ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Electical tester

Hello
Does someone know model of a good electrical tester? Can someone give me an advice which electrical tester I should buy. Also if you know would you give me a link on the internet where I can buy it.
Thanks

http://www.triplett.com/
http://www.testersandmeters.com/TM_home.nsf

Mike,
this is a good topic, and the BB's members could probably rate any given tester given specifics, i.e.
***what's the best Amprobe?
***what's a good Amprobe
***what's the best DMV
*** "
***what's the best impedance tester
***what's the best meger?
***what's a good meger?
I'm in the market for some testers too!

Fluke model 77 is a great all around DVM, for another great DVM with 4-20ma advantages, look at the fluke 787.

For my carry-around-with-me-all-the-time tester, I have a Fluke T5-600.
It's not much bigger than a SqD wiggie, and will measure voltage, resistance to 1 K-ohm, and amperage to 100 Amps. It's about $80, but well worth it, and just as accurate as you'll need.
My in the truck clamp around is a Fluke 36
I also have a 23.
They're all great, in my opinion.

[This message has been edited by electure (edited 07-07-2001).]

I would also recommend the Fluke 77. If you purchase the clamp-on (ammeter)attachment, you've got a good all around meter.

Look at the Fluke 112 (new) or the good old Fluke 16. The 16 is great cuz it has a uamp range, f and C temp, and has a time/date stamp for min and max readings. Quite a deal for about $120.

For a simple tester, be on the lookout for the new Ideal voltage/continuity tester, the "vol-con elite". Supposed to be out in late July. One version (the 61-092) has a built in non-contact voltage tester and a shaker (soleniod). About $73.

The all around tester that I carry in my bags 80 percent of the time is the Fluke T5-600. Voltage, resistance and continuity, non-contact AC amps (with a U-shaped slot in one end), and well-designed.

And remember, before relying on a measurement, always test the terster on a known live circuit.

I've got the Fluke T-5 1000, which I'm sure is the same as the 600, but rated for 1000V.
Didn't really need the 1000, but my choices were either the 1000 or nothing at the moment. I paid $90 for it, my only complaint is that it doesn't expand the scale on lower voltages.

I've got a Pyramid "Amprobe" DVM that measures in increments of .01 V in DC and .1V in AC. More useful for some applications, like checking the battery power on your drill... (Although a "load" would make it even better)

Got an older "Radio Shack" RMS meter, but it's accuracy in questionable.

Got an old Micronta analog meter, it too is questionable...

Speaking of questions....

What does an analog meter display, RMS or averaged?
Would it be considered more or less accurate, assuming being recently calibrated?
My old boss swore that the real-time movement of the needle would tell you infinitely more that a 1/2 second digital sample. Any truth to this?
Why not use a "digilog" meter?

66',

Analog meters display averaged values.

I use a Fluke 87 True RMS with a 300 amp clamp on accesory, also true RMS. Pricey, but many times, for me at least, a leeser meter won't do.

I also have a cheap analog multimeter for use when the Fluke is too sensitive and I also have an Amprobe clamp on that gets exercised once in awhile.

I ended up with the Fluke 87 because of it's recording abilities and being able to capture really short events. In some of the troubleshooting I do, these features are really important.

for a wiggy I use a fluke t2
for amprobe I have an Extech Mini clamp, very handy measures ac and dc current.
I also carry a gb tick tester in my pouch.

I use the fluke 77 too. Only problem is they tend to get legs really fast on the big sites you gotta watch them or lose em