Recommendations for voltage tester with proving unit

[Cooper_day]

Hi everyone,

Which proving unit kit would you recommend? Obviously would be better to don't spend a fortune. Kewtech, Megger, Fluke o Martindale?

Thanks

 

[Dustydazzler]

You can’t go wrong with any of the big brands , do check on eBay for special offers.

 

[Pete999]

Hi everyone,

Which proving unit kit would you recommend? Obviously would be better to don't spend a fortune. Kewtech, Megger, Fluke o Martindale?

Thanks

John Drummond are the best I have used

 

[pc1966]

It is a matter of preference, but I prefer the ones that are only a voltage tester and don't squeal lightly differently on continuity.

The number of times I have been checking N-E and jumped thinking "it still live!" only to realise it is the squeal and LED for continuity, not the other squeal and row of LEDs for voltage. Added advantage is no battery to look after (or ignore and find it has corroded the unit making the proving using even more essential).

So if you can afford it the Drummond as @Pete999 says, or going cheaper maybe the TIS819 or Di-Log DL6770 ?

 

[pc1966]

Not sure if the OP is more interested in the proving unit?

I got this one and it has been fine, so far needs new battery set after about 9 months though (probably typical for such units, but not enough experience here to judge others):

4299 Proving Unit

Intelligent voltage ramp testing for voltage indicators and multimeters

www.cef.co.uk

The unit's LEDs go to 400V but it has a final step to 690V. Switches on when you push the probes in to the test sockets, but you can manually start it if checking a non-contact tester.

If you have a non-contact tester then remember it only should be used for guessing where live wires run, never for proving dead.

 

[Dustydazzler]

It is a matter of preference, but I prefer the ones that are only a voltage tester and don't squeal lightly differently on continuity.

The number of times I have been checking N-E and jumped thinking "it still live!" only to realise it is the squeal and LED for continuity, not the other squeal and row of LEDs for voltage. Added advantage is no battery to look after (or ignore and find it has corroded the unit making the proving using even more essential).

So if you can afford it the Drummond as @Pete999 says, or going cheaper maybe the TIS819 or Di-Log DL6770 ?

1000% this , can’t stand annoying buzzing / shreaking

if I wanted something to shreak while testing voltage I would get my wife to lick her fingers and touch the live terminal

 

[Cooper_day]

It is a matter of preference, but I prefer the ones that are only a voltage tester and don't squeal lightly differently on continuity.

The number of times I have been checking N-E and jumped thinking "it still live!" only to realise it is the squeal and LED for continuity, not the other squeal and row of LEDs for voltage. Added advantage is no battery to look after (or ignore and find it has corroded the unit making the proving using even more essential).

So if you can afford it the Drummond as @Pete999 says, or going cheaper maybe the TIS819 or Di-Log DL6770 ?

Good point. I have been using multimeters from long time but once here in UK I started to see those type of equipment. Very different.

 

[Cooper_day]

Not sure if the OP is more interested in the proving unit?

I got this one and it has been fine, so far needs new battery set after about 9 months though (probably typical for such units, but not enough experience here to judge others):

4299 Proving Unit

Intelligent voltage ramp testing for voltage indicators and multimeters

www.cef.co.uk

The unit's LEDs go to 400V but it has a final step to 690V. Switches on when you push the probes in to the test sockets, but you can manually start it if checking a non-contact tester.

If you have a non-contact tester then remember it only should be used for guessing where live wires run, never for proving dead.

Agree. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Dustydazzler]

I must say my go to is my fluke 1000 meter is my go to , it lives in my tool box.

my proving dead unit and Martindale tester rarely see the light of day

 

[7029 dave]

I have the MTL10 drummond

 

[Lister1987]

Kewtech Kewprove 3 and a Martindale VT12 for me. Modified the Kewprove so it'll stick to a metal enclosure, saving a bit of faffing

 

[pirate]

I have a Megger one, MPU690 and it seems a decent piece of kit, and has magnetic base.
As previously stated, you need to shop around and get a deal as the prices seem to vary quite a bit.

 

[pc1966]

Good point. I have been using multimeters from long time but once here in UK I started to see those type of equipment. Very different.

Multimeters are frowned upon for this job for various reasons. One is they have a very high impedance (typically 10Mohm) so tend to read "phantom voltage" from capacitive coupling to other energised circuits, whereas the light/LED style take several milliamp so don't show this (in most cases).

But more fundamentally it is the number of ways you can go wrong (using DC volts, or amps/ohms and blowing the meter fuse, having an arc-flash if unfused amps, etc) with possibly fatal results! Hence the idea that a voltage tester should be simple and unambiguous.

 

[Mike Johnson]

But more fundamentally it is the number of ways you can go wrong (using DC volts, or amps/ohms and blowing the meter fuse, having an arc-flash if unfused amps, etc) with possibly fatal results! Hence the idea that a voltage tester should be simple and unambiguous.

The Testo 700 series have gone a long way to prevent most of that, being self ranging and will indicate "No Lead" if volts or amps are not selected correctly: Testo 0590 7603 760-3 Digital Multimeter

 

[Cooper_day]

The Testo 700 series have gone a long way to prevent most of that, being self ranging and will indicate "No Lead" if volts or amps are not selected correctly: Testo 0590 7603 760-3 Digital Multimeter

Looks a nice piece of kit. Which proving unit are you using for this multimeter?

 

[Cooper_day]

Agree. I don't like if they are noising, buzzing when they detect the voltage. I have always been used multimeters(I was electrician in a different country)and when I came here I start to see those type of tester. Surely, I prefer when it gives you the reading without screaming!

 

[pc1966]

If I was buying a new basic multimeter I think I would go for the slightly cheaper Testo 760-2 as best value for money. But I already have access to at least 4 multimeters, a bench DMM, MFT, & Megger IR tester!

Still considering getting a silent voltage tester for the future, just now it is not used that often to justify another as it works perfectly (if annoyingly)

 

[Cooper_day]

If I was buying a new basic multimeter I think I would go for the slightly cheaper Testo 760-2 as best value for money. But I already have access to at least 4 multimeters, a bench DMM, MFT, & Megger IR tester!

Still considering getting a silent voltage tester for the future, just now it is not used that often to justify another as it works perfectly (if annoyingly)

Buying a basic multimeter can be a solution for a DYI Sunday's spark. However the options seems like to be those two:

Megger Safe Isolation Kit

Megger Safe Isolation Kit The Megger TPT420 and MPU690 Voltage Detection Kit is ideal for proving that an installation is dead before safe isolation procedures. Megger TPT420 AC/DC Voltage Tester The Megger TPT420 Two-Pole Voltage Tester can measure AC voltage between 12 to 1000 V and DC voltage...

www.test-meter.co.uk

Kewtech KEWISO3 Safety Isolation Kit - Voltage Tester, Proving Unit, MCB Lockout & Case

Ultimate solution for safety isolation procedures The KEWLOK padlock small size fits perfectly in pockets or tool kits KEWPROVE 3 works directly with the KT1795

www.tester.co.uk

Also, reading people that have never used a proving unit on the job, seen only on classroom. This is quite popular out there!

 

[nicebutdim]

Still considering getting a silent voltage tester for the future, just now it is not used that often to justify another as it works perfectly (if annoyingly)

Not sure if I mentioned this before but, knowing that you detest noisy voltage testers, it's worth pointing out that all in the Fluke range can be silenced at the press of a button.

 

[pc1966]

Not sure if I mentioned this before but, knowing that you detest noisy voltage testers, it's worth pointing out that all in the Fluke range can be silenced at the press of a button.

That is good to know.

But I think I would prefer a combination of a basic reliable no-battery tester (ideally a Drummond) and a CAT-III/IV rated multimeter that can be used for all other general purpose testing.

 

[pirate]

I'm very happy with my Fluke T150, (I keep the continuity buzzer "on") and the aforementioned Megger MPU690. I try to discipline myself to prove dead "properly", especially as I get older...I just feel the need for a "ritual". It doesn't matter that it might be "slow" as I am never in a hurry and don't have to rush.
In my younger days the neon screwdriver was all I used, and the non-contact tester was a step forward! I was always cautious, and a bathroom light switched on the neutral made me aware of the inherent, lurking dangers...that was 30 years ago, and I've never forgotten it.

 

[nicebutdim]

I'm very happy with my Fluke T150, (I keep the continuity buzzer "on") and the aforementioned Megger MPU690. I try to discipline myself to prove dead "properly", especially as I get older...I just feel the need for a "ritual". It doesn't matter that it might be "slow" as I am never in a hurry and don't have to rush.
In my younger days the neon screwdriver was all I used, and the non-contact tester was a step forward! I was always cautious, and a bathroom light switched on the neutral made me aware of the inherent, lurking dangers...that was 30 years ago, and I've never forgotten it.

I use a T90 as it does everything I currently need, but keep toying with the idea of taking a T150 from stock. Growing up it always fell on me to fix appliances/electrical issues around the home and proving dead was an alien concept, unless you really weren't certain about isolation of a particular circuit - on those occasions I'd dig out my father's trusty (but unused) 'phase tester' and grit my teeth.

Of late I've disciplined myself into proving dead, but any electrical work I do is on installations that I know inside out and find that old habits die hard. It's high time I redoubled my efforts to carry out this very basic check, given my intended change of career.


Speaking of old habits, I just had a flashback to my first driving lesson and the instructor's reaction when instinct placed my hand on the handbrake as we approached the first corner ?