What features are a must have on a multifunction tester?

[nickstig]

Hi all

Im just starting out working part time with an electrician whilst studying for qualifications.

My mentor mentioned that I should keep my eye out for a good second hand tester.

But what features are essential and what are nice to haves?

My mentor mainly works on domestic properties but to complete the NVQ I believe you have to gain experience in commercial and industrial which suits me fine, so I’m after a tester that I can use on the different setups.

I’m in no rush as I’m only just starting out but if I have an idea of what bits I should prioritise I can keep an eye out for the right bit of kit.

Cheers

Nick

 

[telectrix]

megger 1500 series will do it. 1700 series more up to date but cost more.

 

[loz2754]

A multi function tester or MFT, such as the Megger 1552, would be essential. The basic principles of testing apply to all areas of electrical work.

 

[LukeD]

Kewtech 63 is a great tester .

 

[littlespark]

If you a want cheap, get an IR/continuity tester and a separate loop/rcd

 

[Mike Johnson]

If you are going to be doing anything commercial you may need the requirement to test Earth Electrodes, not all MFT's are capable of that test, have a look for something along the lines of the Fluke 1663, but compare to others, most manufactures publish what their MFT's are capable of and compare their models like for like, page 5 for Fluke: https://dam-assets.fluke.com/s3fs-public/166x____umeng0100.pdf

 

[telectrix]

Auto RCD test saves loads of time.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Auto RCD test saves loads of time.

That's where the Apprentice comes in, someone has to be at the board to switch the RCD/RCBO back on, just make sure they know how many times.

 

[nickstig]

Thanks for all the responses, really appreciate them.

Mike, asking for a friend but how many times do you have to switch them back on?

 

[Mike Johnson]

Three, then after the dead tests a forth time to reset the board.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Thought a little explanation may be required on the Fluke MFT 1664 auto test sequence.

1/2 test at 0 then 180 no reset required
1 test at 0 trip, reset, then 180 trip, reset
5 test at 0 trip, reset, then 180, trip, don't reset, carry out dead tests, then reset.

 

[dodger421]

Three, then after the dead tests a forth time to reset the board.

And the fifth time once you’ve operated the test button, after completing the auto tests.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Not part of the auto test sequence, and I do that before I start anything, have I wriggled enough? ?

 

[SparkyChick]

Hi all

Im just starting out working part time with an electrician whilst studying for qualifications.

My mentor mentioned that I should keep my eye out for a good second hand tester.

But what features are essential and what are nice to haves?

My mentor mainly works on domestic properties but to complete the NVQ I believe you have to gain experience in commercial and industrial which suits me fine, so I’m after a tester that I can use on the different setups.

I’m in no rush as I’m only just starting out but if I have an idea of what bits I should prioritise I can keep an eye out for the right bit of kit.

Cheers

Nick

Get yourself a copy of Guidance Note 3. This covers the testing you will be expected to carry out, describes the equipment you need to perform it and goes into depth about when and how to do it. It is in effect the testing bible as far as BS 7671 goes, so get ahead of the game and start reading it early on... gives you a chance to ask relevant questions, and learn ahead of actually being expected to test for real.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Second the above, also get an On site guide, IMO the easiest to understand is from "unite the union" cover says "The Electricians Guide to Inspection and Testing" Based on BS76712018 saying all that the "IET On-site Guide" is a ring bound volume and easier to use as it will not keep closing up on you when referencing anything, unlike the Unite version.