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Electrical Testing Instruments Guide & Virtual Meter Lab

A virtual bench of the instruments used across HV, MV, LV and ELV work. New to this? Start with the basics below, then use the picker to find the right tool.

HV> 36 kVFull HV PPE + permit
MV1-36 kVAuthorised + arc-flash PPE
LVUp to 1000VCAT III/IV meter, basic PPE
ELV< 50VSELV, low shock risk

Start here: the basics

Every meter in this lab is really just answering one of these five questions. Flip the switch below and watch what changes.

V I (current flow) R

Circuit closed: voltage (V) pushes current (I) through the resistance (R) of the bulb, so it lights. This is what every meter is measuring, one piece at a time.

Voltage (V)The electrical push. Measured across two points, circuit doesn't need to be broken.
Current (A)The actual flow. The meter has to sit in the path, or clamp around a single wire.
Resistance (Ω)How much a component resists flow. Tested dead, never on a live circuit.
Insulation vs continuityInsulation testing checks a barrier isn't leaking; continuity checks a path isn't broken.
Earth & RCDEarthing gives fault current somewhere safe to go; an RCD cuts power fast if it escapes.
Why it mattersEvery test below exists to answer: is this safe to touch, and will it work?

Which meter do I need?

Pick what you're trying to do right now.

Jargon, decoded

About this lab: Electrical Testing Instruments Guide & Virtual Meter Lab

Electrical Testing Instruments Guide & Virtual Meter Lab

Explore electrical testing instruments for LV, MV, HV and ELV work, with interactive meter examples, selection guidance and commissioning references.

Topics you can explore

  • Insulation resistance tester
  • Electrical meter selection
  • Electrical testing training

Practical engineering example

Choose the instrument for the test rather than its appearance. Compare continuity, insulation resistance and current measurement, including the suitable range and safety category.

Developed by Eng. Mannan Maqsood. Verify design outputs against current project requirements and the applicable authority and manufacturer data.

© 2026 Eng. Mannan Maqsood | Engineering Excellence Through Interactive Labs

VERIFY ALL FIGURES AGAINST CURRENT MANUFACTURER DATASHEETS AND LOCAL AUTHORITY REQUIREMENTS BEFORE DESIGN SIGN-OFF.