Can we talk about how long I wasted using a multimeter wrong?

For like 3 years I was testing continuity on dryer thermostats with the power still connected. Got shocked twice before a buddy at a shop in Denver asked why I didn't pull the plug first. Felt like a total idiot. Anyone else learn basic stuff way later than they should have?

2 comments

2 Comments

paul34621d agoMost Upvoted

And what finally clicked for me was realizing that multimeters are basically just fancy test lights. After I got zapped I started keeping a cheap outlet tester in my bag to double check that power was actually off before I even touched my meter leads. It sounds stupid but having that visual confirmation helped my brain slow down. The other thing that saved me was wrapping electrical tape around the metal part of my probes so only the very tip was exposed. That way even if I slipped I was less likely to hit something live. It takes a minute but it beats getting knocked on your ass.

gibson.elizabeth21d ago

Fancy test lights" is the nicest way I've ever heard someone describe a tool that can remind you why electricity hurts. The tape trick is genius though, I started doing that after my probe slipped and hit a ground wire that made me jump so bad I almost fell off my ladder. Nothing like a little personal terror to make you respect the simple stuff, right?