Troubleshooting electrical problems is a challenge for many of us. I think it's similar to a pilot flying under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions versus someone flying under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) conditions. The VFR pilot relies on external references to maintain control of his aircraft; how the nose of the plane looks compared to the horizon, how the angle of the wingtip on either side aligns with the horizon, and the G-forces acting on its body. Certainly, the instruments play a role, just like when we drive a car, providing speed and other important information to aid that control.

However, the IFR pilot is dependent on those instruments and must actively ignore what his eyes and senses may be telling him. Often there is no visual reference from the outside at all – nothing but pure white, caused by the enveloping clouds that gathered around him. Imagine driving a car without visual cues from outside!

Maybe it's the same here. Electrical problems are often hidden from view, if not completely invisible to our view. There are also no audible cues unless the armor is on fire! We have to rely on our tools and our knowledge, often actively ignoring what our emotions are telling us.

The tools part is simple. For most problems we need to pinpoint, our trusty DMM (digital multimeter) will do the job. On the other hand, knowledge may be lacking. We need to know our basics inside and out and understand the laws that govern electrical circuits. And just as the VFR pilot who is ill-prepared for IFR conditions will succumb to vertigo and plummet to the ground, technicians who fail to master these basics will fly in circles and waste valuable time troubleshooting electrical faults .

In this edition of The Trainer, we teach you how to fly IFR with your DMM and troubleshoot electrical problems with confidence!

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