EARTH LEAKAGE CLAMP METER

[ELECNEWT]

I am looking at buying an earth leakage clamp meter AMECaL ST-9810 (£59) or a Megger DCM305E (on offer at £194).
The only use will be mainly domestic fault finding.
Any opinions will be most welcome.

 

[Spoon]

Type AC - General purpose use, RCD can detect & respond to AC sinusoidal wave only.


Type A - Equipment incorporating electronic components RCD can detect & respond as for type AC, PLUS pulsating DC components.


Type F - Equipment with frequency controlled speed drives RCD can detect & respons as for type A, PLUS high frequency residual current.


Type B - Electric vehicle chargers, PV supplies.

• 
  RCD can detect & respond for type F, PLUS smooth DC residual current.

Thanks for that mate. I think my brain has kicked in a bit now.
So besides solar power and electrical vehicle chargers would there be anything else that would produce DC earth leakage in a domestic setting?

 

[telectrix]

the toilet. DC = Diabolical Crap.

 

[Spoon]

the toilet. DC = Diabolical Crap.

That's just what I post mate...

 

[Midwest]

Washing machines apparently.

 

[ELECNEWT]

Type AC - General purpose use, RCD can detect & respond to AC sinusoidal wave only.


Type A - Equipment incorporating electronic components RCD can detect & respond as for type AC, PLUS pulsating DC components.


Thanks for the heads-up. I don't think I shall encounter DC unless you can furthereducate me for domestic situations.
Regards,
Mike.

 

[ELECNEWT]

I am looking at buying an earth leakage clamp meter AMECaL ST-9810 (£59) or a Megger DCM305E (on offer at £194).
The only use will be mainly domestic fault finding.
Any opinions will be most welcome.

So the responses are two for Megger DCM305E none for AMECaL ST-9810 .
Any other opinions?
Regards,
Mike.

 

[Andy78]

I also have the TEK version of the AMEcal one. It's nice and compact but I've only used it a few times. Every time I have, I have been suspect of the supplied readings. I don't really trust it to be honest.

Go for a better one.

 

[Charlie_]

AC only type RCDs are going to be phased out..
Homes are now packed with items that run on DC; all LED lighting, chargers, electronic devices, white goods

 

[Charlie_]

DC clamp meters are also useful for testing on lighting, such as a string of 350mA LED lights.

 

[ELECNEWT]

DC clamp meters are also useful for testing on lighting, such as a string of 350mA LED lights.
OK any suggestions as to make and model?

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Just how useful is an Amp Clamp in domestic installations?

 

[telectrix]

Just how useful is an Amp Clamp in domestic installations?

can be used to clamp the customer's goolies till he opens his wallet. wallet opens.... clamp meter opens.... sssimplesss.

 

[Wilko]

Hi - I’ll often take a quick look as it’s non invasive and sometimes revealing. But as others have said it’s not necessity, like tea for example.

 

[static zap]

Think the AC only type seem to be getting phased out or it would appear to be so

Realizing that washing machines have water and DC motors / inverters ,is probably helping !

 

[PEG]

The ability and of course,capability,of taking a DC current reading,is useful.
I have separates,for the DC job,as i do a lot of machine/plant stuff,but the more the merrier,when it comes to testing tools