Please, need advice on what testing equipment I should be looking at...

[sparky1983]

Hello all, I'm fairly new to the trade (a 2nd year apprentice) and am not sure what testing equipment I should aim to purchase next, over others.

After having looked at my colleagues' kit and what they use, I decided to buy a Fluke T100 Voltage/Continuity Tester, Fluke 1AC II VoltAlert Voltstick and a SOK32 Socket Tester.

However, I am keen to find out what new starters generally purchase after these basic testers.

At my firm I've been involved in looking at how my colleagues do testing, but it has been like trying to understand a foreign language, and to be frank I don't learn enough at work imho (Obvious time constraints).

At college, it's the opposite end of the spectrum where I want to push on into applying the science/maths in the workshop and learning how to take measurements confidently. But it's not explained in depth there. Or not enough for me to understand. Or maybe it's a case of 'not yet'.

What I'm trying to get at is that I feel it's a case of me needing to practice in my on time (rigging up and testing circuits in my Dad's shed), and getting the relevant testing equipment.

So that's it bascially. Considering that I have a basic Voltage/Continuity tester, Voltstick and a decent Socket tester what products should be next on my list?

A clamp meter, multimeter? Specific Model?

Advice will be much appreciated

 

[WarrenG]

I guess it would really depend on what type of work you plan to do as there are lots of different types of testing equipment available.
However you do seem to have the basics.

If you are looking to test complete installations, then no doubt you will need to purchase either a multifunctional tester or seperate test instruments that will be able to complete the tests, such Insulation, Loop, RCD etc.

There are lots of different manufacturers such as Megger, Fluke, Kewtech, Metrel etc and it really is down to personal preference. Some equipment may be easier or quicker to operate than another and vice versa.

First things first, take a course in electrical testing C&G2391. That will give you an idea of what is involved and what type of equipment you will need to perform the job.

Here is a link for testing equipment sales, which will give you more information about different test instruments and manufacturers.

It is only one of many on the internet, so if you do look to purchase any kit, have a good scout around for cheaper deals.

Manufacturers - Test4Less Tester & Tool Distributor

Good luck

Warren

 

[sparky1983]

Thanks Warren

 

[Green Grass]

Hello all, I'm fairly new to the trade (a 2nd year apprentice) and am not sure what testing equipment I should aim to purchase next, over others.

After having looked at my colleagues' kit and what they use, I decided to buy a Fluke T100 Voltage/Continuity Tester, Fluke 1AC II VoltAlert Voltstick and a SOK32 Socket Tester.

However, I am keen to find out what new starters generally purchase after these basic testers.

At my firm I've been involved in looking at how my colleagues do testing, but it has been like trying to understand a foreign language, and to be frank I don't learn enough at work imho (Obvious time constraints).

At college, it's the opposite end of the spectrum where I want to push on into applying the science/maths in the workshop and learning how to take measurements confidently. But it's not explained in depth there. Or not enough for me to understand. Or maybe it's a case of 'not yet'.

What I'm trying to get at is that I feel it's a case of me needing to practice in my on time (rigging up and testing circuits in my Dad's shed), and getting the relevant testing equipment.

So that's it bascially. Considering that I have a basic Voltage/Continuity tester, Voltstick and a decent Socket tester what products should be next on my list?

A clamp meter, multimeter? Specific Model?

Advice will be much appreciated

you must be making a fortune. i have the basics like you and will not be spending money on anymore testing kit untill i need to do so. I rather save the money go on the lash and pull some chicks on the weekend which starts on a thursday night for me

 

[sparky1983]

I wonder if your reply is actually serious, lol! Not making a fortune, just living at home. My boss has said that I don't need an MFT at the moment, but I'd just prefer to learn how to use one and own it, now rather than later. It's not like I'll be buying an MFT every few months, but I can always defer ****ing my hard earned £££ down the loo No offence, btw.

Good luck for the weekend yeah.

 

[Green Grass]

My boss has said that I don't need an MFT at the moment

take that advice and get a round in down the pub

I can always defer ****ing my hard earned £££ down the loo No offence, btw.

Good luck for the weekend yeah.

we all could but what is the point? how old are you btw?

 

[sparky1983]

Haha, yeah. Out of curiosity, what year of training are you in?

I'm 25 and know the pub's tempting me

 

[Green Grass]

Haha, yeah. Out of curiosity, what year of training are you in?

second.

 

[sparky1983]

Same as me. You work for a JIB of NIC firm? If you mind me asking.

 

[Green Grass]

I'm 25 and know the pub's tempting me

so take the advice and get a round in for your pals

Same as me. You work for a JIB of NIC firm? If you mind me asking.

JIB. the pays ok. i get to go on the lash at least twice a week.

 

[sparky1983]

Sounds good. I'm with small NIC firm. Although, they've agreed to pay me JIB rates so far. You worried about the Credit munch?

 

[Green Grass]

Sounds good. I'm with small NIC firm. Although, they've agreed to pay me JIB rates so far. You worried about the Credit munch?

only if i get the boot. i dont see the point of worrying about it. as long as i can go on the lash few times a week with my pals im not fussed. you?

 

[sparky1983]

Well since I'm 25, if I get made redundant I'm pretty sure no other company will take me on. That's IF my firm didn't take me back when the economy got better. Which I'm hopeful they would. Basically, I'm a little worried, but trying to forget it at the same time.

What are you studying at the moment?

 

[Green Grass]

Well since I'm 25, if I get made redundant I'm pretty sure no other company will take me on. That's IF my firm didn't take me back when the economy got better. Which I'm hopeful they would. Basically, I'm a little worried, but trying to forget it at the same time.

What are you studying at the moment?

im 19 and the older lot on site dont bother with that train of thought

 

[sparky1983]

Sounds like you have a great laugh. If I'm honest with you, I don't get out enough. I left school at 18 and apart from a very short stint at uni, I've been working. I only recently got into the trades game and as my firm is v v small - 1 person my age there and not very talkative, it's not like we have an atmosphere as such. It's pretty bad, but it's work you know. If I had started when I was your age I'd probably be in a JIB firm/ big site atmosphere etc. Probably doing EXACTLY what you lot are up to.

Btw, what has your firm told you about funding for your college since you've turned 19. I'm presuming you went through JTL. If so, as far as I understand your firm will have to pay half of college fees as soon as you hit 19.

 

[Green Grass]

Sounds like you have a great laugh. If I'm honest with you, I don't get out enough. I left school at 18 and apart from a very short stint at uni, I've been working. I only recently got into the trades game and as my firm is v v small - 1 person my age there and not very talkative, it's not like we have an atmosphere as such. It's pretty bad, but it's work you know. If I had started when I was your age I'd probably be in a JIB firm/ big site atmosphere etc. Probably doing EXACTLY what you lot are up to

you must be sitting on a fortune if you have been earning for 7 yrs. your firm sounds dead but what about gettting smashed on the weekend and pulling girls? where do u go

Btw, what has your firm told you about funding for your college since you've turned 19. I'm presuming you went through JTL. If so, as far as I understand your firm will have to pay half of college fees as soon as you hit 19.

as i started when i was 17 near 18 everything is paid by my company. i just turn up half cut and get the work done. result.

 

[sparky1983]

I was working **** / min wage jobs for the most part. Your money never quite gets saved up, lol! And these were jobs where there were hardly any heads my age or nationality (retail/hospitality), if so, they didn't have the dough to go out. Hence, links have DRIED up, and weekends have dried up aswell. You don't even wanna go down the birds route, I'm not the most confident of guys. I've got to get my **** together. Where are you haunts?

 

[montybaber]

Lol

There are some good deals around on the fluke 1651 MFT (or was a month or two ago) its a nice meter and will be good to get comfortable with your testing sooner rather than later

 

[Green Grass]

I was working **** / min wage jobs for the most part. Your money never quite gets saved up, lol! And these were jobs where there were hardly any heads my age or nationality (retail/hospitality), if so, they didn't have the dough to go out. Hence, links have DRIED up, and weekends have dried up aswell. You don't even wanna go down the birds route, I'm not the most confident of guys. I've got to get my **** together. Where are you haunts?

i rather be skint monday morning knowing i had a laugh and a shag on the wkend than save and stay inside. its pay day friday again

Lol

There are some good deals around on the fluke 1651 MFT (or was a month or two ago) its a nice meter and will be good to get comfortable with your testing sooner rather than later

ebay is a good start

 

[sparky1983]

I got some dough now, for sure. But let's say you left school at 18 and all your mates went off to uni, well outside your area, what would you do? To me it's felt like I've been stuck in the mud. For a long time. I'm not one to bowl into a pub and act like I know next man. I know most of them are out of it now, but most are working but never seem to be out, or let me know about it. Haha, maybe they were never party heads in the first place.

I love your confidence though, do they sell it? Lol

 

[Green Grass]

I got some dough now, for sure. But let's say you left school at 18 and all your mates went off to uni, well outside your area, what would you do? To me it's felt like I've been stuck in the mud. For a long time. I'm not one to bowl into a pub and act like I know next man. I know most of them are out of it now, but most are working but never seem to be out, or let me know about it. Haha, maybe they were never party heads in the first place

if you have dough now and want to go on the lash why not get whoever you know out? i couldnt go work monday if i stayed in at the weekend.

 

[sparky1983]

Yeah, should do that.

 

[Green Grass]

Yeah, should do that.

yeah, you should do that. if you want to get out of the mud. its friday and saturday for me this wkend. already planning next week and summer holz.

 

[Devonchris]

Somehow got reading this post from 16 years ago. I'm now fascinated to know if sparky1983 and green grass are still active on here, and how they are now doing? It would be interesting to know if their respective philosophy on life at the time of posting is still the same today, and how their career's are doing now.

 

[davesparks]

Their names are in black so their account has either been deleted or banned

 

[Marvo]

Lol, I'm guessing Green Grass was a wind up account....but saying that we've had some members who are actually pretty close to that