ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Ideal Sure Test 61-156

I've heard some of you praising Ideal's tester, and after pricing it (over $500), I'd really like to know what it's done for you. Thanks.

Dave

Dave55, IMO they are very good meters. They are able to tell you a lot about a 120 receptacle. Heck if you know how to use it, they can even tell you the appearant power of a connected load, THD, IGR, GFCI, etc. They are simple to use, only one button.

The down side they will only test a 120 volt receptacle, and cost around $500. There is an availible current probe that expands its capabilities.

It is probable more of a tool for inspectors and engineers. However if you perform a lot of installs, trouble-shooting, can justify the cost, Get-R-Done, you will love it.

Can't check lights or appliances circuits?!?

For the money, I think there is no substitute for a good Clamp-on/Multi-meter. http://www.fluke.com/products/home.asp?SID=9&AGID=6&PID=34237
Now if they only would build in a tracer....

e57, that would be one awesome tracer. I'd buy one.

I brought it up to a Fluke rep at one of those free BBQ's at the supply house. They had a questionair about including Temp on all thier meters, "Would you be more likely..." If it had Temp... to buy a Fluke?

They are doing this because one of thier competitors is now including Temp on all of thiers, the whole line!

So, I told him about it, about putting a tracer on all of them. Ears percked up about it, until a few of us were hounding the guy about it.

My personal opinion about it, is that if they could make an inductive tone gennie/Multi-meter. (That pulses a small amoumt of load.) And a clamp-on meter/receiver. (That can reconize that pulsed load) You could better trace circuits without turning off the wrong one for sure. A big no-no in many situations where I need a tracer. Most tracers will pass the signal on through to everything on that phase. I don't know how many times I turn off the breaker 2 above or below, or the one across from it. With a clamp-on amp meter that can recongnize that pulse, it's a sure shot for finding it!

If they made it, with TDR, I'd buy that no problem! I have this item, but it lacks range, and certain capabilities. But still REALLY handy!http://www.psiber.com/picct50.htm

Back to topic, I was reading a ul.com article about AFCI's and GFCI testing. And it said AFCI testers are not required, and went through a whole test procedure on acceptable test methods. And, a siple $5 GFI tester does just fine, etc. (By creating a simple ground fault) But if I REALLY needed to know apparent power, with a few simple measurements with a good clamp-on, and the ease of a $10 calculator I could find out. Not to mention like I said, most of my trouble-shooting doesn't include a receptical at all. Just my opinion.... Money could be better spent.

Mark and Al, we are talking separate issues here.

The Sure Test 61-156 is a Harmonics Analyzer measuring THD that will perform the additional functions mentioned by Dereck as a bonus to it's actual purpose.

I would also recommend buying the current probe to go with the meter in order to use it's full potential.

Roger

Roger, if harmonics is what we are testing for then I'll stick with my Fluke 43B power quality analyzer. After seeing the damage harmonics has done in office and computer labs a $500.00 tool does not work for me.

captAl, care to share this harmonic damage, perhaps open a new thread as to not hyjack the present one. I for one would really like to hear it. I am sure Roger would like to join in.

CaptAL, I would be interested in what you found in these computer labs.

I have asked a question along this line before on another forum.

The subject comes up from time to time, but in my experience I have only been able to isolate two specific instances where additive Harmonics was indeed a factor in any failure of equipment.

As far as the Fluke 43B, we also own one (or did until recently when it seems someone may have stolen it, ) but it is an intirely different animal (at a much larger price) than the Sure Test 61-156.

I had a brochure on my desk a while back for a power quality, graphing, logging, bring you coffee, sing happy birthday, with optional software it will lap dance, etc... meter in excess off $14,000.00. (we will not be buying one )

The bottom line is, the Sure Test 61-156 for an under $700.00 meter (with current probe) that does what it does it is a pretty good meter.

Roger






[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 09-14-2004).]