inquisitive
DIY
- Reaction score
- 2
Hi. We have a circuit where some of the sockets have a dangerously high earth loop impedance. This was identified by a professional electrician. I was thinking of rewiring this, as a DIY project.
For safety, I want to ensure the replacement is done to spec. Buying a multifunction tester seems an unavoidable conclusion. Especially because my Martindale EZ150 'advanced socket tester' didn't ring the alarm about the earth loop impedance—it only fluxuates between the lowest two readings.
My eye is on the Metrel MI325 or the Di-Log DL9110, because they seem like two of the cheaper multifunction testers available (and appear to be solve by reputable sellers).
The other obvious safety aspect is: I want to make sure I don't work on a live circuit. I have a non-contact voltage tester, but I read here that whilst those can be useful as a quick indicator, they cannot be relied upon, especially when they read negative.
First question. Do I need a separate continuity tester, given that the multifunction tester can test continuity? I hope this doesn't sound silly. The reason I ask is: a simple multimeter can be used the test continuity. Nonetheless, the advice seems to be not to use them for such mains safety checks, because of the possibility of misuse (e.g. rotating the dial to the wrong range).
Do you feel it is safer to have a separate continuity tester for similar reasons? Or maybe you prefer a separate continuity tester just because it is smaller?
Second question. Assuming the multifunction tester is calibrated (and the calibration hasn't expired), is a proving unit required? Or instead is it always a good idea to have a proving unit when testing for continuity, regardless of calibration?
Thanks.
For safety, I want to ensure the replacement is done to spec. Buying a multifunction tester seems an unavoidable conclusion. Especially because my Martindale EZ150 'advanced socket tester' didn't ring the alarm about the earth loop impedance—it only fluxuates between the lowest two readings.
My eye is on the Metrel MI325 or the Di-Log DL9110, because they seem like two of the cheaper multifunction testers available (and appear to be solve by reputable sellers).
The other obvious safety aspect is: I want to make sure I don't work on a live circuit. I have a non-contact voltage tester, but I read here that whilst those can be useful as a quick indicator, they cannot be relied upon, especially when they read negative.
First question. Do I need a separate continuity tester, given that the multifunction tester can test continuity? I hope this doesn't sound silly. The reason I ask is: a simple multimeter can be used the test continuity. Nonetheless, the advice seems to be not to use them for such mains safety checks, because of the possibility of misuse (e.g. rotating the dial to the wrong range).
Do you feel it is safer to have a separate continuity tester for similar reasons? Or maybe you prefer a separate continuity tester just because it is smaller?
Second question. Assuming the multifunction tester is calibrated (and the calibration hasn't expired), is a proving unit required? Or instead is it always a good idea to have a proving unit when testing for continuity, regardless of calibration?
Thanks.