fuses, no matter what.” After replacing a blown fuse, check if the controller powers up correctly or if the issue lies with the connected equipment.

Be Prepared: Stock Your Toolbox
Tom recommends keeping spare fuses in the exact size you need in your toolbox. With fewer Radio Shacks around, it’s essential to think ahead and replenish your supply. By having a fuse kit, you can avoid multiple service calls, saving both time and effort. When your fuse count dips below three, make sure to restock!

The Art of Checking Fuses: Don't Be Deceived!
Sometimes, a wire may appear intact. To check for functionality, Tom suggests using the resistance setting on your multimeter. This method can confirm whether the fuse is operational. Listen for the reliable beep, indicating that current is flowing correctly.

When checking fuses, ensure you’re measuring both sides for voltage. If it’s absent, the fuse is blown. To confirm functionality, you can also switch your multimeter to resistance mode. If it beeps when touching the fuse leads, it’s still conducting properly; if not, the fuse is blown.

Checking Conductivity Sensors
Tom provided insights on verifying whether a conductivity sensor is functioning correctly. By measuring the AC voltage at the sensor tips, you can determine if it’s working as intended. Remember, maintaining clean sensor tips is crucial for accurate readings—avoid using sandpaper Instead, use a loose-bristle steel brush to remove any buildup.

Conductivity Sensors Gone Bad
Many users may regret learning how easily a multimeter can troubleshoot issues with conductivity sensors. Tom noted that when sensors are returned for warranty claims, they’re often covered with white residue but still work perfectly fine 99% of the time after cleaning. If you want to learn how to clean them properly, he’s more than willing to share his expertise.

The Tom Tinney Approved Method for Cleaning a Conductivity Probe
Instead of sanding the carbon tip of a conductivity sensor, Tom recommends using a loose-bristle steel brush. This method effectively removes crusty buildup without damaging the sensor. After brushing, soak it in a 10% sulfuric acid, 1% murratic, or if you have time, you can even use a CLR solution to dissolve any remaining scale. Rinse thoroughly, then use isopropyl alcohol to eliminate any oily residues. “After you put it back in your system, you will be majorly impressed with the operation of that sensor!” shares Tom.

Understanding the Difference: Carbon Tips vs. Toroidal Probes
When comparing carbon tips to toroidal probes, it's crucial to understand their design and functionality differences.

Carbon Tips:
Carbon tips are made from powdered carbon compressed under high pressure in a mold, creating a porous structure that allows water to flow through. When water pressure exceeds 140 PSI, it passes through the carbon like a sieve, enabling it to travel up the rod and into the sensor via a wire sheath. This design ensures optimal performance but limits the operational pressure to 140 PSI.

Toroidal Probes:
In contrast, toroidal probes operate differently. They use two wire coils as transformers, generating a small alternating current signal without direct contact with the water. The water's conductivity affects the signal strength between the coils. As a result, these sensors require less frequent cleaning since they are less prone to fouling compared to carbon tips.

Additionally, toroidal sensors excel in high-salinity environments, making them suitable for applications involving seawater or other salty waters. Not so salty? Then users typically revert to two-tip or four-tip conductivity sensors.

Tune in next week to Scaling UP! H2O as we continue with part 2 of this crucial topic of troubleshooting multimeters.

Timestamps
01:00 - Trace Blackmore reflects on Industrial Water Week
08:30 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
12:00 - Drop by Drop with James McDonald
16:00 - Catching up with returning guest Tom Tinney, Product Specialist and equipment guru at AquaPhoenix Scientific
27:00 Tom Tinney talks Troubleshooting Multimeters

Tom Tinney Quotes
“Troubleshooting with fuses always takes 3 fuses, no matter what.”
“There is a proper way to clean conductivity sensors and if you're not doing it, shame on you, and if you want to learn it, we can talk about it.”
“I don't care who you are. There's a little scale building up on that sensor all the time.”
“You never go above one hundred and forty PSI with a carbon-based sensor”

Connect with Tom Tinney
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.aquaphoenixsci.com/
LinkedIn: Tom Tinney
Read or Download Tom Tinney’s Press Release HERE

Links Mentioned
The Rising Tide Mastermind
Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses
Submit a Show Idea
AWT (Association of Water Technologies)
Episode 003 Controllers with Tom Tinney
Industrial Water Week Resources Page
Multimeter
Assorted Fuses box 5 X 20
Resistance Substitution Decade Box
pH/ORP Simulator
4-20mA Simulator to simulate Pyxis
Fluke Meter with Frequency
Complete Panel Systems
Test Kits

Books Mentioned
Blood of Invidia: Maestru Series Book 1 by Tom Tinney & Morgen Batten
Threads: Book One of the "Fabric of the Universe" by Tom Tinney
The Future is Short: Science Fiction in a Flash by Carrol Fix
Visions II: Moons of Saturn by Tom Tinney
The Future is Short - Volume 2: Science Fiction in a Flash by Jot Russell 

Drop By Drop with James 
In today’s episode, I’m thinking about sodium hypochlorite and temperature. How does temperature impact the strength and shelf life of industrial-strength sodium hypochlorite or bleach? As we all know and witness, our industrial water treatment chemicals are not all stored in temperature-controlled environments. Some are stored in hot boiler rooms, cold sheds, or outside directly in the sunlight during summer months. When it comes to sodium hypochlorite, though, how can the temperature in these various storage conditions impact it? One article I’ve seen says that for every 18 F increase in temperature (that would be 10 C), the decomposition rate of bleach is increased by a factor of 3.5! That means at 77 F or 25 C, the half-life of a 12.5% solution is 180 days. For 95 F or 35 C, the half-life drops significantly to only 48 days! Would knowing this impact the quantity of sodium hypochlorite you store on site during warmer months? Would knowing this explain any issues you’ve had with microbiological control? Think about it. It’s a hot topic

Events for Water Professionals
Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.