New Tester

[bodders22]

Hi All. I am just about decided on a new megger 1720 which I'll be ordering from test-meter.
Am I right in thinking that it wont need calibrating for the first 12 months because its new?

Thanks

 

[mattmoo1974]

You are!!!!

 

[malcolmsanford]

Normally when you receive the meter you will write into a section of it the day you put it into service or the invoice date and that then will not need professional calibration for a year.........normally.

NICEIC now accept that if you monthly self-check the meter with for example a check box, and an identified socket in your office/work place, then the annual calibration professional check can be omitted, and only if your results start to wander do you need to calibrated.

I'm not sure if the other schemes do the same yet, but i'm sure they might start. If you are a member of a scheme that does not recognize this, then yes yearly from your put into service date you will have to send it for calibration, but you also have to start a monthly log/ register of your self checks as well

 

[bodders22]

Thanks guys i thought i was right but couldn't find it anywhere for looking!

 

[applemac]

i have the 1730 sweet as a nut, no problems with mine.
got a cal card for 20 quid to make sure it don't drift.

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Current NICEIC advice from their website and current advice from the major test equipment manufacturers:

ACCURACY OF TEST INSTRUMENTS
Approved contractors and conforming bodies have a responsibility to ensure the accuracy and consistency of test instruments used to carry out the range of measurements required by BS 7671 for certification purposes. They should therefore already have in place an effective system which enables them to confirm the continuing accuracy and consistency of all test instruments used for certification
and reporting purposes.
NICEIC Engineers will check the effectiveness of the system that is in place to ensure the accuracy and consistency of their test instruments. These checks will be in addition to the checks already made of the suitability of test instruments to carry out the range of tests required by BS 7671.
There are a number of alternatives for such control systems, including:
Maintaining records of the formal calibration/re-calibration of test instruments as recommended by the instrument manufacturers[2], supported by calibration certificates issued by recognised organisations with measurements traceable to national standards. Certificates issued by UKAS accredited laboratories are preferable. NICEIC recommend more frequent checks as detailed below to ensure continuing accuracy and consistency.
Maintaining records over time of comparative cross-checks with other test instruments used by the business[1].
Maintaining records over time of measurements of the characteristics of designated reference circuits or devices.
For example, the consistency of continuity, insulation resistance and earth electrode test instruments could be checked against a proprietary resistance box or a set of suitable resistors. Earth fault loop impedance test instruments could be checked by carrying out tests on a designated socket-outlet (on a non-RCD protected
circuit) in the contractor’s office. RCD test instruments could be checked by carrying out tests on an RCD unit plugged into the designated socket-outlet[1].
NICEIC recommends all systems start from formal calibration.
As already required by the NICEIC, each test instrument used by the business should be clearly and uniquely identified for record and traceability purposes.
If an Approved Contractor or conforming body is unable to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the NICEIC Engineer that an effective control system is in place which ensures the continuing accuracy and consistency of the test instruments used to carry out the tests required by BS 7671, the NICEIC Engineer will record a non-compliance in the Assessment Report.

[1] These systems can only provide a measure of confidence in the consistency of test measurements over time. The accuracy of each test instrument will need to be confirmed periodically before any reliance can be placed in such systems. It should be noted that new or repaired test instruments may not be supplied with calibration certificates unless specifically requested.
When Tony Cable, NICEIC senior marketing and events engineer, was asked to clarify the above paragraph at the ELEX/NICEIC Q&A session last year he said:
“What a lot of contractors misunderstand is that the NICEIC inspector does not always look at the annual calibration certificate but focuses on the checks made on the instrument using a checkbox or another method, that the records are kept and consistent. This does not mean that the NICEIC don't expect the tester to be annually calibrated that should be taken as read. I always tell contractors that calibration is a requirement, which apart from the obvious could also make any manufacturer guarantee invalid, and should always be carried out by the due date.”

[2] The leading test equipment manufacturers including Megger, Fluke, Ethos, Di-log, Kewtech & Seaward currently all recommend annual calibration in a calibration laboratory to ensure ongoing accuracy verification of the test equipment and to maintain the manufacturers guarantee. The only exception is the recommendation for the tri-annual calibration of check boxes.
The manufacturers of Cal-card currently only guarantee their accuracy for 3 years, therefore their replacement would be required once the guarantee period expires.
Generally, approved voltage testers that indicate voltage in broad bands do not require calibrating. However, if the tester incorporates a meter it should be subject to annual calibration to maintain accuracy of the meter.

 

[oldtimer]

I get the comments above but this is a racket I have no problem getting a meter calibrated once a year but this is a nonsense do I get my PC,TV,DVD,Sat box calibrated every year to ensure they are calibrated !!!! of course not and modern electronics just dont need this level of checks. I will leave you with this you go on to a site you all "whip" out your meggers 1553,1552,or 1702 and pound to a penny you will get 3 very slightly differant readings

 

[needasparks]

I think the point is unless you have it calibrated to start with you dont know if its correct, the monthly checkbox only makes sure its consistant.
you dont want to get to six months later to find out you have to retest all your work. well in theory anyway.

 

[cbw]

I enjoy the bacon butties once a year at the wholesalers for calibration day!

Expensive bacon butty @ £50/pop

 

[oldtimer]

I think the point is unless you have it calibrated to start with you dont know if its correct, the monthly checkbox only makes sure its consistant.
you dont want to get to six months later to find out you have to retest all your work. well in theory anyway.

So can I ask this question has anybody using a checkbox found a major defect or has it been yep ok

 

[megger mark]

The Megger comes with an end of line calibration certificate as standard so as long as its a new unit it will cover the first year, although i understand none of us want spend anymore than we need, however the average cal price on a mulifunction tester is lets say £60 now lets divide that by the average working year of 48 weeks and that works out at 1.25/week.

Although the name suggests otherwise i do not work for or have any particular connection to Megger.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

i have the 1730 sweet as a nut, no problems with mine.
got a cal card for 20 quid to make sure it don't drift.

...Im sure you meant it, but the calcard only tells you ...what it tells you, it doesnt make sure it doesnt drift off. only demonstates it or otherwise.

And the other schemes recognise the idea about self calibrating one's meter (prob because the rules are set by a higher authority than the NICIEC although I expect theyve made out its a new thing they can charge you for, per ID card, plus postage, plus a pound, and a surcharge :6