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=FlukeUni tedStates> http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/Fluke+1587+1577.htm?catalog_name=FlukeUnit edStates You can get it for $522 here: <http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/fluke/megohmmeters/1577_87.htm> 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)&c ategory=HMA(FlukeProducts> http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/features.htm?cs_id=35391(FlukeProducts)&ca tegory=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> 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> 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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