MFT for Solar PV Commissioning

Harry WR · Friday at 4:05 PM

Hello

I am a self employed electrician, My background is heavy industrial electrical maintenance mostly on power stations and wind turbines. However I am now transitioning into installation and have been cracking off my qualifications for installation to become eligible for a competent person scheme which I have almost achieved (2391 ongoing).

I have experience with dedicated testers such as Megger IR testers, Fluke multimeter, current clamps, Sverker injection testers and ductors however having a MFT is new to me.

I will mainly be installing Solar PV and battery storage. I have no interest in performing EICR after completing my 2391. Which MFT would you recommend for commissioning these systems once installed?

Would it be worth spending the extra money on something such as a MFT-X1 if most of the features will not be used?

What are your thoughts? All replies and guidance is appreciated

westward10 · Friday at 5:20 PM

If you are testing the panels you get dedicated testers for continuity, IR, short circuit, voltage and irradiance.

Harry WR · Friday at 6:42 PM

westward10 said:
If you are testing the panels you get dedicated testers for continuity, IR, short circuit, voltage and irradiance.

So in your opinion would I be wasting my money buying a MFT for my 2391 with the intention of then using it for the solar business?

Better to buy tasks specific testers?

westward10 · Friday at 7:41 PM

Are you going to be testing for Electrical Installation Certificates as part of the solar?

Harry WR · Friday at 7:42 PM

westward10 said:
Are you going to be testing for Electrical Installation Certificates as part of the solar?

Yes, I will be testing and signing off the work, issuing EIC

DefyG · Saturday at 2:36 PM

Harry WR said:
Yes, I will be testing and signing off the work, issuing EIC

Then you'll also need RCD and Earth Loop testers too.

Harry WR · Saturday at 4:18 PM

DefyG said:
Then you'll also need RCD and Earth Loop testers too.

Certain MFT offer those features, just wondering if it worth spending the extra money for an all in one. Makes sense if I would have to buy those testers anyway.

westward10 · Saturday at 5:06 PM

All MFTs offer those functions unless we are at cross purposes.

DefyG · Saturday at 5:22 PM

It may work out more cost effective to buy a MFT if you haven't already got instruments that carry out the tests required for an EIC? than buy separate Earth Loop and RCD testers as you already have a continuity/IR tester you said!