GS38 Compliant voltage indicator recomendations.

[r.ali]

Hi all,

Level 3 student here looking to purchase a GS38 complaint voltage indicator and could do with your recommendations please.

I need a voltage indicator for safe isolation that is GS38 compliant so it can be used for safe isolation procedure and used on NICEIC competent person assessment etc.

Looking for something compliant, reliable and durable with continuity testing too that wont break the bank.

I've had a look at some Flukes but my understanding is that these are not GS38 compliant straight outa the box unless probe tips are purchased for them, also am I correct in thinking that the Flukes will also trip the RCD unless a specific testing procedure is followed? For these reasons I have counted out the Fluke but please correct me if I am wrong.

I'm looking at purchasing the Martindale VT28, which on paper so far looks to fit the bill and at £54 suits my budget. For the money seems like decent feature set. The features are as follows:

• 4 digit LCD display
• Voltage Range: 12 - 690V AC / DC
• LED Indication: +/- 12, 24, 50, 120, 230, 400, 690V
• Single Pole Phase Test: 90 - 6390V
• Phase Rotation Test: 100 - 690V
• Continuity Range: 0 - 500kΩ
• GS38 Caps: Removable
• Standards & Regulations: BS EN61243-3 2010
• Overvoltage Category: CAT IV 600V, CAT III 690V
• Cable Length: 1.2m
• IP Protection: 64
• Auto Power Off
• Torch Light: White LED
• Power Supply: 1.5V AAA x 2
• Dimensions: 258 x 73 x 23mm
• Weight: 180g (with batteries)

Can anyone vouch for this tester, any reviews, advantages / disadvantages or anything else to watch out for?

All suggestions and general advice as-well as other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance all.

 

[Wilko]

Hi RA - it's good to get one you're confident with. I've been using KT1790 the last few years and I'm still here. It's got a dinky light and a voltmeter built in (looky there - it's 247V, good thing I didn't touch it, ha ha). Paid an extra £20 for that
Kewtech KT1790 Voltage Detector - https://www.test-meter.co.uk/kewtech-kt1790-voltage-tester/

 

[Grant webber]

Megger TPT 320 had mine for years now been through the wars and never missed a beat

 

[Pete999]

Hi all,

Level 3 student here looking to purchase a GS38 complaint voltage indicator and could do with your recommendations please.

I need a voltage indicator for safe isolation that is GS38 compliant so it can be used for safe isolation procedure and used on NICEIC competent person assessment etc.

Looking for something compliant, reliable and durable with continuity testing too that wont break the bank.

I've had a look at some Flukes but my understanding is that these are not GS38 compliant straight outa the box unless probe tips are purchased for them, also am I correct in thinking that the Flukes will also trip the RCD unless a specific testing procedure is followed? For these reasons I have counted out the Fluke but please correct me if I am wrong.

I'm looking at purchasing the Martindale VT28, which on paper so far looks to fit the bill and at £54 suits my budget. For the money seems like decent feature set. The features are as follows:

• 4 digit LCD display
• Voltage Range: 12 - 690V AC / DC
• LED Indication: +/- 12, 24, 50, 120, 230, 400, 690V
• Single Pole Phase Test: 90 - 6390V
• Phase Rotation Test: 100 - 690V
• Continuity Range: 0 - 500kΩ
• GS38 Caps: Removable
• Standards & Regulations: BS EN61243-3 2010
• Overvoltage Category: CAT IV 600V, CAT III 690V
• Cable Length: 1.2m
• IP Protection: 64
• Auto Power Off
• Torch Light: White LED
• Power Supply: 1.5V AAA x 2
• Dimensions: 258 x 73 x 23mm
• Weight: 180g (with batteries)

Can anyone vouch for this tester, any reviews, advantages / disadvantages or anything else to watch out for?

All suggestions and general advice as-well as other recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance all.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DRUMMOND-M...537791802&sr=8-3&keywords=drummond+test+lamps
Plus a proving unit of course

 

[Midwest]

I bought a Fluke T110, thats GS38 compliant tester, the tips are in the module that stops you stabbing yourself (must fit them one of these days). Its about £50 now days.

I also bought a Fluke case to keep nice & safe in.

I did have a Di-Log before that, but it only lasted a few years, before the leads became detached from the body. Whatever one you get, make sure that bit is quite robust, as it seems one of the achilles heal for all these testers.

 

[SparkyChick]

I've had a look at some Flukes but my understanding is that these are not GS38 compliant straight outa the box unless probe tips are purchased for them, also am I correct in thinking that the Flukes will also trip the RCD unless a specific testing procedure is followed? For these reasons I have counted out the Fluke but please correct me if I am wrong.

You are wrong

I have a Fluke T150... it is GS38 compliant as it comes with probe shrouds that can be removed (like the Martindale). It can trip RCDs, when I want it to... by probing between line and earth and pressing a button on each probe that drops it's impedance such that around 30mA will flow through it.

It's not exactly been mistreated, but it's been dropped several times, walked on and used quite alot and it's all good. Over 2 years old.

Would I buy another one? Absolutely.

 

[haptism]

I bought a Fluke T110, thats GS38 compliant tester, the tips are in the module that stops you stabbing yourself (must fit them one of these days). Its about £50 now days.

I also bought a Fluke case to keep nice & safe in.

I did have a Di-Log before that, but it only lasted a few years, before the leads became detached from the body. Whatever one you get, make sure that bit is quite robust, as it seems one of the achilles heal for all these testers.

Midwest, does the T110 trip rcd's, I know some of them do. Im after a tester also

 

[oracle]

Voltage indicators have one job, indicating voltage The standard for 2 pole voltage indicators is BS EN 61243-3:2010 and came in force May 2013.

In June 2015 a revised edition of Guidance note GS38 was published which requires voltage indicators to be built to this standard. Edition 4 of GS38 also includes advice on how to use proper selection and maintenance of test equipment.

Whatever you buy, make sure it meets this standard

 

[Midwest]

Midwest, does the T110 trip rcd's, I know some of them do. Im after a tester also

I've used it for over two years now, its never tripped an RCD yet. I believe there is a function to test RCD's, perhaps there's some confusion there. Have a read of the manual;
http://www.free-instruction-manuals.com/pdf/pa_1424110.pdf

 

[Andy78]

I have a T110. The RCD trip function has never worked. Now neither does the continuity or self test functions. There are recognised problems with the T series from Fluke. Steer clear.

 

[Pete999]

I have a T110. The RCD trip function has never worked. Now neither does the continuity or self test functions. There are recognised problems with the T series from Fluke. Steer clear.

The thing I don't understand, is why would anyone want to buy a voltage indicator that does all you need one for is to measure if there is a voltage present or not, RCD function, why? when you have a function on your MFT for that purpose, continuity, why when your low resistance ohm meter does that as well, just saying, awaiting a backlash from members, who revel in these testers.

 

[telectrix]

Absolutely. . one of these will comply. i have one myself.

 

[oracle]

Hey Pete! Here's my cheap, cheerful rugged, British made voltage indicator. Batteries neither included nor required. It does what it says. Detects voltage.

 

[SparkyChick]

The thing I don't understand, is why would anyone want to buy a voltage indicator that does all you need one for is to measure if there is a voltage present or not, RCD function, why? when you have a function on your MFT for that purpose, continuity, why when your low resistance ohm meter does that as well, just saying, awaiting a backlash from members, who revel in these testers.

RCD function... in a board that isn't marked up, you can check for voltage, trip the board, check again and then go and lock off... all without moving It's a limited test function in that all it does is attempts to trip and RCD with a 30mA current. This function can also serve you when suddenly you get a voltage present you weren't expecting... say 50v neutral-earth.... you can apply the low impedance mode... if the voltage disappears it's a good chance it's a phantom voltage from inductive/capacitive coupling.

Continuity is useful for buzzing out circuits and testing fuses, bulbs, operation of switches etc. without the need to break out the big guns.

The other functions are useful as well, like voltage indication and phase rotation.

It's no replacement for an MFT (or separate dedicated instruments) but it can be a useful piece of kit for fault finding.

 

[Pete999]

Absolutely. . one of these will comply. i have one myself.

Bugger Tel were on earth did you get that jobby ? I still have my intrinsically safe one, and no it aint for sale.

 

[r.ali]

Thanks for all the responses so far, as expected a wide range of opinions, suggestions and personal experiences. Some of which are contradictory too.

So just to confirm do the Fluke indicators trip RCD's un-intentionally when you don't want it to trip or do you have to press a button for the RCD trip function to operate? Also are the Flukes GS38 compliant out of the box or do they require caps for probe tips to be purchased separately to make them compliant? The websites I have looked at dont seem to mention GS38 compliance for the Flukes wheres as they do for others hence why I ask this.

Finally anyone else have any problems with the Fluke as Andy78 has mentioned?

I have a T110. The RCD trip function has never worked. Now neither does the continuity or self test functions. There are recognised problems with the T series from Fluke. Steer clear.

 

[Andy78]

The thing I don't understand, is why would anyone want to buy a voltage indicator that does all you need one for is to measure if there is a voltage present or not, RCD function, why? when you have a function on your MFT for that purpose, continuity, why when your low resistance ohm meter does that as well, just saying, awaiting a backlash from members, who revel in these testers.

I didn't get it for the RCD function at all, just noticed it never worked. I personally don't see the point either.
Continuity on my voltage indicator can be very helpful when quickly tracing circuits or fault finding. I don't use it for continuity readings, just a beep to confirm continuity.

MFT comes out for all proper testing of course

 

[SparkyChick]

Also are the Flukes GS38 compliant out of the box or do they require caps for probe tips to be purchased separately to make them compliant? The websites I have looked at dont seem to mention GS38 compliance for the Flukes wheres as they do for others hence why I ask this.

I have a Fluke T150... it is GS38 compliant as it comes with probe shrouds that can be removed (like the Martindale).

So just to confirm do the Fluke indicators trip RCD's un-intentionally when you don't want it to trip or do you have to press a button for the RCD trip function to operate?

It can trip RCDs, when I want it to... by probing between line and earth and pressing a button on each probe that drops it's impedance such that around 30mA will flow through it.

I have never had it trip an RCD unintentionally. If you look at the specification sheet for it under normal conditions (i.e. without the trip buttons pressed) it's impedance is way too high for a current of sufficient magnitude to flow through it.

As for the reliability, Andy isn't the first person I know of who has had an issue with it, but my own personal experience of it is entirely positive and I would buy another if mine were to expire.

 

[Pete999]

RCD function... in a board that isn't marked up, you can check for voltage, trip the board, check again and then go and lock off... all without moving It's a limited test function in that all it does is attempts to trip and RCD with a 30mA current. This function can also serve you when suddenly you get a voltage present you weren't expecting... say 50v neutral-earth.... you can apply the low impedance mode... if the voltage disappears it's a good chance it's a phantom voltage from inductive/capacitive coupling.

Continuity is useful for buzzing out circuits and testing fuses, bulbs, operation of switches etc. without the need to break out the big guns.

The other functions are useful as well, like voltage indication and phase rotation.

It's no replacement for an MFT (or separate dedicated instruments) but it can be a useful piece of kit for fault finding.

Thanks for all the res-ponders

 

[r.ali]

The main purpose of this for me as mentioned in original post is for safe isolation. Continuity confirmation will be nice to trace out circuits quickly / simple fault finding as Andy mentions.

Given the above, I don't know if I can justify the cost of the T150 fluke though.

Looking for something reliable and durable.

 

[Midwest]

I have a T110. The RCD trip function has never worked. Now neither does the continuity or self test functions. There are recognised problems with the T series from Fluke. Steer clear.

Mines ok, trusty little device; wouldn't use the RCD function, got an MFT for that. Continuity works fine, for what it is, the only self test function I use, is the safe isolation procedure. Its a VOLTAGE TESTER

Ignore what ^^^^ he said IMO

PS, again I state, in the few years I have had it, it has never ever, not once, not even in blue moon, not in a million years tripped an RCD, when testing for voltage, i.e. is something safely isolated.

 

[telectrix]

had it for years mate. little filament bulb glows, the higher the volts, the brighter. if the bulb has failed, a neon lights up instead.

 

[Midwest]

The main purpose of this for me as mentioned in original post is for safe isolation. Continuity confirmation will be nice to trace out circuits quickly / simple fault finding as Andy mentions.

Given the above, I don't know if I can justify the cost of the T150 fluke though.

Looking for something reliable and durable.

Why do you want the T150?

 

[Adam W]

I also have the T110. It's good. Yes it's primarily a voltage tester, but you can also remotely 'isolate' a circuit by intentionally tripping an RCD by holding down both buttons while testing between live and CPC (I realise it should also be locked off so let us assume the switch room is locked). You can then use it to test for dead before carrying out work, which when you need it is a handy function you never realised would be useful.

It also has a torch built in; again, can be useful although you don't have to use it if you don't want to.

GS38 tips are included.

It tests continuity in the absence of PD; my only complaint would be that it's very sensitive to the point it will register the continuity across your body and in that respect I would pay the extra for the T150, which displays a measurement, if they hadn't recalled them.

 

[r.ali]

Why do you want the T150?

I don't, I'm just counting it out.

Seems like a well regarded piece of kit amongst forum members.

 

[Midwest]

I don't, I'm just counting it out.

Seems like a well regarded piece of kit amongst forum members.

Fluke stuff is some good kit. But you'll need loads of other stuff. So don't go mad

 

[PEG]

Mostly covered already,but the extra functions available,may not have anything to do with GS,BS and other...but make the tester useful in situations not related to safe isolation and proving.

Functions such as DC and "touch grounding",allow more tasks to be tackled,which in turn,justifies the cost and also,encourages use and confidence,making it an altogether more reliable tool,for it's most important role.

The plank which you use as a seat,a ramp and a diving board...is the one you would be happier to use crossing a chasm full of crocodiles...

 

[Rpa07]

All day long @oracle - I’ve got 2 of them plus a cyclim (like Tel showed) and a socket and see voltage indicator.
One job - ‘can I touch it, can I mess with it safely?’

View attachment 44449 Hey Pete! Here's my cheap, cheerful rugged, British made voltage indicator. Batteries neither included nor required. It does what it says. Detects voltage.

 

[happysteve]

I like my Martindale. I've got a Dilog jobbie that does continuity and displays the voltage, also a Megger one I won in a competition that has a button for tripping RCDs. I always go back to my Martindale, though: mostly because it doesn't beep, or chirp, or annoy me, it just has 4 lights to indicate the approximate voltage (3 for 230V, 4 for 400V) and a couple more to indicate AC or DC. Probe tips are either completely shrouded ("push to test") or you can pull back the shroud, rotate by 90 degrees, then they are about 2mm exposed.

 

[Rpa07]

Do you hang yours around your neck like a doctor with a stethoscope @happysteve or is it just me (Dr Me!)

 

[happysteve]

Do you hang yours around your neck like a doctor with a stethoscope @happysteve or is it just me (Dr Me!)

Ha! Actually, yes I do!

 

[PEG]

Ha! Actually, yes I do!

Why would a spark need to pretend to be a doctor? ....booked weeks in advance...knowing stare,as the bad news is delivered...illegible writing...you're already there...

 

[oracle]

Why would a doctor need to pretend to be a spark?. ..... Bound by legislation,...... buried in paperwork,...... Needing the patient (sic) of a Saint .

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I have had my Fluke T2 for 15/16 years which didn’t cost me anything.
Not sure if it’s GS38 compliant?
Does ELV down to 6V and can test continuity.
Also have a couple of Fluke Volt sticks, one with a button and one without.
Prefer the Fluke Volt sticks to other makes.

 

[SparkyChick]

Since there is a belief the T150 has been the subject of a recall by Fluke, I emailed them yesterday. This is their response...

Thank you for your email.

I can confirm that the T150 is not included in any safety recalls currently and we are working through the backlog to clear all outstanding orders, this may take 2-3 months.

As you may know, we have worked through design improvement cycles of the TPOLE testers in an effort to continuously improve product reliability, including cable construction and optimization of the strain relief on both the main body and probe end cable connections. Recently, we have received additional feedback from the field regarding the TPOLE testers that suggests additional improvements could be made. Therefore, we decided to stop shipping this product family until improvements were made. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and want to reaffirm our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

So, no safety recall, but product improvements. Good on Fluke

 

[Andy78]

Since there is a belief the T150 has been the subject of a recall by Fluke, I emailed them yesterday. This is their response...



So, no safety recall, but product improvements. Good on Fluke

Not sure I agree with "Good on them"

That basically says that there are known defects in the product family but they are not recalling them as they can get away with not doing so. But if you have one there is a good chance it may not work soon.

 

[r.ali]

Not sure I agree with "Good on them"

That basically says that there are known defects in the product family but they are not recalling them as they can get away with not doing so. But if you have one there is a good chance it may not work soon.

Hmmm, I was just about to purchase a Fluke but not sure what to make of that email, having second thoughts now.

 

[Midwest]

Well me Fluke is good for me

 

[telectrix]

Fluke T3. had mine for 20 years .never failed.

 

[Rpa07]

Bend over, cough and I’ll tell you!

Why would a spark need to pretend to be a doctor? ....booked weeks in advance...knowing stare,as the bad news is delivered...illegible writing...you're already there...