GS38 Compliant voltage indicator recomendations.

[r.ali]

Thanks for all the responses so far, as expected a wide range of opinions, suggestions and personal experiences. Some of which are contradictory too.

So just to confirm do the Fluke indicators trip RCD's un-intentionally when you don't want it to trip or do you have to press a button for the RCD trip function to operate? Also are the Flukes GS38 compliant out of the box or do they require caps for probe tips to be purchased separately to make them compliant? The websites I have looked at dont seem to mention GS38 compliance for the Flukes wheres as they do for others hence why I ask this.

Finally anyone else have any problems with the Fluke as Andy78 has mentioned?

I have a T110. The RCD trip function has never worked. Now neither does the continuity or self test functions. There are recognised problems with the T series from Fluke. Steer clear.

 

[Andy78]

The thing I don't understand, is why would anyone want to buy a voltage indicator that does all you need one for is to measure if there is a voltage present or not, RCD function, why? when you have a function on your MFT for that purpose, continuity, why when your low resistance ohm meter does that as well, just saying, awaiting a backlash from members, who revel in these testers.

I didn't get it for the RCD function at all, just noticed it never worked. I personally don't see the point either.
Continuity on my voltage indicator can be very helpful when quickly tracing circuits or fault finding. I don't use it for continuity readings, just a beep to confirm continuity.

MFT comes out for all proper testing of course

 

[SparkyChick]

Also are the Flukes GS38 compliant out of the box or do they require caps for probe tips to be purchased separately to make them compliant? The websites I have looked at dont seem to mention GS38 compliance for the Flukes wheres as they do for others hence why I ask this.

I have a Fluke T150... it is GS38 compliant as it comes with probe shrouds that can be removed (like the Martindale).

So just to confirm do the Fluke indicators trip RCD's un-intentionally when you don't want it to trip or do you have to press a button for the RCD trip function to operate?

It can trip RCDs, when I want it to... by probing between line and earth and pressing a button on each probe that drops it's impedance such that around 30mA will flow through it.

I have never had it trip an RCD unintentionally. If you look at the specification sheet for it under normal conditions (i.e. without the trip buttons pressed) it's impedance is way too high for a current of sufficient magnitude to flow through it.

As for the reliability, Andy isn't the first person I know of who has had an issue with it, but my own personal experience of it is entirely positive and I would buy another if mine were to expire.

 

[Pete999]

RCD function... in a board that isn't marked up, you can check for voltage, trip the board, check again and then go and lock off... all without moving It's a limited test function in that all it does is attempts to trip and RCD with a 30mA current. This function can also serve you when suddenly you get a voltage present you weren't expecting... say 50v neutral-earth.... you can apply the low impedance mode... if the voltage disappears it's a good chance it's a phantom voltage from inductive/capacitive coupling.

Continuity is useful for buzzing out circuits and testing fuses, bulbs, operation of switches etc. without the need to break out the big guns.

The other functions are useful as well, like voltage indication and phase rotation.

It's no replacement for an MFT (or separate dedicated instruments) but it can be a useful piece of kit for fault finding.

Thanks for all the res-ponders

 

[r.ali]

The main purpose of this for me as mentioned in original post is for safe isolation. Continuity confirmation will be nice to trace out circuits quickly / simple fault finding as Andy mentions.

Given the above, I don't know if I can justify the cost of the T150 fluke though.

Looking for something reliable and durable.

 

[Midwest]

I have a T110. The RCD trip function has never worked. Now neither does the continuity or self test functions. There are recognised problems with the T series from Fluke. Steer clear.

Mines ok, trusty little device; wouldn't use the RCD function, got an MFT for that. Continuity works fine, for what it is, the only self test function I use, is the safe isolation procedure. Its a VOLTAGE TESTER

Ignore what ^^^^ he said IMO

PS, again I state, in the few years I have had it, it has never ever, not once, not even in blue moon, not in a million years tripped an RCD, when testing for voltage, i.e. is something safely isolated.

 

[telectrix]

had it for years mate. little filament bulb glows, the higher the volts, the brighter. if the bulb has failed, a neon lights up instead.

 

[Midwest]

The main purpose of this for me as mentioned in original post is for safe isolation. Continuity confirmation will be nice to trace out circuits quickly / simple fault finding as Andy mentions.

Given the above, I don't know if I can justify the cost of the T150 fluke though.

Looking for something reliable and durable.

Why do you want the T150?

 

[Adam W]

I also have the T110. It's good. Yes it's primarily a voltage tester, but you can also remotely 'isolate' a circuit by intentionally tripping an RCD by holding down both buttons while testing between live and CPC (I realise it should also be locked off so let us assume the switch room is locked). You can then use it to test for dead before carrying out work, which when you need it is a handy function you never realised would be useful.

It also has a torch built in; again, can be useful although you don't have to use it if you don't want to.

GS38 tips are included.

It tests continuity in the absence of PD; my only complaint would be that it's very sensitive to the point it will register the continuity across your body and in that respect I would pay the extra for the T150, which displays a measurement, if they hadn't recalled them.

 

[r.ali]

Why do you want the T150?

I don't, I'm just counting it out.

Seems like a well regarded piece of kit amongst forum members.

 

[Midwest]

I don't, I'm just counting it out.

Seems like a well regarded piece of kit amongst forum members.

Fluke stuff is some good kit. But you'll need loads of other stuff. So don't go mad

 

[PEG]

Mostly covered already,but the extra functions available,may not have anything to do with GS,BS and other...but make the tester useful in situations not related to safe isolation and proving.

Functions such as DC and "touch grounding",allow more tasks to be tackled,which in turn,justifies the cost and also,encourages use and confidence,making it an altogether more reliable tool,for it's most important role.

The plank which you use as a seat,a ramp and a diving board...is the one you would be happier to use crossing a chasm full of crocodiles...

 

[Rpa07]

All day long @oracle - I’ve got 2 of them plus a cyclim (like Tel showed) and a socket and see voltage indicator.
One job - ‘can I touch it, can I mess with it safely?’

View attachment 44449 Hey Pete! Here's my cheap, cheerful rugged, British made voltage indicator. Batteries neither included nor required. It does what it says. Detects voltage.

 

[happysteve]

I like my Martindale. I've got a Dilog jobbie that does continuity and displays the voltage, also a Megger one I won in a competition that has a button for tripping RCDs. I always go back to my Martindale, though: mostly because it doesn't beep, or chirp, or annoy me, it just has 4 lights to indicate the approximate voltage (3 for 230V, 4 for 400V) and a couple more to indicate AC or DC. Probe tips are either completely shrouded ("push to test") or you can pull back the shroud, rotate by 90 degrees, then they are about 2mm exposed.

 

[Rpa07]

Do you hang yours around your neck like a doctor with a stethoscope @happysteve or is it just me (Dr Me!)