What multi function test meter?

[Kathir.Sris]

Hi all,
I am attending a Competence in Testing course and that course requires for me to take my own test equipment. Can anyone kindly recommend a reasonably priced multi-function test meter that meets all the tests for 17th edition please?

Many Thanks

 

[SparkyChick]

Depends on what you consider 'reasonably priced'.

I have a Megger MFT1731 it's more than ample.

 

[Pete999]

Kathir, doesn't your company own a Multi Function tester? as they are not cheap about £500 : and upwards, what course are you taking? Surely your company must have one being an Electrical Services company.

 

[Octopus]

Don't skimp .... buy cheaply, buy twice ... buy wisely, buy once....

 

[Kathir.Sris]

Hello Pete, The Company was registered only a month ago as a new starter and just building up slowly. I am just in the process of registering with one of the organisation that provides Electrical competent Person Scheme, I am attending "Competence in the installation and testing of Electrotechnical systems" recommended by this organisation.

 

[Richard Burns]

It depends on what tests you will need to do.
The cheapest tester from the forum sponsor test-meter.co.uk is the Seaward Powertest 1557 Part P Tester at £299+vat but it does not do phase rotation or RCD ramp tests.
The next one is Metrel MI3125 Eurotest Combo Lite at £329+vat that does most of the tests you are likely to need.
However it depends if you want a long term tester or just one for the assessment.
If this is a one off and you are planning on getting a quality tester later then it might be more economical to hire one for a week.

 

[Kathir.Sris]

As Murdoch wrote yes I want to buy a good one. My budget for all the test equipment is around £750.

 

[Pete999]

Hello Pete, The Company was registered only a month ago as a new starter and just building up slowly. I am just in the process of registering with one of the organisation that provides Electrical competent Person Scheme, I am attending "Competence in the installation and testing of Electrotechnical systems" recommended by this organisation.

Thanks Mate, just out of interest how long does this course run for? I only ask because I suppose it boils down to what sort of work you intend to focus on once you are up and running. Any how good luck, hope it works out for you.

 

[Kathir.Sris]

I am looking for a long term one.

 

[Kathir.Sris]

The course runs for 5 days

 

[Pete999]

The course runs for 5 days

Does it carry a industry recognizable qualification? City and Guilds

 

[Kathir.Sris]

Thank you Pete

 

[Kathir.Sris]

Pete, It's a C&G Accredited course.

 

[mydigitalhome]

I purchased a Fluke 1664FC in November and still enjoy taking it out of its yellow box. Plus love the features and auto test not cheap but what a joy to use.

 

[Kathir.Sris]

Richard, As I want one for a long term use and I want to invest in a good one.
I looked at the Metrel MI3125 Eurotest Combo Lite and also Metrel MI3100SE Eurotest Easi. Any suggestion?

 

[Pete999]

Pete, It's a C&G Accredited course.

I'm glad Kathir I thought you were doing one of those Mickey Mouse jobs with no cert at the end good luck with that as well

 

[Kathir.Sris]

Pete, I already have Level 4 equal of C& G qualification and 17th edition C&G certificate. I have several years Electrical Engineering, Tel Com and IT infrastructure Engineering experience. Now want to come out of the stressful environment and go back to electrical work :0

 

[Kathir.Sris]

In another word preparing for an early retirement

 

[Bob Geldoff1234]

I use a Di-Log 9083P and its been very good.
There's a second hand one on Ebay at the moment.
Di-Log 9083P 17th Edition Multifunction Tester | eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Di-Log-9083P-17th-Edition-Multifunction-Tester-/162448379490?hash=item25d2ad8e62:g:jhsAAOSwA3dYhzyB

 

[Leesparkykent]

In another word preparing for an early retirement

At the top end of your budget I would take a look at the Kewtech KT65 DL. Does everything you need plus more and a good quality, simple tester to use.

Kewtech KT65 DL Multifunction Tester with Free Accessories - https://www.test-meter.co.uk/kewtech-kt65dl-with-free-accessories/

 

[Wilko]

I've got the kt65 and would recommend it.

 

[The Ghost]

You could hire one and see if you like it. I would say don't get a metrel. The leads are very non standard so any probs you have to replace the whole lead kit. I had a go with one of the top of the range ones and it is complex, unnescesarily so. I like simplicity with MFTs'

 

[Leesparkykent]

You could hire one and see if you like it. I would say don't get a metrel. The leads are very non standard so any probs you have to replace the whole lead kit. I had a go with one of the top of the range ones and it is complex, unnescesarily so. I like simplicity with MFTs'

I have a Metrel and would never buy one again

 

[Richard Burns]

Everyone will have different opinions on which tester is best, and often the best one is the one with which they are most familiar.
Familiarity can be an advantage as it will speed up testing for you and help you avoid errors in testing.
Simplicity is a good approach as you will be using it often and having to adjust settings needs to be straight forward.
If you search for multifunction tester on this forum then you will find many threads discussing the advantages of different testers, however it comes down to your personal preference (and budget) in the end.
If you list out the tests that you will want to do and the functions that you are hoping to use, e.g. downloading data, bluetooth compatibility and so on and then look for the tester that meets those requirements.
Presumably your budget will also need to cover, multimeters, voltage testers, possibly a proving unit, and depending on your requirements, clamp meters, sound level meters, lux meters, fluorescent tube testers and so on, so it would be a good idea to assess all that your budget needs to cover so that you can then know how much is available for the multifunction tester and work from there.

 

[PEG]

Hi,dude,what MFT had you used before? Sticking to one you are already familiar with,can speed things up.

 

[Kathir.Sris]

I am new to MFT so any MFT I buy I have start from scratch. I take Richard's advise and planning to revise my budget.

 

[Dave OCD]

I like Kewtech gear as well, use a KT63 for most of my testing which is perfectly adequate.

 

[ElSteenio]

Agree with the Kewtech KT65DL, bought it a couple of months ago and it is straightforward to use and a good long term investment

 

[steamboatwilly]

Each to their own and everyone will have their own opinion...HOWEVER, the advice above about buying a good one and sticking with it is sound. I've had my Megger MFT for a few years now and it has never let me down. Not worth going cheap just to save a few quid and then regretting it until you can afford a replacement. Megger or Fluke for me. I used the Kewtech on a course a few years back and found it easy to understand (from scratch) but I don't think the build quality is as good ...