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<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=125264113-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>RE: Suggested replacements for Fluke 1520 and "pricey
meters"... Good News below!</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=125264113-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=125264113-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Another Wrench sent me a note off-list last night, asking
how much a "muggering" would cost. Here's what I sent
him:</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=125264113-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=125264113-28042009>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>When I got that 1520 it was just over $600. I
just checked online<SPAN class=125264113-28042009> </SPAN>and <SPAN
class=125264113-28042009>find that </SPAN>it's a discontinued item... Bummer!
</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>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. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>The <FONT color=#ff0000>1587</FONT> 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.
</FONT><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"><FONT
face=Arial
size=2>http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/Fluke+1587+1577.htm?catalog_name=FlukeUnitedStates</FONT></A><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2> You can get it for <FONT
color=#ff0000>$522</FONT> here: </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><A
title=http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1577_87.htm
href="http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1577_87.htm"><FONT
face=Arial color=#ff0000
size=2>http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1577_87.htm</FONT></A><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><FONT color=#ff0000> </FONT>
</FONT></SPAN><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#0000ff><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=328453804-28042009>NOTE: It does not test at 10A in DMM mode which means
it wouldn't be able to test short-circuit current in strings. </SPAN><SPAN
class=328453804-28042009>Don't bother with the 1577!
</SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>The 1507 & 1503 are more robust equipment. You can
check them out here: </FONT><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"><FONT
face=Arial
size=2>http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/features.htm?cs_id=35391(FlukeProducts)&category=HMA(FlukeProducts</FONT></A><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>) </FONT></SPAN><SPAN
class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>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 <SPAN
class=125264113-28042009>ass</SPAN>. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>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<SPAN class=125264113-28042009> not </SPAN>a big plus to
me.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>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. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#0000ff><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=328453804-28042009>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>. </SPAN><SPAN class=328453804-28042009>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></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial><FONT
color=#0000ff><FONT size=2>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. </FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT
face=Arial><FONT color=#0000ff><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=125264113-28042009></SPAN></FONT></FONT></FONT></SPAN><SPAN
class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009></SPAN><SPAN
class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Well, I just
checked prices for the 1503 & 1507 and I'm pleasantly surprised. The <FONT
color=#ff0000>1503</FONT> ranges from about $291-$370. Here's the place I found
it for <STRONG><FONT color=#008000>$291 </FONT></STRONG></FONT><A
title=http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1503.htm
href="http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1503.htm"><FONT
face=Arial color=#ff0000
size=2>http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1503.htm</FONT></A><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2> That's marked down from the regular price
of $342. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>The <FONT color=#ff0000>1507</FONT> ranges from about
$385 to $500. Here's where I found it for <STRONG><FONT
color=#008000>$385... </FONT></STRONG></FONT><A
title=http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1507.htm
href="http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1507.htm"><FONT
face=Arial color=#ff0000
size=2>http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1507.htm</FONT></A><FONT
face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2> </FONT></SPAN><SPAN
class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>That's a special
price, for you only, down from $454. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial><FONT color=#0000ff><FONT size=2><SPAN
class=328453804-28042009>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. </SPAN><SPAN class=328453804-28042009>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></FONT></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>Be safe out there!</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=328453804-28042009><SPAN
class=125264113-28042009><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2>Matt
Lafferty</FONT></SPAN></SPAN></DIV></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2><SPAN><SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV class=gmail_quote>
<BLOCKQUOTE class=gmail_quote
style="PADDING-LEFT: 1ex; MARGIN: 0px 0px 0px 0.8ex; BORDER-LEFT: #ccc 1px solid">
<DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN><SPAN>I
hope more hands go up on this topic. Thanks for asking,
Keith.</SPAN></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2><SPAN><SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2><SPAN><SPAN>Peace and Palm Trees everybody,</SPAN></SPAN></FONT></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff
size=2><SPAN><SPAN></SPAN></SPAN></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN><SPAN>Matt
Lafferty</SPAN></SPAN></FONT></DIV></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV><BR></BODY></HTML>