Budget MFT

[Andy78]

I'm in the market for a multifunction tester but on a tight budget. I'm ruling myself out of megger and fluke on this basis, maybe something to aspire to in times of more disposable folding stuff. I really want to buy new though so I have had a quick look on test-meter.co.uk to get an idea of what's out there.
The metrel MI3000 and Ideal 61-255 were in budget. Just wondering about people's experience with these testers. Ease of use and accuracy are main things I would be bothered about.
Anyone got any advice for me ?

 

[MarkieSparkie]

I would forget about the Ideal 61-255 as there is very little UK feedback on this tester. My budget choices would be either the Metrel MI3000 or Dilog 9083P. The Metrel MI3000 just shades it for me, but you need to try before you buy because like all tools it's what you are personally most comfortable with that matters.

 

[trev]

I've got a Metrel and it's flippin great, might be because it's what I'm used to but, luckily for me, it's idiot proof

 

[mickys86]

Can't see what's wrong with a second hand megger 1552/1553 tbh, you'll get one for about 300-400 and it's a very good tester

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I'd recommend the Metrel.
It doesn't do the new type of d.c. RCDs and it doesn't have bluetooth, could do with a larger bag to hold tools etc.
Other than that, it does everything that a Megger or fluke does.

 

[brman]

Can't see what's wrong with a second hand megger 1552/1553 tbh, you'll get one for about 300-400 and it's a very good tester

Agreed but watch what/where you buy. A £400 1552 from ebay could easily turn into a £500 one when you find you need new leads and a calibration.

On the other hand there are some real bargains from people who do the courses, buy the kit then realise they don't really want to get their hands dirty and so flog it on, virtually unused, in a years time.

 

[mickys86]

Agreed but watch what/where you buy. A £400 1552 from ebay could easily turn into a £500 one when you find you need new leads and a calibration.

On the other hand there are some real bargains from people who do the courses, buy the kit then realise they don't really want to get their hands dirty and so flog it on, virtually unused, in a years time.

Exactly. And also if you have a look on the for sale forum on here you can get a good deal from fellow members who are looking to upgrade

 

[Andy78]

Thanks for the advice guys. I might do a bit more browsing on the second hand theme now. Or may just go for the metrel. Seems to tick all the boxes for me.

 

[mickys86]

Good luck mate. Let us know how you get on. I bought a megger 1553b from another electrician for £400 which has done me proud it needed calibrating but my boss paid half do that's was only another £30

 

[D80]

I've got a Metrel and it's flippin great, might be because it's what I'm used to but, luckily for me, it's idiot proof

You only think that, a mate of mine had his calibrated, for the RCD's it came back with it on the type S setting. He had issues with RCD's then lol.

The metrel is a good piece of kit, does all the basic tests and a bit more besides.

 

[Former Sponsor TM]

I would forget about the Ideal 61-255 as there is very little UK feedback on this tester. My budget choices would be either the Metrel MI3000 or Dilog 9083P. The Metrel MI3000 just shades it for me, but you need to try before you buy because like all tools it's what you are personally most comfortable with that matters.

Andy78 - If you compare the Dilog 9083P and the Metrel MI3000, you'll notice the Metrel MI3000 will carry out a 1000V insulation resistance test as well as a phase rotation test. The Dilog is marketed as a domestic Part P tester, which is fantastic in its own league, however don't be cutting yourself short of these test functions if you are currently testing 3 phase installations or decide to move into commercial or industrial testing in the future.