Time is of the essence in today’s rushed world and electrical contractors stand to benefit from tools which help them complete their jobs faster, more accurately and in a professional manner. Bluetooth technology is one of the ways in which companies like Major Tech can assist contractors in streamlining the time-consuming, yet vital administrative tasks associated with their daily work.
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances (usually up to 10 metres) using UHF radio waves.
Now that both smartphones and electrical devices are equipped with Bluetooth, the job of recording accurate information in real time and providing professional reports has been simplified. Major Tech has equipped some of its most popular instruments with Bluetooth, which means that any measurements the contractor takes are instantly transferred to their smartphone and recorded in the app Major Tech supplies for both Android and Apple devices.
More than simply recording measurements, the data is inserted into a spreadsheet in real time, including the date and time of the measurements, what device was used and all the relevant measurements. This spreadsheet can instantly be emailed or sent via WhatsApp to anyone needing it. Data is also stored within the app for future reference.
Devices benefitting from Bluetooth
While not all Major Tech instruments are Bluetooth enabled, the following devices are already available with this communications technology preinstalled and ready to link to the Meter-X mobile app:
Multimeters & Insulation Testers: When using a multimeter, any measurement functions are logged in real time to the contractor’s mobile and available in an Excel spreadsheet along with the time and date. The Major Tech multimeter models equipped with Bluetooth include the MT1887, MT1885, MT1007, MT1005 and MT26, as well as the MT565 insulation tester.
Clamp Meters: The same app functionality is available in these devices, ensuring accurate measurements are instantly recorded and available in an organised spreadsheet. Devices that are Bluetooth enabled include the MT782, MT767, MT777, MT785 and MT745.
Environmental Meters: Used to measure sound, temperature, wind speed and more, these devices will always record the minimum, maximum and average values over time, again populating a spreadsheet that can be sent to interested parties. There are currently three Bluetooth instruments in this range, the MT95, MT91 and MT90.
Multifunction Installation Testers: This all-in-one instrument is used when issuing Certificates of Compliance, sending all the measurements taken to a smartphone, again placing it in an easy-to-read Excel spreadsheet that includes every scale on the meter. The MT390 is currently equipped with Bluetooth and able to synchronise data to the app where it can be recorded for future reference.
The MT777 is a 1000A AC/DC TRMS Bluetooth Clamp Meter with an analogue bargraph indication on a TFT colour display, providing fast sampling time with high accuracy. The meter has a built in Data logger with 100 Graph Data review, using Bluetooth, the meter wirelessly transmits data to the Android or iOS mobile App allowing the user to view, save, organise and share recordings.
Laser Distance Meters: Not only will the Laser Distance Meter accurately record distances, but the contractor can take a photo of the room to work out the volume at a later stage. This will allow for accurate preparation when, for example, installing cables. Once again, a spreadsheet is populated and can be sent to any parties that need it. Each job is stored as a project within the app, ensuring the contractor and their company has all the facts on hand whenever it may be required.
The data could also be useful at a later stage to the end user should they make an insurance claim and have to prove their system was installed and functioning within the correct parameters. There are currently three Bluetooth-enabled Laser Distance Meters from Major Tech, the MT152, MT150 and MT145.
Thermal Imagers: Major Tech’s Thermal Imagers include an app specifically designed for tasks where thermal imaging is required. Not only can the contractor take an infrared image, but this can be combined with a visual image from the smartphone, plus all the relevant measurements stored in the app. The maximum, minimum and average measurements can also be stored with the images and a report generated automatically in PDF format. Additional information can be added to the report if the contractor, for example, sets specific focus areas via the imager when trying to isolate a fault.
There are several Bluetooth-enabled Thermal Imagers available from Major Tech. These include the MT2005 and MTi11, which are designed to accurately measure the surface temperature of components. To deal with COVID-19 regulations, Major Tech also released the MTiB12, which has the same functionality as above, but also includes the ability to read human body temperatures and sound an alert if someone’s temperature is above 37.3oC.
Faster, simpler and more accurate
Using measurement instruments equipped with Bluetooth connectivity is already a standard in some countries and will soon be the norm in South Africa as well. The ability to accurately record measurements and produce a professionally formatted report at the touch of the button makes a world of difference to the contractor and their companies.
The app is user friendly and easy to use, allowing jobs to be completed faster without rushing the important electrical work, leaving a reliable trail of data should a different contractor be called on to maintain or repair a system in the future. It also supplies customers with an accurate summary of the work done, which they can use to show their insurance companies the job was done and certified according to all the relevant regulations.
For more information on Major Tech products visit the website www.major-tech.com, email to sales@major-tech.com or call in on 086 162 5678.
