What instrument is typically used to monitor for transient voltages?

The instrument that is best suited for monitoring transient voltages is the oscilloscope.

An oscilloscope is designed to visualize voltage changes over time, providing a clear representation of transient events. It displays waveforms in real-time, allowing users to observe characteristics such as voltage spikes, dips, and other rapid changes that occur over a short duration. This time-based analysis is crucial for identifying issues related to transient voltages, which are brief, high-energy signals that can occur due to various electrical events, such as surges, electromagnetic interference, or switching actions.

On the other hand, a digital multimeter is primarily used for measuring DC and AC voltages, current, and resistance but does not capture dynamic voltage fluctuations as effectively as an oscilloscope. A power analyzer meter can provide detailed power readings and analysis but is not specifically designed to capture transient events. A time domain reflectometer is mainly used for assessing transmission line characteristics and locating faults, making it less relevant for monitoring transient voltages.

Thus, the oscilloscope stands out as the most appropriate choice for observing and analyzing transient voltage conditions effectively.