[RE-wrenches] Insulation testing

[David Palumbo]

I'd like to see if we can complete the thread on insulation testers
(Meggers). Below is a copy of Bill Brooks last posting on this subject from
several weeks ago. 

 

Bill says the keys are to use the tester and in "performing the tests
properly and safely which requires test procedures". What are the proper
testing procedures? We have a Fluke 1503 and the information that came with
it is not very helpful in setting up a testing procedure. The DVD that came
with it is more of a sales tool on why you should have the tool. We already
have the tool. We want to know how to use the tool. Can anybody give advice
on this?

 

 

<< I bought two insulation testers (Megger is a brand name) in April. A used

Fluke 1520 off Ebay for $275 and a new inexpensive (cheap) insulation tester

on Amazon (Electronic Specialties 550 Insulation Tester for $162). Both work

fine. The Fluke has better accuracy that I need for very specialized "field

wet resistance testing" (FWRT). However, the cheap tester works great for

finding faults in conductors and severe faults in modules. 

 

I bought both to determine if a cheap meter would work and the answer is

YES. The key is performing the tests properly and safely which requires test

procedures. The other key to actually use the tester. Several people own

these devices, but never use them. They should be used on every installation

after the wire is installed to determine if any wire damage is visible to

the tester. Even though this will not solve all field mistakes, it will

catch the marginal problems that may be too small to be detected by the GFP

circuit in the inverter.

 

Bill. >>

 

 

David Palumbo

President, Independent Power LLC

462 Solar Way Drive, Hyde Park, VT 05655

NABCEP Certified

www.independentpowerllc.com 

(802) 888-7194

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20090914/8b2e48eb/attachment-0002.html>