ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area meters, again!

I think most non-industrial electricians can get by with the following 3 test instruments:

1) A non-contact voltage tester

2) A solenoidal tester with a continuity feature, like the Ideal VolCon. This tester is as important as a linesmans pliers and a t-stripper.

3) A basic clamp around ammeter that incorporates a DMM, like Amprobe's ACD-10.

If I were to recommend against any one type of tester, it would be the digital "wiggy" type testers because they are suseptible to ghost voltages.

So Jw,

Now that I told you what part of the trade I'm in what's your opinion?

Sam

Use a Wiggy for safety, When checking for live circuits before performing work.
Use a non contact tester for knob and tube only! Those things are for DIY homeowners They LIE

Not sure where you plan to head with your career, But you might want to think about getting a clamp meter that does both AC and DC current readings.
Get a wiggy and a clamp DMM (Volts, Ohms, and Current) for now.
Something to think of no matter what you decide, Get some good probes! I replace mine at least every 2 years, and i keep my meters in a good case always. Protect them! they may save your life.

Justin

If you get into any serious trouble shooting I would still recomend a mechanical movement meter. They don't lie and if things are changing it may be the only meter you can trust. The down side is they are easy to break if you bang them around.

do you guy's recommend any certain brand and/or model?

Sam

Please fill me in. What is Cat III rated mean?. Is this 1000 volts?.

Cat.III is.... safety ...rated for 1000v, ...
and Ideal list a couple of their testers as UL 3111-1 compliant, BUT ....OSHA has apparently withdrawn that standard from their requirements !!!

......I dunno, I can't find the replacement standard

...and some trivia....the term "wiggy" is a trademarked Brand Name, and belongs to Sq D .
they originally sold the tester as the ....Wigginton.... and now the word has crept into the lexicon much like Xerox or Band-Aid.
I have mounds of useful info like this, don't we all?

If I get a regular type clamp meter should I get average reading or true rms?

Sam

Togol, not only did I know that, I used to purchase them when they were Wigginton's. But now I prefer knopp, for the compact size of it. Been using those for years. Also I have had zero training for working on 600 volts. I don't attend any of those day long crummy seminars that certify you in cable splicing after attending. Some of my former hires have gone, and sat there for one day and now call themselves cable splicers on the resume. I think that stinks, and since I haven't had proper training in over 600, I would not allow myself near to it period.

Macmikeman,

Cat III is not a voltage rating, it is an classification for equipment based on available energy, a Cat III rated meter should be used on cat III systems (bus, mains, permanently installed loads, etc). The rating on the meter means it can handle improper use on that catagory equipment without the meter itself becoming a hazard and/or injuring the user. Go to the fluke website for more information.

[This message has been edited by Zog (edited 10-06-2005).]