EARTH LEAKAGE CLAMP METER

[ELECNEWT]

I am looking at buying an earth leakage clamp meter AMECaL ST-9810 (£59) or a Megger DCM305E (on offer at £194).
The only use will be mainly domestic fault finding.
Any opinions will be most welcome.

 

[telectrix]

buy the Megger.

 

[ELECNEWT]

buy the Megger.

That was a quick response. Any experience with the AMEcal?

 

[snowhead]

I've got an alternate version of the AMEcal, think it's the Tek one.
It was only for a backup to the company provided one and mainly because it's very compact.

If I was still working and buying one for myself it would be a Megger, or any other quality brand.

Buy cheap, buy twice (or more.)

I doubt you'll be able to get the AMEcal calibrated by anyone.

 

[ELECNEWT]

I doubt you'll be able to get the AMEcal calibrated by anyone.

If it's only for fault finding is the expense of calibration worth it any way?

 

[123]

If it's only for fault finding is the expense of calibration worth it any way?

Bit pointless having a tester of any sort that's way out of range...could lead you on a bit of a wild goose chase with false readings.

 

[ELECNEWT]

Bit pointless having a tester of any sort that's way out of range...could lead you on a bit of a wild goose chase with false readings.

Thanks.
My thoughts were if buying a new tester it should be accurate.
I won't need traceability to national standards since it won't be used to certify anything. Periodic sanity checks could be done on a known circuit resistor.
Regards,
Mike.

 

[Charlie_]

Neither.
What about DC leakage currents?

 

[Spoon]

Neither.
What about DC leakage currents?

Excuse my ignorance but if the OP want's it mainly for domestic fault finding then is there DC leakage current?

 

[Charlie_]

Excuse my ignorance but if the OP want's it mainly for domestic fault finding then is there DC leakage current?

What are the different types of RCD?

 

[telectrix]

What are the different types of RCD?

them that work and them that don't.

 

[Charlie_]

them that work and them that don't.

Yes that seems to be the trend at the moment.
Good job we are all keeping within the max Zs values for OCPDs.. hmmm

 

[Spoon]

What are the different types of RCD?

I'm industrial mate. Where would DC RCD's be used in a domestic situation?
Just trying to learn stuff?

 

[Charlie_]

I'm industrial mate. Where would DC RCD's be used in a domestic situation?
Just trying to learn stuff?

Type AC - General purpose use, RCD can detect & respond to AC sinusoidal wave only.


Type A - Equipment incorporating electronic components RCD can detect & respond as for type AC, PLUS pulsating DC components.


Type F - Equipment with frequency controlled speed drives RCD can detect & respons as for type A, PLUS high frequency residual current.


Type B - Electric vehicle chargers, PV supplies.

• 
  RCD can detect & respond for type F, PLUS smooth DC residual current.

 

[Charlie_]

Think the AC only type seem to be getting phased out or it would appear to be so

 

[Spoon]

Type AC - General purpose use, RCD can detect & respond to AC sinusoidal wave only.


Type A - Equipment incorporating electronic components RCD can detect & respond as for type AC, PLUS pulsating DC components.


Type F - Equipment with frequency controlled speed drives RCD can detect & respons as for type A, PLUS high frequency residual current.


Type B - Electric vehicle chargers, PV supplies.

• 
  RCD can detect & respond for type F, PLUS smooth DC residual current.

Thanks for that mate. I think my brain has kicked in a bit now.
So besides solar power and electrical vehicle chargers would there be anything else that would produce DC earth leakage in a domestic setting?

 

[telectrix]

the toilet. DC = Diabolical Crap.

 

[Spoon]

the toilet. DC = Diabolical Crap.

That's just what I post mate...

 

[Midwest]

Washing machines apparently.

 

[ELECNEWT]

Type AC - General purpose use, RCD can detect & respond to AC sinusoidal wave only.


Type A - Equipment incorporating electronic components RCD can detect & respond as for type AC, PLUS pulsating DC components.


Thanks for the heads-up. I don't think I shall encounter DC unless you can furthereducate me for domestic situations.
Regards,
Mike.