Favorite tool [RE-wrenches]

[Peter Parrish]

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I would like to comment on Graham/Bill's list. 

First, I own a clamp-on ammeter with MM functions. I researched this line of
instrumentation and found the Extech 380942. It sports four digit
resolution, so on the 30Adc range it reads XX.XX A and on the mAdc range it
reads XXXX mA. I find that extra resolution is critical in evaluation single
strings of 10 A or less. Also I paid another $100 to get it calibrated (NIST
traceable). It is also very helpful to put 1" dia loops (secured with a zip
tie) in ones junction and combiner boxes, to facilitate the use of the clamp
on ammeter.

Second, IR gun should be used with some caution. They read the emitted
radiation from a surface (which under the conditions that we are talking
about, is proportional to temperature), BUT the IR emissivity of materials
differ. I would not trust an IR gun reading the temperature of a shiny metal
surface (e.g. gas heater vent, bright copper plumbing). On the other hand,
glass, water, and many paints are at or near 100% emissivity.

- Peter Parrish

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Brooks [mailto:bill at brooksolar.com] 
Sent: Saturday, May 06, 2006 2:45 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: RE: Favorite tool [RE-wrenches]

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William,

Thanks to Graham for bringing up 3 of my favorites: 1)IR gun; 2)Daystar
Meter; and, 3)Pathfinder. However, no one has mentioned the most important
electrical testing tool--dc clamp-on ammeter with multimeter functions. This
is a must in every PV installer's toolbox. I'm surprised at how many
installers don't own one.

Bill.


-----Original Message-----
From: William Miller [mailto:wrmiller at charter.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2006 8:49 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Favorite tool [RE-wrenches]


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Colleagues:

I'd like to start a brief discussion on favorite tools.  My interest is 
knowing what other installers favor in case there's a tool out there I am 
missing.

I'll start:  the cordless impact driver.  I don't know how I got along 
without it.

Wiliam MIller


__________________________________________________________________
William Miller
Miller Power and Communications
Voice :805-438-5600     Fax: 805-438-4607
email: wrmiller at mpandc.com
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