ideal installation tester

[markwild]

Hi everyone i am nearly newly qualified and i am thinking about buying my first tester and was just wandering if anyone has had any experience with the ideal brand as these are the most affordable or if anyone has other recommendations this would also be good
thank you

 

[trev]

It comes down to individual preference mate I have a Metrel MFT and swear by it other people on here wouldn't go past their Meggers, a mate of mine has Robin seperates. Theres good and bad in all I guess

 

[Rockingit]

The ideal tester is one that puts all the cable in for you, does the tests without you being there, sends the results off to your scam and then goes to pub to buy you a beer.

But if you can't find one of those, then I've got a Metrel and have no issues with it other than the straps and leads can get a bit fiddly at times.

 

[imago]

As Trev1 said, it's personal preference. I have just bought my first mft due to returning to the trade after some years out. I went for Fluid purely because I've used their test gear over the years. I wouldn't say it's better than megger etc, I just went for a brand I was comfortable with.

 

[imago]

Fluke not fluid! Damn predictive text.

 

[parker56]

same here fluke1653, never let me down

 

[mydigitalhome]

same here Fluke 1652 still going strong

 

[markwild]

thanks everyone for your replies we have been using the flukes at college and i would prefer one as i know how to use them but they are far too expensive for my budget as the kids and the mortgage come first think the wife may have something to say if i spend too much

 

[Hiddo]

I've got a Megger 1552 and its never let me down. As above it's all down to personal choice I suppose.

 

[tony mc]

Before you buy something that your not happy with make sure you know what you want out of the meter.

A No trip loop test is handy as is a ramp and auto RCD test for RCD testing.

I use a Megger as my main tester but also have a Robin which is also good but it lacks the No trip Ramp and auto RCD function.

Its always down to budget but a good meter is a must !

Good luck with your search!!

 

[mhar]

I was in the same position as you a couple of weeks ago.
Trawling through all the postings on this topic, one thing caught my eye and that was a post suggesting that the best value for money could be achieved by buying a rebranded mft. The suggestion was to look for Newey & Aire (Newlec) and City Electrical (Ethos) branded kit. I ended up with an Ethos 5902 for a stupid price.
Next question is is it any good. Because I don't really know any better, the answer is yes. Auto rcd testing, no trip Zs so I am very happy. There may come a time when I get to find drawbacks with it, there may come a day when I work alongside someone who lets me use their tester and I find it is better. Until that time I am just getting on getting used to my tester as an extremely important aspect is familiarity with your equipment

 

[mydigitalhome]

FLUKE 1652B MULTIFUNCTION TESTER | eBay its not mine but gives you an idea of price - hope you find what you are looking for

 

[mhar]

Ironically, talking about familiarity with your tester, it is an Ethos 7920!!!!

 

[rob@etc]

I've got a Megger 1552 and its never let me down. As above it's all down to personal choice I suppose.

We use Megger 1553 and Megger 1710 at our centre, I prefer the 1553 but the 1710 will do Ze and PFC at the same time and has left hand and right hand operation which is quite useful.
If you want a cheapish set try ebay and "socket and see" do a good, easy to use range

 

[GLENNSPARK]

Metrix 4900....ex MOD, RAF i think....does all the tests you need plus the extras such as clamp (in A and mA)....earth testing...etc......that was ebay for £50..so there are bargains out there........