Multimeter

[LankyWill]

After some advice on a mulitmeter, I am moving from a domestic background into more commercial based work. Is there a need for a multimeter in this area? All i have at the moment is a MFT1720 and a Megger TPt210. The works will be anything from new installs to fault finding. I have some horrendous crappy one from screwfix at the moment which i use for alarms but id dare trust it on anything about 12v. I mean whats best for proving dead and two pole voltage detector or a multimeter?

 

[Leesparkykent]

Not a multimeter as you could set it to the wrong setting when proving dead.

 

[davesparks]

My multimeter is a megger avo410 and it's a brilliant little tester. For fault finding installations I use an analogue IR tester (£20 on eBay)
You cannot use a multimeter for safe isolation, you need an approved voltage indicator

 

[amlu]

fluke, industry standard.

 

[davesparks]

fluke, industry standard.

Are they?

 

[ian.settle1]

fluke, industry standard.

Who told you that porky pie

 

[Lucien Nunes]

+1 for Fluke, worth it in the long run. For anything to do with inverters and electronic loads, true RMS is worth having too. In any case look for the overvoltage category of both meter and leads, which governs what parts of an installation it's safe to use on. The AVO 410 is cat IV which is excellent and safe for the origin of typical systems. A lesser meter with only Cat II is not protected for the kind of transients that could occur on heavy circuits.

 

[shanky887614]

Not a multimeter as you could set it to the wrong setting when proving dead.

a decent multimer like a fluke wont blow up unless you put it on +1000v they have safety circuits that will stop it shorting out a circuit to create a spark.


scrowering ebay is a good place to get one i got a fluke 179 for £80 (i had an ebay voucher) they regually go for £100 and they have a 10 year guarantee just on the lcd.

flule multimers put the mft's both there own and most of there competitors to shame

 

[shanky887614]

After some advice on a mulitmeter, I am moving from a domestic background into more commercial based work. Is there a need for a multimeter in this area? All i have at the moment is a MFT1720 and a Megger TPt210. The works will be anything from new installs to fault finding. I have some horrendous crappy one from screwfix at the moment which i use for alarms but id dare trust it on anything about 12v. I mean whats best for proving dead and two pole voltage detector or a multimeter?

a martindale voltage indicator is the best thing to prove dead, no batteries to change and the new ones are unfused as well

make sure your voltage indicator conforms to bs 61243-2

 

[Adam W]

Something like this:
Fluke T90 Voltage & Continuity Tester | LOW prices on Voltage Testers

It's down to personal preference though - most people seem to use the Fluke T5, although it is possible to put that on the wrong setting when proving dead.

 

[shanky887614]

Something like this:
Fluke T90 Voltage & Continuity Tester | LOW prices on Voltage Testers

It's down to personal preference though - most people seem to use the Fluke T5, although it is possible to put that on the wrong setting when proving dead.

i dont trust them, had barely used mine when it stopped working

 

[Dcf]

The fluke 87 range has been the bench mark that multimeters have been measured by for years.cost you though.
i have a fluke 12 that I've had for 25+ years still works fine and has a handy capacitance measurement on it.
rarely use it though.
ive had a megger bmm503 insulation/multimeter since I started on my own 14 years ago which does most functions and has a mv input for 1-1 ratio current adapters etc.
recently relegated and replaced with a megger mit 410 which is its more modern replacement.
ive found little need for a multimeter in commercial work tbh.
save yer cash lanky.

 

[shanky887614]

The fluke 87 range has been the bench mark that multimeters have been measured by for years.cost you though.
i have a fluke 12 that I've had for 25+ years still works fine and has a handy capacitance measurement on it.
rarely use it though.
ive had a megger bmm503 insulation/multimeter since I started on my own 14 years ago which does most functions and has a mv input for 1-1 ratio current adapters etc.
recently relegated and replaced with a megger mit 410 which is its more modern replacement.
ive found little need for a multimeter in commercial work tbh.
save yer cash lanky.

unless he is going into automation for example bms controlled heating, windows etc that they use in comercial.

unlikely that he would though considering his background

 

[Adam W]

I don't see why you'd need a 'multimeter' for domestic, or even commercial installation work. If you're detecting and measuring voltage and resistance you'd use a voltage indicator and/or MFT.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I have a Fluke T3 which I use for voltage detecting. Would have preferred the one with the amp clamp facility, but as freebies go, I,can't complain.
I have two of the Fluke non-contact (magic wands) voltage indicators. One I have had for ages which doesn't have an on/off button, and a new one with an on/off button. I found sometimes, the batteries went dead on the old one, as it would be flashing away in my bag.
I also have a Fluke 78 Automotive multimeter, which I find useful for more than automotive work.
Can measure temperature.
Whether a multimeter is necessary for commercial work, depends on the type of work you carry, or intend to carry out.
I don't believe one is necessary for installation work, and an MFT can be used for fault finding.
If your work involves machinery however, then yes one could be a necessity.

 

[KWCFC]

Worth there weight in gold if your work involves intruder alarms, access control e.t.c. I work for a company that specialises in security and mine gets used everyday

 

[Nuvo]

Fluke T5-1000 Voltage, Continuity & Current Tester | FREE Delivery!

i have this one never had a problem

 

[LankyWill]

I have just bought a martindale two pole tester- the old schools ones with a proving unit. I think i am going to hold off for a while to see if the need for one arises. If i am getting one FLUKE looks like a good bit of kit.