ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Why a Megger?

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!
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Helps in find ing loose neutrals too!

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

e57

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

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?)

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.

Thanks to everybody for the responses. I think I see one in my future!