Buying my first tester...

[Stuart27]

I'm coming towards the end of my level 3 training and in the market for my first MFT.. There's a ton of different brands and each brand has various products so it's all a bit confusing. Can anybody recommend a good "first" tester?

Also is it worth buying second hand? Since money is a bit tight I'm considering buying a previously owned tester.
Any advice on what to look out for when buying second hand would be greatly appreciated too.

Thanks guys.

 

[telectrix]

buy a megger 1553 2nd hand, calibrated for under £200.

Megger MFT 1553 - 11 Months Calibration (Similar to 1552 but with Bluetooth) | eBay

Normal usage marks and scuffs are evident on the black rubber which in no way affects the operation.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[123]

buy a megger 1553 2nd hand, calibrated for under £200.

Megger MFT 1553 - 11 Months Calibration (Similar to 1552 but with Bluetooth) | eBay

Normal usage marks and scuffs are evident on the black rubber which in no way affects the operation.

www.ebay.co.uk

No leads or box on that ebay sale, could easily cost £100 to get those.

 

[123]

If buying 2nd hand a calibration cert would be a must for me.

Also would look for RCD Autotest, ability to test type A and S RCD's. 2 lead loop test. Phase rotation if you need it.

 

[Stuart27]

buy a megger 1553 2nd hand, calibrated for under £200.

Megger MFT 1553 - 11 Months Calibration (Similar to 1552 but with Bluetooth) | eBay

Normal usage marks and scuffs are evident on the black rubber which in no way affects the operation.

www.ebay.co.uk

Thanks for your advice telectrix.
I've also been looking at a second hand Fluke 1652, is there any notable difference between the two? All I can see is that the Megger has Bluetooth which the Fluke doesn't.

 

[Andy78]

If buying 2nd hand a calibration cert would be a must for me.

Also would look for RCD Autotest, ability to test type A and S RCD's. 2 lead loop test. Phase rotation if you need it.

Seconded. Type A RCDs will now become more commonplace and some older testers do not have that test function.

 

[rapparee]

Thanks for your advice telectrix.
I've also been looking at a second hand Fluke 1652, is there any notable difference between the two? All I can see is that the Megger has Bluetooth which the Fluke doesn't.

Make sure you get a fluke 1652C or 1653B

The standard 1652 doesn't do the full range of tests

 

[The Ghost]

What sort of work will you be doing?

 

[eleanor jones]

I bought Megger 1741. It needs to be calibrated and reliable. Good for the start of a career. it will be needed to test all circuits. it is expensive to start the career

 

[Charlie_]

Better value for money than the latest smartphones that cost about a grand.

 

[eleanor jones]

Meggger cost me a grand, bu necessary equipment.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Been using a Megger 1735 and because I use my left thumb to press the test button, I often find I’m pressing the jog button instead.
Much prefer my Metrel Mi3215BT.

I also like the Metrel, because it can test B type RCDs as well as A and AC types.

 

[rapparee]

Been using a Megger 1735 and because I use my left thumb to press the test button, I often find I’m pressing the jog button instead.
Much prefer my Metrel Mi3215BT.

I also like the Metrel, because it can test B type RCDs as well as A and AC types.

Fluke have the test button on the actual leads

It's very handy.

 

[Dave5678]

Don't let price be a deciding factor for your mft. Start with one that can do all the tests or you'll end up having to buy two mfts instead of one.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Fluke have the test button on the actual leads

It's very handy.

I understand, both Megger and Metrel do a probe which incorporates a test button.
Unfortunately neither my Metrel or the Megger I’m using at work have that type of probe.

 

[static zap]

I understand, both Megger and Metrel do a probe which incorporates a test button.
Unfortunately neither my Metrel or the Megger I’m using at work have that type of probe.

...My Fluke has "a remote -test-" lead .. but you miss out on the User is Live ... polarity test warning !
That only surrounds the -test- button on the actual "mft"

 

[rolyberkin]

I like Metrel and now have their new all singing and dancing 3152 XC, however it is really far too complicated but does everything has memory etc etc.
My first tester was a Metrel Easiplus and it was a really good first tester. If you can stretch to a new tester buy one as you then know where it has been and it has been looked after.

 

[Toneyz]

If you are employed then the company you work for should be providing it.

 

[rapparee]

If you are employed then the company you work for should be providing it.

Not necessarily.

Most tradesmen provide their own tools. The old proviso is if you quit in the morning, the tools come with you.

 

[Charlie_]

And it’s all tax deductible on your personal returns