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#40281 07/18/04 02:57 AM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,876
E
e57 Offline
Member
If you're looking for a cool tool, a meg is fine if you use it.

But, another hip thing to have is a TDR!
(Time Domain Reflectometer)

I've had one for a while now, and find it very useful. Measures cable length, circuit in conduit, distance to open or short, finds hidden splices, and most have tone generators now.
http://www.megger.com/us/products/ProductDetailsBySubGroup.asp?ProductSubGroupCode=T101

I use it for general troubleshooting all the time now. Last time I pulled it out, I had a dead short in a really long circuit. Hooked it up, and it told me how many splices it went through, and how far away the short was. Count back 5 boxes, and 90', bingo!
----------------------

Helps in find ing loose neutrals too!

[This message has been edited by e57 (edited 07-18-2004).]


Mark Heller
"Well - I oughta....." -Jackie Gleason
#40282 07/18/04 02:36 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 947
T
twh Offline
Member
e57

That TDR looks like fun. I couldn't find a price. Any idea what they cost?

#40283 07/19/04 12:02 AM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,876
E
e57 Offline
Member
Real low end - $250 Numeric
low mid - $500 Numeric
mid - $1000 Graphical
High $5000 Graphical

They can only be of real use if they are graphical.

go to www.jensentools.com
search by brand for megger, or sphiser (ms?)


Mark Heller
"Well - I oughta....." -Jackie Gleason
#40284 07/19/04 11:12 AM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 156
D
Member
I did not see it mentioned but a megger can be used to measure ground electrode impedance. Do not think that is useful purpose for residential applications, since all you have to do is drive two rods and call it a day.

I agre with Roger, a Ideal Sure Test meter is a valuable tool indeed. It can find just about any wiring mistake or poor connections.

#40285 07/26/04 10:52 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,143
D
DougW Offline OP
Member
Thanks to everybody for the responses. I think I see one in my future!

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