Which Test Kit is Best and Why

[simopesh]

i have the metrel mi3101
Metrel MI3101 EuroTest AT Pro Kit Installation Tester Kit

easy to use and the software is straight forward to download straight to the pc. i like the pro kit for the ring main testing 6 croc clips and press the button does all the cross tests for you without having to connect in going outgoing etc

Totally agree! I was one of the first to spend £847 back in 2008. I am 100% happy with it although I haven’t had a chance to fully use the software perks.

 

[vambo]

Totally agree! I was one of the first to spend £847 back in 2008. I am 100% happy with it although I haven’t had a chance to fully use the software perks.

i've never seen these sort of testers, looking at the features... i want one! why oh why did i not join the forum earlier!!!

 

[jamie-spark]

.Aye but the megger 1553 has been sent back twice now. piece of kack

 

[Octopus]

I've got a Metrel Eurotest AT plus the Easi-Switch which makes testing ring circuits much easier and quicker!

The only negative comment is that the User Guides are poor, but this is compensated by excellent technical support guys when you ring them up

The Metrel UK MD did a presentation when I was on my course and he offered pricing direct for new trainees plus they do have ex demo stock to offer too!

 

[sweeneyuk]

I'm starting my 2391 insp testing course in jan 2011 & i am too in need of advice as to which mft to purchase.

Was originally looking at megger 1553 as thats only one i have some use of, all be it limited use.

Heard the fluke 1653b has more features & regarded by some as a better brand

BUT i have been looking at the features of the metrel at 3101 pro kit with the easy switch & it seems impressive.
I like he idea that you can complete the entire report on the machine, store it then print off directly to niceic certs.

Dont have an aversion to writing but having a totally complete record stored on my laptop seems like a good idea.
Also like the look of the easy switch.

Only cons i can see are 1. dont know much about the brand 2. price is quite high although it includes software. 3. may be complicated for a novice esp if instruction are not up to much as reported on here elsewhere.

Can anyone shed more light on this issue as i really want to have my own mft to practice with before starting the course?

also, is there a thread for best prices for these units?

 

[Amp David]

Megger 1552 IMO. Had it now for 3 years, bought it second hand. Sent it for repair under warranty just after buying it as the previous numpty (owner) had obviously trashed it somehow.

Been spot on ever since the repair and can't fault it.

Meggers must be like new cars in that some are solid units and others a little tempremental.

 

[Ponty Massive]

I've always been interested in why people choose different products etc. My testing is very basic hence I use a Robin KTS 1620. Bought it about 2 months ago second hand, recently calibrated. It does the 4 tests I need it for anyway! The megger 1552, don't know much about them really, I understand they store all the test and can print out direct with them but is there anything else they do?

Is personal choice down to ease of use / familiarity / cost? I'll keep plodding along with my yellow brick for the time being!

 

[Amp David]

The Megger 1552 won't do any of the storing of data or form filling for you.

Its just a standard multi function, with what I think are basic, simple easy to understand dials for operation.

 

[R&M]

I have Megger 1553, bought it about one year ago, never had a problem, very easy to use. I made my cross check device with six different type of resistors (from 0.05 ohm to 1 Mohm) and check it each month and keep the results in logbook (no need calibration any more). Always accurate till now.

 

[mesaboogieman]

I have Megger 1553, bought it about one year ago, never had a problem, very easy to use. I made my cross check device with six different type of resistors (from 0.05 ohm to 1 Mohm) and check it each month and keep the results in logbook (no need calibration any more). Always accurate till now.

Surely you still need a calibration certificate, or is that a way round it?

 

[Amp David]

YEs, you will still need to have it calibrated yearly. Don't know of any scheme provider who allow you just to use the checkbox sort of thing in place of calibration.

 

[telectrix]

just a little side track.anybody had dealings with On Site Calibration Services. they offer MFT cal. at £57.50, fully traceable and they come to you.

 

[Mr.Black]

If you're only padding about on domestic then socket and see perfect.....reasonably priced,light weight,take a fair amount of punishment,easy to read use etc.
For commercial it would be advised to go for a MFT as its saves time when you can remember where on the job you left your loop meter/rcd tester plugged in!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[alectrician 1]

Megger 1552 easy to use and quick results , a doddle after using 3 seperate instruments i recommed it, safe all

 

[WDMDL]

While I've always used Fluke multimeters in my electronics work (I tried the AVO digital equivalent and hated it), I chose a Megger MFT1553 for electrical testing.

I had done some research prior to committing myself, and I'm pleased with it.
I find it's very easy to use.

The only thing that lets them down is the quality of the individual test probes and the matching croc clips.
I've not had mine so long, but reckon I'll be needing to replace those leads within a year, maybe months?
The croc clips don't have that much grip, and quite easily come off the terminal under test.
The little ridge that allows the croc clip to "snap" into place on the probe wears, so they can be easily pulled off.
Also the barrelled spring part of the test probe (which connects the croc clip to the probe) weakens with use and contact becomes poor.

On the other hand, the big red control probe and the 13-Amp plug test lead are well made.

Simon.

 

[BLBelfast]

What multi test kit would you suggest for a new start? Simple to use and relatively cheap.Have recently went out on my own and get a firm in to do all my testing but will be looking to buy my own kit soon.

And what about PAT testing equipment? Going to try and get into that market soon aswell.

 

[darking]

At the end of the day, whatever you choose, look after it, use it often, its a real money machine! All I do is inspection and testing and I do very well on it. Good luck everyone!

 

[darking]

The Code of Practice for pat testing says, "Generally, portable appliance test instruments offer the most convenient means of providing the required test facilities, but this does not preclude the use of suitable individual general test instruments".

Why spend hundreds or even thousands on another meter, I made a variety of leads that plug into my megger (or any other) tester with a selection of connectors, 3 pin and bayonet and carry them in a small bag. After all the main tests are continuity, insulation resistance and earth bond. Do these not sound familiar?

 

[BillyTheSparks]

YEs, you will still need to have it calibrated yearly. Don't know of any scheme provider who allow you just to use the checkbox sort of thing in place of calibration.

I have ben told several times by my NICEIC inspector chappy, that as long as i have a record of resisters used and results of the tests done on a montly bases; also i could use my house supply for RCD checking etc. Then i wouldn't need a yearly calibration certificate.

He also said i should only get the MFT calibrated if the results change from one month to the last.

Although, it is quite annoying to do this. So i use my old boss's check box Kewtech fastcheck FC1000.

I've had a Megger 1552 for the past few years, excellent machine, although just starting to have to hold the rotary switches in place to ensure it doesn't move fractionally and go blank.....Very annoying

Looking at the new megger 1730 quite expensive but if as good as 1552 will probably buy it.

 

[macloon]

has anyone got any idea what the kewtech kt61 model is like?