[RE-wrenches] To Megger or not to Megger

[robert ellison]

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/pricelist.htm Has a 1507 for $385.06




On Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 9:55 AM, Matt Lafferty <gilligan06 at gmail.com> wrote:

>  RE: Suggested replacements for Fluke 1520 and "pricey meters"... Good
> News below!
>
> Another Wrench sent me a note off-list last night, asking how much a
> "muggering" would cost. Here's what I sent him:
>
>  When I got that 1520 it was just over $600. I just checked online and find
> that it's a discontinued item... Bummer!
>
> Fluke recommends the 1587 or the 1507 or the 1503. They also mention the
> 1577, but it's an ugly stepsister, or maybe a retarded adopted relative, to
> the 1587.
>
> The 1587 is basically a multimeter that also has a <TEST> button to
> discharge a high voltage shock into the sample under test... It runs about
> $620 from standard distributors.
> http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/Fluke+1587+1577.htm?catalog_name=FlukeUnitedStates
> You can get it for $522 here:
> http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1577_87.htm  NOTE: It
> does not test at 10A in DMM mode which means it wouldn't be able to test
> short-circuit current in strings. Don't bother with the 1577!
>
> The 1507 & 1503 are more robust equipment. You can check them out here:
> http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/features.htm?cs_id=35391(FlukeProducts)&category=HMA(FlukeProducts)
> While they do measure AC & DC Voltages to 600V as well as some lower ohm &
> continuity work, they are really more tailored to being a megger. The 1503
> will suffice for most of what I expect you will get into, but there are some
> features on the 1507 that might make it worth considering. Mind you, I
> haven't looked at at price on either yet, so that last comment may just be
> noises coming out my ass.
>
> The 1507 has a Compare function which basically sets up a Pass/Fail value
> so you can quickly run through repeated tests. This would be useful for
> doing larger systems where you are testing dozens or hundreds of circuits at
> a time. For my purposes, I want my guys to think a little more than "Buzz =
> OK" and I want them to write an actual tested value down on a piece of paper
> so this is not a big plus to me.
>
> The 1507 also does Polarization Index and Absorption Ratios. These are more
> advanced di-electric tests that you are not likely to need in smaller scale
> PV. Use of these features would come into play when playing with real
> high-voltage gear or transformers. Might also come into play on
> super-sensitive equipment. They might also be used to assess older or aging
> underground or overhead feeders.
>
> The 1507 & 1503 both have an Earth Bond Resistance function which is likely
> to become more of an issue in the future. This feature lets you test the
> resistance between a grounding electrode or a grounding electrode conductor
> and actual earth. Another use for this feature would be to set the output to
> 1kV, connect the alligator jaw to one of Mike Gripando's extremities and use
> the probe lead as a tongue depressor while you push <TEST>. This feature
> used to be in a single-purpose tester that ran >$2K. They also both have
> backlit displays which comes in real handy out in the field.
>
> The primary features you want are: 500V & 1kV Test Voltage and 2 Gohms
> (2,000 Megaohms) or above for the top end of the range. Any of the 3 meet
> this spec.
>
> Well, I just checked prices for the 1503 & 1507 and I'm pleasantly
> surprised. The 1503 ranges from about $291-$370. Here's the place I found
> it for *$291  *
> http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1503.htm That's
> marked down from the regular price of $342.
>
> The 1507 ranges from about $385 to $500. Here's where I found it for *$385...
> *http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1507.htm  That's a
> special price, for you only, down from $454.
>
> All things considered if I were in your shoes, I'd go for the 1503. That
> give you a solid megger that you can dedicate to that purpose for a
> reasonale muggering. If it were me, in Matt's shoes... Oh, what am I
> saying? I've already got mine and I just found out I paid too much for it!
> But I have Battery Check... Neener neener neener!
>
> Be safe out there!
>
> Matt Lafferty
>
>
>>  I hope more hands go up on this topic. Thanks for asking, Keith.
>>
>> Peace and Palm Trees everybody,
>>
>> Matt Lafferty
>>
>
>
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