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<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Hi Bill,</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>I so totally agree with your comment about the price
of these being a non-issue, all things considered. As long as we're getting the
features we need in the sub-$750 range, that is. When it comes down to
it, this is meaningful safety and reliability stuff. No slam to the Bolinas
crew, but the SunEye is a lettle less important than that. Unless, of course,
you shade a certain type of module and the bypass diode fails and the thing
ignites.... Then you could make a case for the SunEye being prudent for
Disqualification of location, which would mean there wouldn't be a need for the
megger on that non-job.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Perhaps you could address a couple of aspects that I have
questioned for a long time.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>First of all, is it or is it not true that megger testing
an array at 1kV may result in flaky-bias diodes <EM>(my term)</EM> if
polarity of test leads is incorrect relative the array and/or the array wiring
is grounded/not grounded during the test? <EM>(The root of my policy to NOT
megger arrays unless I have specific procedure provided by the mfr... Me no
wanna get in a "you meggered it so you don't have a warranty" conversation if ya
know of what I speak.)</EM></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Which of the mainstream module manufacturers are publishing
a procedure for megger testing their arrays for use by
installers?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Are these being published for wet or dry testing?
Both?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Which of these manufacturers are supplying this
documentation in a publicly accessible manner? <EM>(Asked quite a few sales reps
over the years and only 1 ever produced a document... I have been able to
get some from engineers in the factory, but this was generally when I had a big
stick to pound on somebody's desk.) </EM></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Why don't most installers and distributors know this
documentation exists or understand the procedure at this
point?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Yeah, it's one of those thorny issues with me. Maybe
we can get our heads together to steamroll a solution to the above. Happy to
take the subject up off-list if you like.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>On to today's question regarding resolution....
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>When you are measuring an array, why is the resolution so
critical?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>What value or value range do you believe constitutes a
Pass on a quality Csi product?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>How about Asi / CdTe with crappy glass?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>How about Asi with Tefcel?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Wet? Dry?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Does your answer change relative the capacity of the array
portion under test?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Does the answer change with temperature &/or relative
humidity?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Does the answer change relative test voltage compared to
array VOC?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>What I'm getting at is, unless the minimum "Pass"
value is a very low number for the test setup, say 200K - 2M, or
has a very narrow "Pass" range, </FONT></SPAN><SPAN
class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>a super-fine
resolution shouldn't be that critical. On the few occasions back in the
day when I actually meggered arrays, I used an analog megger. Top end range
@ 1kV was 250M. My recollection is that these things pulled 15M or better, but I
can't really testify to that... Fuzzy memory on the actual values. I'd have to
dig through some deep stacks of paperwork to find out if I have any
archives of the tests, and I'm not gonna do that for this post. Had to submit
the test results to SMUD (can't find them) and the mfrs. Nobody ever said,
"<EM>Hey. Close your other eye and tell me what it says."</EM> When I asked what
values would be appropriate, all I ever got was, <EM>"Just like you got here.
These are good."</EM> Never could nail them down and, frankly, never got the
idea that they were all-to-happy having installers owning
meggers.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>I'm with you on testing the array and module interconnects
for leakage. Really. But, if the arrays rings out as "faulted" when it's really
"OK", why bother? What are you looking for? If the resistance is that low, maybe
we should be using a "Kohmer" for the arrays and a Megger for the wiring &
equpment bussing. If you're getting such a low resistance, aren't you picking it
up with a "Static" test... </FONT></SPAN><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Would the Earth Bond Resistance function of the
1507 & 1503 be sufficient for these situations? <A
href="http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/specifications.htm?cs_id=35391(FlukeProducts)&category=HMA(FlukeProducts">http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/specifications.htm?cs_id=35391(FlukeProducts)&category=HMA(FlukeProducts</A>)
This is basically a voltage shot like a megger, but measures resistance in the
<20k range. Resolution very nice there! </FONT></SPAN><SPAN
class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>This tester has a
gap between 20k & 100k (0.1M). </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>From a "reasonable resolution" perspective, I think the gap
is more like 20k to 2M. Anything over 2M, the 0.1M resolution should be fine. If
the array is that close to failing, fail it and tell the mfr to start making
some decent glass. They might understand it better this way: <FONT
face="Times New Roman" color=#000000 size=3>ÄúÎü</FONT></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Dunno. I think it comes down to figuring out what ranges
equal "Pass" for the application and going from there. Will look forward to
what you find in your side-by-sides later this week. Please do post back. With a
basic description of the glass-type, mounting, wire-management, test results and
findings, if you can.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>I'm gonna hang onto my 1520... If anybody wants to see what
one looks like with a 100% Battery Level, let me know... I'll hold it up in
front of my webcam for ya!</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009></SPAN><SPAN
class=671005117-28042009></SPAN><SPAN class=671005117-28042009></SPAN><SPAN
class=671005117-28042009></SPAN><SPAN class=671005117-28042009></SPAN><SPAN
class=671005117-28042009></SPAN><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>No Ground Faults!</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=671005117-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Matt Lafferty</FONT></SPAN></DIV><BR>
<DIV class=OutlookMessageHeader lang=en-us dir=ltr align=left>
<HR tabIndex=-1>
<FONT face=Tahoma size=2><B>From:</B> re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org] <B>On Behalf Of </B>Bill
Brooks<BR><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, April 28, 2009 10:40 AM<BR><B>To:</B>
'RE-wrenches'<BR><B>Subject:</B> Re: [RE-wrenches] To Megger or not to
Megger<BR></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=Section1>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Dave,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">The
issue is definitely resolution. The cool thing about the Fluke 1520 is that it
goes down to 0.001MOhms (1000 Ohms). That is the resolution you are looking for.
Neither of the current Flukes go low enough. That is why I¡¯m going into the
field later this week to see how a 0.1MOhm meter stacks up to finding faults¡ªI
have an array with a pesky fault that should make it fun.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Many
arrays will ring out as a faulted array when, in fact, everything is fine. This
is especially true of a-Si arrays with low quality glass. They are very leaky.
I¡¯ll keep looking and report back on a recommendation for Christmas
shopping.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Just
to add punctuation to this thread, I always recommend that contractors megger
their arrays, because it has saved my butt several times. Also, with exterior
wiring systems it is even more important. The problem in the early days is that
people would whine about the $600-$1000 price tag. In my opinion, that argument
is gone. With contractors routinely putting down $1400 for a SunEye, the value
of a good megger is similar and costs less.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Bill.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<DIV>
<DIV
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: #b5c4df 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 3pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'">From:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'">
re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org] <B>On Behalf Of </B>David
Palumbo<BR><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, April 28, 2009 7:59 AM<BR><B>To:</B>
gilligan06@gmail.com; 'RE-wrenches'<BR><B>Subject:</B> Re: [RE-wrenches] To
Megger or not to Megger<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P></DIV></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Matt,<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">¡°Muggering¡±,
I think that will catch on. The last post, I think, ol¡¯ Uncle Bill Brooks
(4/13/09 8:17 PM) had on this topic raised a concern about ¡°not having enough
resolution in the low impedance area. PV arrays can have an impedance to ground
of a slow as 2kOhms. A resolution of 0.1MOhms will likely not cut it.¡± Bill went
on to say that he had bought a cheaper meter to test out ¡°for fun¡±. Some
of us do enjoy ¡°muggering around¡±.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">So
my question is. Do the Fluke 1503¡¯s and 1507¡¯s have enough
resolution in the low range? <o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'">Dave<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: #1f497d; FONT-FAMILY: 'Calibri','sans-serif'"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<DIV>
<DIV
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: #b5c4df 1pt solid; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 3pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">
<P class=MsoNormal><B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'">From:</SPAN></B><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'">
re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org] <B>On Behalf Of </B>Matt
Lafferty<BR><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:56 AM<BR><B>To:</B>
'RE-wrenches'<BR><B>Subject:</B> Re: [RE-wrenches] To Megger or not to
Megger<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P></DIV></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">RE:
Suggested replacements for Fluke 1520 and "pricey meters"... Good News
below!</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Another
Wrench sent me a note off-list last night, asking how much a "muggering" would
cost. Here's what I sent him:</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">When I
got that 1520 it was just over $600. I just checked
online and find that it's a discontinued item... Bummer!
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">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.
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1587</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> 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. </SPAN><A
title=http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/Fluke+1587+1577.htm?catalog_name=FlukeUnitedStates
href="http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/Fluke+1587+1577.htm?catalog_name=FlukeUnitedStates"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/Fluke+1587+1577.htm?catalog_name=FlukeUnitedStates</SPAN></A><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
You can get it for </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">$522</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> here:
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><A
title=http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1577_87.htm
href="http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1577_87.htm"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1577_87.htm</SPAN></A><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> 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!
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The 1507
& 1503 are more robust equipment. You can check them out here: </SPAN><A
title=http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/features.htm?cs_id=35391(FlukeProducts)&category=HMA(FlukeProducts
href="http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/features.htm?cs_id=35391(FlukeProducts)&category=HMA(FlukeProducts"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/features.htm?cs_id=35391(FlukeProducts)&category=HMA(FlukeProducts</SPAN></A><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">)
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. </SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">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.</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">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.
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">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 <SPAN
class=671005117-28042009> <<EM>Insert name of your least-favorite
building official here</EM>> </SPAN>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.</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">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. </SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Well, I
just checked prices for the 1503 & 1507 and I'm pleasantly surprised. The
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1503</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> ranges
from about $291-$370. Here's the place I found it for </SPAN><STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: green; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">$291
</SPAN></STRONG><A
title=http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1503.htm
href="http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1503.htm"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1503.htm</SPAN></A><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> That's
marked down from the regular price of $342. </SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">The
</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">1507</SPAN><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
ranges from about $385 to $500. Here's where I found it for
</SPAN><STRONG><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: green; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">$385...
</SPAN></STRONG><A
title=http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1507.htm
href="http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1507.htm"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: red; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1507.htm</SPAN></A><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"> That's
a special price, for you only, down from $454. </SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">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!</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Be safe
out there!</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Matt
Lafferty</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 6pt; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 5pt 0in 5pt 4.8pt; BORDER-LEFT: #cccccc 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 0in; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">I hope
more hands go up on this topic. Thanks for asking,
Keith.</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Peace
and Palm Trees everybody,</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Matt
Lafferty</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></P></DIV></BODY></HTML>