what multi meter?

[solo2771]

Hi I am still new here,
I am old (42) doing level 2 c&g 2330 and I have a question about multi meters.
I am strting to try to get a few usefull tools together and would like advice on multimeters.
I am informed it must comply with GS38 and have a valid callibration cert.
1. Can all multimeters get callibration certs?
2. Other than max 4mm protrution what else must apply (and is it always made apparent that a meter is to GS38 in the spec?)
Paul

ps. must be cheap!!!!

 

[ian.settle1]

Hi I am still new here,
I am old (42) doing level 2 c&g 2330 and I have a question about multi meters.
I am strting to try to get a few usefull tools together and would like advice on multimeters.
I am informed it must comply with GS38 and have a valid callibration cert.
1. Can all multimeters get callibration certs?
2. Other than max 4mm protrution what else must apply (and is it always made apparent that a meter is to GS38 in the spec?)
Paul

ps. must be cheap!!!!

Must be cheap

Then it will be a waste of time calibrating it as normally costs about £50 to get calibrated so if you have only paid peanuts for it it will cost more it will not be worth it to calibrate.

 

[solo2771]

Thanks Ian but I have not bought a multi meter yet and am asking advice on buying one
Paul

 

[Malcg]

Hey solo
I'm 60 !!
When you buy a new instrument you gate a certificate of calibration with it.

Chose some static environment (office or home) and test and record all results. Use this as a benchmark and check against this every three months or if you suspect some results. I also got some high quaility resistors to check the continuity every week or so.

Ive got a Kewtec 62 all in one meter and use AMECal Calibration Services Laboratory - AMECAL Newcastle UK to carry out calibration. Four days away and five pages of results! £80 including courier back and VAT.

 

[Grae79]

Ive got a Kewtec 62 all in one meter

that's not a multimeter is it?

try there:

https://isswww.co.uk/category/multimeters.aspx

also do multifunction testers if that's what you mean. have sale on too.

 

[Shakey]

Hi I am still new here,
I am old (42) doing level 2 c&g 2330 and I have a question about multi meters.
I am strting to try to get a few usefull tools together and would like advice on multimeters.
I am informed it must comply with GS38 and have a valid callibration cert.
1. Can all multimeters get callibration certs?
2. Other than max 4mm protrution what else must apply (and is it always made apparent that a meter is to GS38 in the spec?)
Paul

ps. must be cheap!!!!

All new multifunction testers come with cal certs

Gs38 requirements (for test leads) are

Fused
Finger guards
4mm max at end of probes (preferably 2mm)

Look in the 'blurb' for each meter and they will genreally tel you that they are GS38 compliant, but dont get too hung up on it - My Megger's are not GS38 compliant, because the fuse is internal in the meter, lead in the leads

However Megger quote a higher level document that it complies with

Personally, i wouldnt buy a cheap meter, i have seen crap ones that aint even got straps to go around your neck

you get what you pay for,

but of course, you pays your money, you takes your choice

 

[Cirrus]

Like the Unitest meters I got given by work. Absolute rubbish as you are expected to hold the leads in position and then develop a third hand to press the test button after lifting the meter up. What a basic thing it is to have a bloody neck strap!

 

[ian.settle1]

Shakey

He was asking about a muli-meter not a multi-function tester bit of a difference

 

[Shakey]

Shakey

He was asking about a muli-meter not a multi-function tester bit of a difference

Ian, bet he wasnt

he may have said multi-meter, but i have no doubt he meant multi-fuction tester, or else why would he be mentioning GS38

Me and you may know the difference my friend, but many people do not

 

[Cirrus]

Agreed Shakey - I think he meant MFT too

 

[solo2771]

Go on explane the diff lol

 

[Shakey]

Go on explane the diff lol

multimeters are measuring devices (volts resistance etc)

multifunctions test the circuit as well , such as PFC/ZE/Zs where they apply resistors to the circuit and measure the effect on current draw

if you are inspecting and testing and installation, its a multifunction tester

 

[solo2771]

Basically I am after a meter that does as much as possible for as little money as possible at present, Loop impeadence would be good but I fear too expensive at present main properties are a multimeter but ideally Multi function meter. We use the Megga multi function meters at college but these I am aware are way too much outlay for the time being.
Paul

 

[Shakey]

Basically I am after a meter that does as much as possible for as little money as possible at present, Loop impeadence would be good but I fear too expensive at present main properties are a multimeter but ideally Multi function meter. We use the Megga multi function meters at college but these I am aware are way too much outlay for the time being.
Paul

Paul, you can pick up a multimeter for 8 quid in argos, but what you gonna do with it

Loop impedence would be good, yeah, especially if you have to measure Ze or Zs

what you gonna do, make the values up?

point is to do the job properly, you have to insspect, test and certify, and you cant do that without the tools to do the job

 

[solo2771]

Paul, you can pick up a multimeter for 8 quid in argos, but what you gonna do with it

Loop impedence would be good, yeah, especially if you have to measure Ze or Zs

what you gonna do, make the values up?

point is to do the job properly, you have to insspect, test and certify, and you cant do that without the tools to do the job

So what is the best value meter for someone wanting to do all these tests? or meters? Please bear n mind funds are very limited at present.
Thanks Paul