#HOW TO BUILD A WET FLOW BENCH HOW TO#

can not be resistance checked 'as a whole'.

TVs, refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc.

This is when knowledge of Ohms Law comes into play, and then - it applies to DC circuits only (but can be loosely adapted to many AC components too). That is not to say that everything that is at 1 or 2 ohms is still good however. The difference between zero and 'anything' regardless of how how low - is significant. Do not confuse zero ohms with very low resistance values such as one or two ohms - or less. A light bulb may indicate open if it has blown while in use a circuit if damaged in transit - might even show as shorted out (but when connected to 120 volts it would likely 'pop' inside the glass and then indicate as open). If the load shows zero ohms, it has likely 'shorted out'. If it does, you won't be able to measure resistance with the meter as this can only be done only with power off. Keep in mind that some appliances or cord connected devices (see below) may have very high resistances to DC (the battery in your ohm meter) or, may need to be powered to complete circuit. If the load does show infinite - it has 'blown' or opened.

Loads - have one state and should never indicate infinite or zero ohms resistance.

Remove the device (switch, heating element, etc.) from the circuit for testing. Such a reading would suggest the switch is bad when in reality it may be fine. If the switch is still in the circuit (you didn't disconnect the wires connected to the switch's terminal screws), you may be reading everything that is connected to the switch - the light bulb filament, etc. Readings anywhere between indicate a need for replacement. Open or off should indicate an infinite amount of resistance and closed or on should indicate zero (or as close to 0 as possible) ohms resistance. Switches - have only two states: open or off and closed or on (resistance checks must be made with the circuit powered off).There are also 12VDC test lights that are popular for motor vehicle voltage probing - these too can be a source of aggravation with newer vehicles have data bus voltages of 8VDC or more. It is impossible to differentiate a wiggy that is connected to a 90 volt source versus when connected to 125 volt source. A meter of the other hand will provide the precise information. A continuity light or tone probe may give a very similar indication or alert for a zero ohm circuit as it does for a 40 ohm circuit - but you may not be able to tell the difference. Some common testers are the 'wiggy' voltage tester, test lights, continuity lights / or probes, continuity probes that provide a tone, etc. Testers will provide the user with very broad information, and should only be used by those that can properly interpret the indications they provide. A device other than a meter falls into the category of a 'tester'. Meters provide the most accurate measurement of voltage, amperage and resistance.

#HOW TO BUILD A WET FLOW BENCH HOW TO#

You must know how to set up and use your meter properly, furthermore you'll need to be able to interpret the display. Typical current capacity values for short cords: #12 wire 20 Amps, #14 wire 15 Amps, #16 wire 10 Amps, #18 wire less than 5 Amps.Ĭheck voltage and resistance with a meter.The higher the amperage rating of the device the more easily it can be damaged when powered by a long extension cords or those with small wires. A 50' (or longer) extension cord with 18 gauge wires may only be suited for a simple 100W drop light. Always use the same size or larger if a short length or a larger size if a longer length.Never use an extension cord made with wires that are sized smaller than those used in the cord of the tool or appliance. An 18 gauge wire is smaller than a 16 gauge wire, which is smaller than a 14 gauge wire, and so on.The 18 is the size and the 3 is the number of wires as would be needed for a 3 prong cord.

A cable might indicate 18-3 (or 18/3) followed by a few letters (the letters identify the type of insulation material). Typical sizes are 14 & 16 gauge - but there are others, too.

Nearly all cords will have the size of these wires inside printed or otherwise indicated on the outer jacket of the cord or cable.

Larger appliances have larger size conductors. Most tools and small appliance cords have small diameter copper wires inside thick insulated jackets.

Two common variables that contribute to resistance are length as mentioned above and size or diameter of the conductors in the cord.

Resistance is the opposite of conductivity and is the enemy of electricity. Understand how long lengths of extension cords can cause electrical devices to over heat, run slowly and even fail completely.

How to build a wet flow bench