EC&M Asks — Tips for Safe Selection & Use of Digital Multimeters

Jan. 25, 2024

In Episode 28, Tommy Northcott covers how to safely operate DMMs.

In Episode 21 of “EC&M Asks,” our subject matter expert Tommy Northcott, P.E., a senior power engineer and branch manager for Jacobs Technology, Inc., answers some of his most-asked questions about the safe selection and use of digital multimeters (DMMs). He covers how to choose properly rated gloves/personal protective equipment, inspect DMMs prior to use, and verify test probes.

With almost 20 years in the electrical industry as an electrical engineer, project manager, arc flash program manager, electrical safety trainer, and utility manager, Northcott brings a broad range of experience into his passion toward electrical safety. Northcott has a B.S. in electrical engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in two states. He is also a principal committee member on the NFPA 70B Committee for Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance.

About the Author

Tommy Northcott | Senior Power Engineer

Northcott earned a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis in Power Systems from Tennessee Technological University. He is a Professional Engineer licensed in the State of Tennessee, a Certified Reliability Leader, and a Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional and is a current principle member on the NFPA 70B committee (Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance). Tommy has broad experience working with large electric utility systems as a Systems Engineer, Arc Flash Program Manager, Operations and Maintenance Manager, and Reliability Engineering Manager. Tommy has extensive experience in operations and maintenance of electrical equipment, performing arc flash analysis calculations, developing and conducting electrical safety training and developing company electrical safety standards to ensure OSHA and NFPA 70E compliance. Currently, Tommy is a Senior Power Engineer with Jacobs Technology Inc.