Which Test Kit is Best and Why

[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?

 

[joequinn]

Megger good for me

 

[MrMagoo]

I like the Fluke Scope meter.

 

[rwp1975]

Robin separates for me

 

[Lofty]

Megger 1552 for me.

 

[dim_bulb]

i love my MFT 1553 it is so easy to test trip times for rcds, put it on auto and away you go. but i dont think you can do a 2wire (2 lead) test for zs with incorporating an an rcd. but the MEGGER LT320 you can do.

 

[konterman]

hi,i dont want to hijack this thread but the question is related, in the near future i will be using the mft 1553 with the on-site software and was wondering what mobile device i should be looking at purchasing,thanks.

 

[mgnelec09]

I think the megger 1553 is a good choice, I have the 1552 which is easy to use with the rcd autotest function.

I picked one up brand new on ebay for £420.00

The difference between the 1552 and the 1553 is that the 1553 has the bluetooth function which lets you send the data and test results to you pc at the touch of a button.

if you not bothered about the bluetooth like me then head towards the 1552

 

[i=p/u]

is there anything the megger 1553 doesnt do, that you would need??

 

[PeterGB]

Hello all and thanks for your comments. I am in the market for an mft and it seems that "no one gets sacked for buying a megger" (to misquote an IBM slogan). However, I have been shown a Kewtech KT65 and it looked easy to use and has a couple of extra features - eg. free software and optional earth spike kit. They haven't wasted money on making it look pretty, either! Who has experience of it or, failing that, an opinion?

While I'm at it does anyone find much use for DC current readings on a clamp meter?

 

[Amp David]

After testing today with my Megger 1552, i'm thinking down the lines of stay away.

The fact that testing on the no trip loop settings adds an extra 0.02-0.05 ohms to your Zs value against calculated. But then on the lighting I get a measure Zs of 1.34 ohms, when the R1 R2 was 1.67 ohms??? WTF!

Time for a change I think.

 

[PeterGB]

So Ze is -0.33? Sounds improbable to say the least. Is this just a calibration issue or a wobbly on the part of the 1552? I was talking to a guy today who likes his Fluke despite it having "issues".

 

[Amp David]

Thats what i mean, it doesn't add up, literally.

Testers has to be fine as if i measure again on another ring or socket radial the readings are as the previous test.

Its in for calibration in a week or two so hopefully this will show any probs.

 

[Amp David]

Wheres Megger TSG group when you need them? LOL

 

[brucelee]

Hi mate
here are the new meggers and on special the new range taking over from the 1500 series has tst button on both sides for ease of use and a few extra features over the 1500 series
http://www.test4less.co.uk/#
the new 1700 series

 

[PeterGB]

Well, thinking about it a bit more, your Zs is less than Ze+R1+R2 which should be normal due to other possible earth paths. So, is it so much less that you feel uncomfortable about the result?

 

[Amp David]

Wouldn't have thought that the bonding would have created a paralel path s both gas and water are run into the property in plastic.

What throws me is why it is only when testing lighting circuits that i get odd results.

 

[PeterGB]

I can't help you on that but we'll get told off if we continue the discussion on this thread!

I go back to my original question - is there any reason not to go for a Kewtech KT65?

 

[oobie]

Morning Any feedback on the seaward supernova elite as I am thinking of buying one, it's a bit expensive, can someone tell me why is it so expensive and is there a cheaper option with the same features hope you can help cheers paul

 

[Former Sponsor TM]

Morning Any feedback on the seaward supernova elite as I am thinking of buying one, it's a bit expensive, can someone tell me why is it so expensive and is there a cheaper option with the same features hope you can help cheers paul

Hi oobie,
Welcome to the forum! The Supernova Elite is a very good tester, it's one of the most comprehensive testers available. Mainly designed for 110V it has a transformer built in. That means you can supply the tester with 230V and still perform a 110V load/run test and vise versa, ideal for working on construction sites. If you don't need the 110V or flash functionality I'd recommend going for the Supernova's little brother: Seaward Europa Plus there are lots of other cheaper options available, it all depends on what you need the tester to do. If you want some advice or would like to discuss your requirements further please give us a call and we'd be more than happy to help. 0113 248 9966

 

[teresa01]

Hi everyone

I am looking for a measuring tool to measure roofs from the ground re pv, any suggestions?

 

[gunioss]

My preference is Megger MFT 1552 - Quality, Simplicity and Toughness. Best buy for everyone

 

[lois]

more expensive is better....

 

[dim_bulb]

Is there a way to make this into a poll? we could see overall results and might influence future purchase

-megger
-fluke
-robin
-b&q £6 multimeter

 

[lois]

I have multimeter n fluke, but robin i never know 'bout that.

 

[westy77]

Hi, found this forum while researching testers. I'm about to set up on my own and want to buy my first tester. I'm undecided between the Fluke 1653b or if it's worth paying the extra for the 1654b? Or to get the Megger 1553?

 

[PeterGB]

I know people who have Fluke and Megger mft's and they like them. I went for a Kewtech KT65 and like it. It's a comprehensive bit of kit and seems intuitive to use. If you follow GS38 you'd narrow your search down to fused leads only but I don't know how many do that.

 

[westy77]

Cheers, last place I worked for had separate units, place before that I had a Fluke (I think 1653) which I got on with ok. I would prefer an all in one unit. I have had a go with a Megger which seemed good, hence if I'm having to buy one myself wanting to make sure I do it right first time. I'm sencing there's not a lot between Fluke or Megger other than brand loyalty. Thing is, if I get a Fluke will the 1653 do? Is it worth the extra near on £100 for the 1654? I'm thinking (actually praying I get work more like) that I will be using it for domestic, commercial/industrial, periodics in those also.

 

[brucelee]

Good luck mate
I have used both they are both good I have a megger 1552 and used a megger 1552 and the fluke 1653b I am bias and prefer my megger like the look of the new meggers especially 1720 and 1730
but i have heard some negative reports of the bluetooth function and on site software but again only from word of mouth
the megger 1552 is easy to use and reliable
but its down to you mate as for the 1654 didnt know there was one lol

they are all good mate and will do the job if not you get a 3 yrs manufacturer with megger so you can always send it back

as for the fused test leads with the megger it has in built 500mA fuse so not needed in the leads but I think you can get some fused test leads for the megger

 

[nikmet]

Im tempted by the megger 1720 or 1730, both very good from what research ive done, also 1730 rechargeable battery

 

[westy77]

I didn't know about the Megger 1700 range! How do these differ to say the 1552/3? Where ever I have worked they have just given me a tester and I got on with it. Now I have to buy my own, I don't want to spend £600 and find it's not good enough as well as I don't want to spend a grand fir all the bells and whistles and never have to blow half the whistles, so to speak. If I'm honest it's frying my tiny fragile mind!

 

[brucelee]

Look at the forum sponser test meter.co.uk on the right hand side at the top
the new range has test buttons on both sides and i think they have a 2 lead full Zs test that wont trip the RCD if one installed unlike the 1552 which has a no trip function using 3 lead
and the forum sponse gives 5% off to members like you but there are others just do a search in google and find the cheapest price mate

a 1552 does everything you need but you have to fill certs in by yourself lol unlike the fangled 1553 with on site and bluetooth mate

this is good enough or the fluke 1553b I am not clued up on flukes only used 1 for the 2391 practical and it was different from my megger but I must have used it ok as I passed lol

 

[westy77]

Cheers groove, the 1720/30 does look good, the 20 looks like it'll do the job, but the 30 has the rechargeable batteries, but the difference between them would buy a lot of batteries. So I think i have narrowed it down to either Megger 1720 or Fluke 1653, (I think lol)

 

[Mr_250]

I recently bought a Megger MFT 1552 thanks to this thread and its great

 

[westy77]

I ended up buying the Megger 1730 from test-meter with the 5% discount, talked with them over the phone, very nice and helpfull guys

 

[Guest123]

I recently got a brand new Fluke 1653B, and it is an awesome piece of kit. A little bit of time spent getting used to the features and alteration of settings etc as it was a bit confusing at first but now I find it easy to use with clear and easy to understand results and features.

 

[Guest123]

Is there a way to make this into a poll? we could see overall results and might influence future purchase

-megger
-fluke
-robin
-b&q £6 multimeter

I can add a poll to the thread if you guys want......would you like just the brand names or individual make & model types???

 

[Mark_Burgess]

I can add a poll to the thread if you guys want......would you like just the brand names or individual make & model types???

Just stick the range of Flukes, discard the other toys!!

 

[Guest123]

Poll Added.

 

[gibo]

I ended up buying the Megger 1730 from test-meter with the 5% discount, talked with them over the phone, very nice and helpfull guys

have you phoned up to get an estimated delivery date? I've been waiting for mine since 16th may. they called on Friday to say they could send me a 1730 but I'd have to wait for the software and earth spike kit. where I live most houses have TT systems so I need the earth spike kit. they reckon it'll be with me on Thursday. here's hoping as I start a full rewire on Wednesday and plasterer is doing his bit as soon as I've first fixed and tested each zone. there are 7 circuits in all.

 

[westy77]

I found a job testing in the end so cancelled the 1730, the job supplied one so worked out well! I just started so trying to get to grips with it, its a bit different to the 1552 I had used previously.Oh when I ordered, delivery was 2-3 weeks.