Continuity at 15mA

[1Justin]

I'm looking at MFT1710 or MFT1720 and struggling to justify the extra cost of the latter.

One thing. Why might I need to measure continuity at 15mA? (A "feature" on 1720 which is lost on me).

 

[Former Sponsor TM]

Hello 1Justin, welcome to the forum. In my honest opinion, the MFT1720 is worth the extra cost based on the auto RCD function. Having to conduct all six tests manually in a house upstairs and running downstairs to the consumer unit to reset the RCD keeps you very fit, but takes a lot of time! The auto RCD test allows the tester to conduct all of the six tests automatically, while you remain at the consumer unit and reset the RCD.

Oh, and measuring continuity at 15mA allows the tester to give you an instantaneous direct measurement of continuity without having to press any test buttons - very useful for testing a ring final circuit...

Just to conclude the differences between the two are:

1) The Megger MFT1710 will not conduct an insulation resistance test at additional voltages of 1000v or 100v, the MFT1720 will;
2) The MFT1710 won't conduct continuity tests at 15mA;
3) The MFT1710 won't conduct an auto RCD test, or test programmable RCD's or three phase RCD's;
4) You can't test phase rotation on the MFT1710;
5) The MFT1720 has a current measurement facility with an optional purchase of a seperate clamp meter whereas the MFT1710 doesn't.

Don't get me wrong mate, the MFT1710 is a perfectly ample tester, suitable for a lot of electricians. We certainly find that model sells very well, however if you find you need any of the above functions that the MFT1710 will not offer you, perhaps it's worth considering the MFT1720.

Have a look on our website, if you want some advice, please call us. Remember, we'd like to offer the 5% forum discount to you, and some Megger MFT's even carry a special Christmas complimetary voucher with them too :teeth_smile:

 

[1Justin]

Hi Test-Meter,

Thanks for that. (Yes new here!).

I looked at the separate clamp (megger Iclamp) and it's a nice sensitive one (able to do leakage currents), but it does cost as much as a high sensitivity stand-alone current clamp. Still 2 things to calibrate, so as an option this one doesn't do it for me.

Phase rotations - I'm not likely to ever need to do that (as far as I'm planning).

Continuity at 15mA. - Thnks, yes would save a few seconds and some messing about so that does sound worthwhile, but comes at a price.

I take note of the very good point point re the auto RCD, and if one thing, this would probably swing it for me.

And your prices do look to be very good so look out. (Still hard to swallow, but I'm building up to this

Rgds

 

[Former Sponsor TM]

If you do want to go ahead and place an order, make sure you click our link over there>>>> in order to get your discount code.

Any problems, give us a call, have a good weekend

 

[1Justin]

Hi Test-Meter.
Are you still there?

I've been looking at the threads and gather then NICIEC etc require logs of quick-cal-check on these instruments. Fine. (box of resistors)

I believe a 50V checker source isn't mandatory (use a convenient live plug -if there is one?), but if I'm required to have one of those box of resistor things anyway (or possibly just make one), what about just getting (say) the Metrel EuroCheck?

Do most folks use one of these type of things? (You may have guessed Part P forthcoming!).

 

[Former Sponsor TM]

Hi 1Justin, I'm not completely sure what the NICEIC stipulate (I'll look into this at work next week), however, it's really good practice to make sure your tester is accurate in between calibrations. Some people on the forum have a circuit at home that they test regularly as a measure to check instrument accuracy, which is a great idea.

The checkbox you've seen is a very comprehensive unit which will prove accuracy for all of the tests a multifunction tester will carry out. However in reply to your question, in my experience, most people seem to just want to prove accuracy of continuity and insulation resistance readings on their tester. If this is the case for yourself, have a look at this.

Cheers

 

[Specialist]

Phase rotations - I'm not likely to ever need to do that (as far as I'm planning).

Hi 1Justin: if your planning to do just Domestic then no you won't need a Phase rotation tester, but if your ever planning to go into Commercial / Industrial then it would be a useful tool. Especially so for Industrial, I would'nt be without mine.

 

[1Justin]

OK, thanks I'll cogitate on that.

Rgds