Licensed Professional Engineers |
Search/

Request a free quote

Electrical

4 Electrical Load Analysis Tools and What Each One Measures

Four electrical load analysis tools engineers use (oscilloscopes, multimeters, simulation software and power quality analyzers) and what each one shows.

By Dreiym Engineering

Subject Matter Expert: Brian J. Brackensick, M.S., P.E.

Technical review: Brian J. Brackensick, M.S., P.E.

Published Updated 2 min read

Drawing of clamp-on current probes on a panel feeder connected to a data logger, and the recorded load trendDrawing of clamp-on current probes on a panel feeder connected to a data logger, and the recorded load trend
Contents
  1. What Is Electrical Load Analysis?
  2. Oscilloscope
  3. Multimeter
  4. Computer Simulation Software
  5. Power Quality Analyzer

Professional testing answers questions from troubleshooting a human-machine interface (HMI) to finding out how much load your electrical system can carry. The specialists at Dreiym Engineering use a variety of electrical load analysis tools for testing purposes. Let’s look at a few of the most common gadgets in an electrical engineer’s toolkit.

Need a load study for your facility? Our electrical load analysis services combine calculated loads with metered load recordings, reviewed by a licensed Professional Engineer.

What Is Electrical Load Analysis?

When you contact an engineer for an electrical load analysis, they will test your system to measure the current and voltage running through the circuit. This information helps them determine how much current the system can handle without malfunctioning or sustaining damage. Overloaded circuits can lead to system failures and even electrical fires, so regular load analysis is crucial.

Oscilloscope

An oscilloscope, sometimes called an o-scope, is a device that measures voltage over time and displays electrical signals in visual form. Engineers can analyze those waveforms to determine whether there is any abnormal activity in the circuit.

Related service

Electrical Load Analysis

Measured loads and NEC® 220.87 load recording

Request a free quote

Multimeter

Multimeters, especially digital models, are a staple in any electrical engineer’s toolkit. A multimeter measures several different quantities, like current, voltage, and resistance. Engineers can connect a multimeter to a variety of electrical components, such as diodes, transistors, capacitors, and resistors, to analyze electrical load comprehensively.

Computer Simulation Software

Simulation software is another key part of a professional electrical load analysis. It allows engineers to replicate a variety of conditions to test how the load would react under those conditions.

Power Quality Analyzer

This piece of equipment, as its name implies, tests the quality of the power running through your circuit and its suitability for driving the machines connected to it. Power quality analyzers test for power surges, voltage spikes, harmonic distortions, and current overloads. If your electrical system has any weak spots or is susceptible to surges or spikes, a power quality analyzer will locate the problem.

These are just a few of the electrical load analysis tools engineers use in testing. Each of these options allows the engineer to quickly identify problems and take the necessary steps to resolve the issues. The electrical experts at Dreiym Engineering use reliable and accurate testing equipment to ensure precise results.

Talk to an engineer about your project

We typically respond within one business day.

Request a free quoteor call (866) 621-6920