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Changed my mind about using a multimeter for every sensor check
I used to think you had to break out the multimeter to check every single door contact or motion sensor during a service call. Last month, a guy I work with in Tampa showed me his trick: he uses a spare wireless keypad set to 'test mode' as a quick signal checker. He just walks up to the sensor, triggers it, and watches the keypad for the zone number to flash. It cut my average time on a basic sensor fault from about 15 minutes down to 3. Has anyone else found a faster way to do this without pulling the meter out every time?
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mason.brian1mo ago
Totally get that, it's a game changer for sure. My old boss did something similar with a spare remote key fob he had programmed to a test zone. He'd just click the button and listen for the panel's beep or watch the lights. Saved so much time crawling around with test leads. Makes you wonder how many hours we've all wasted being overly careful with the meter for simple stuff.
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harper6931mo ago
That's the kind of hack that makes you feel silly for not thinking of it sooner!
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brianl5324d ago
Wait, is this really such a big deal? I mean, sure it's a neat little trick, but I've been using a multimeter for twenty years and it's never been a huge time sink for me. Maybe I'm just old school, but crawling around with test leads has never felt like a waste. It's how you learn to be thorough. Your mileage may vary, but I wouldn't call it a game changer.
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