Waterproof multifunctional testers

[Heeshny]

Does anyone know if there are any out there?

problem: we work in adverse weather conditions carrying out insulation resistance and continuity testing on cables, with the poor weather this has been causing some big problems with our testing equipment.
currently using FLUKE 1653 testers but they are just not cutting it. 2 have already been sent for recalibration through water ingress.

can you get waterproof cases for these meters?
Is there a better type that someone could recommend?
We have pop up tents for the locations but when your going to maybe 15-20 different sites a night and have a small window to complete the work a waterproof bit of equipment would be far more practice.

thanks for taking the time to read this and hope someone can offer some advice on where to look.

 

[Marvo]

You could try intrinsically safe test equipment which is Ex rated but you're going to pay through the nose for it. I have a couple of testers I use for marine work that I 'tropicalised' myself using the conformal coating spray we use on motors but this was more to prevent internal corrosion caused by salt water spray than waterproofing as such.

There are some issues with what you're asking though, how can you ensure the accuracy of the tests if everything is drenched with water? Also any live tests would be dangerous in such a wet environment and IR test results would be meaningless. I'd suggest you need to look at treating the actual cause (protect the area better from the rain) rather than the symptoms (trying to waterproof testers)
.

 

[Heeshny]

Apologies, let me be more specific. The cables we are testing are in enclosed cubicles. Spaced out over miles of the rail infrastructure. It is basically a very long radial circuit. Our testing consist of leg to leg testing. The connections are not exposed to poor weather, the tests are carried out safely.
The issue is the repetitive procedure of removing the meter from its holder. Setting it up, carrying out the test, loading it away moving to next location. we also have procedures in place with small pop up tents protecting the area from the weather, it does not however protect the meter adequately enough,

root cause is its Scotland and our weather sucks!

For this specific project we are extremely limited to time to test hence the requirement for something more robust.
Thanks and I will look in to Ex equipment.

 

[amlu]

waterproof peli carry case with some silica gel bags chucked in to catch moisture.

 

[Fox]

Had a look on Fluke's website and they're not ingress protection rated to any sort of degree, hence why you've had problems.

Without starting arguments of Fluke vs Megger (both have their pros and cons), Megger's MFT1700 range are IP54 rated and they are know to be fairly robust:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejhdJKARa9g

 

[Marvo]

You also get foam filled waterproof carry cases rated to IP67 but they cost a few quid. Waterproof Protective Plastic Cases and Boxes

 

[Heeshny]

Megger series with IP54 looks like a better replacement without going in to the big££££ of EX gear.... That and a peli case! Thanks for all your feedback on this

 

[Fox]

Good idea. Ex equipment is crazily priced, and for bloody good reason.

Although due to the stringent nature of regulating explosive zones, I'm not sure an Ex MFT exists that is suitable due to the danger of arcing when testing (think insulation resistance testing). I may be wrong though...

 

[Marvo]

Maybe try keeping a cloth bag with half a kilo of rice in it at the bottom of the case and replace the rice regularly. You can use silica desiccant as well if you've got the patience to track down a supplier. From experience the problem with waterproof cases is when something wet gets put in one, it never dries out and you get condensation in the case.

 

[amlu]

silica gel easy to get on fleabay
SILICA GEL 100G SACHETS. DESICCANT 100 GRAM POUCHES/BAGS. Various Quantities | eBay

 

[shanky887614]

get the reuseable ones instead.

when they change colour or indicator lights up chuck them in the oven

 

[HandySparks]

problem: we work in adverse weather conditions carrying out insulation resistance and continuity testing on cables, with the poor weather this has been causing some big problems with our testing equipment.

If you're only testing IR and continuity, how about one of the Megger MIT400 series. They're IP54 and probably easier to handle than a full MFT. I was thinking of getting one myself for fault finding:
Megger MIT400 Analog/Digital Insulation and Continuity Tester

(The pic on the page is of one of the models higher up the range.)

 

[Heeshny]

Interesting you posted that as we have been looking at purchasing a couple of these for a separate project! Fluke multifunctional testers just don't seem to cut it in the world I work in.