[RE-wrenches] To Megger or not to Megger

[robert ellison]

Sorry it's already covered. Thats what I get for not reading all the way to
the bottom of the posts.

Bob

On Tue, Apr 28, 2009 at 10:11 AM, robert ellison <reellison at gmail.com>wrote:

> 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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