Which Test Kit is Best and Why

[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!