Anyone any experience of the Seaward Powertest 1557 ?

Twobins · May 19, 2017

Hi all

I recently finished my domestic installers course and on that used Meggers and Flukes. I'm semi retired and will not be doing much work - maybe some testing and the odd installation. I'll be replacing the consumer unit in my own place shortly. The instructor said the Seaward 1557 might suit me although I haven't had the chance to use one. I don't want to hire a unit as I like to have my own gear and can sell it when I no longer need it.

So for any of you who know, is the Seaward worth going for or should a look for a second hand Megger, Fluke or Kewtech? If the second hand route, any particular models that would be worth going for?

TIA

telectrix · May 19, 2017

i'd go for a 2nd hand megger 1552/3. bombproof and easy to use.

The Ghost · May 19, 2017

My mate uses the seaward and like any other tester its fine. Although we do a lot of testing and it overheats when doing say 30 tests in a row. so you have to wait for it to cool But for a few hundred, its fine. The KT63 I like its got a megnetic back so you can put it on metal CU and see whats going on. Personally I dont like the leads on meggers. Of course its like apple computers and PCs, I think there may be some snobbery with meggers and flukes but then I have used both very little. I think Fluke has a good carry case.

sparkdog · May 19, 2017

I expect it all works fine and has the advantage of being new. Had a seaward PAT tester for years without any problems.

Twobins · May 26, 2017

Thanks for the replies everyone. I can get a one year old Megger MFT1720 with wander lead for £300 - its calibrated until next month. Does this sound like a good deal and is anyone familiar with this model. I used Flukes and the 15 series Megger on my course so am unfamiliar with the 1720.

Stufin135 · May 26, 2017

£300 for an MFT1720 is a good deal providing it all works and comes with the leads (these usually sell new for around £800). Only being calibrated till next month rings alarm bells to me though, they might be getting shot of it as they know it won't pass and will have to spend a lot getting the repairs made.

The 1720 is a popular unit and has only recently been replaced by the 1721.

There is nothing wrong with the Seaward 1557, but it is built to price (£299). This is one we have been recommended to sell more towards apprentices as it has the main functions but is missing features experienced electricians look for in flukes and meggers.

I only sell this stuff so that's all the input I can provide.