Recommendations on a Megger
Recommendations on a Megger
(OP)
I'm looking for a megger. I don't want to spend twelve hundred bucks on some overpriced gold plated unit. I need a megger about twice a year so I can't justify a lot of expense.
There are the crank ones and the battery ones. I can see an advantage to a crank one in that six, eight, or ten batteries aren't rotting away in the unit between uses but I wouldn't want to give away useful features just to loose the batteries.
I need the megger for testing servo motor connectors, triac and SCR insulation, and motors.
Do I need 150V, 250V, 500V, 750V, 1000V ranges? Or at least which?
Anything else you can recommend on the subject?
There are the crank ones and the battery ones. I can see an advantage to a crank one in that six, eight, or ten batteries aren't rotting away in the unit between uses but I wouldn't want to give away useful features just to loose the batteries.
I need the megger for testing servo motor connectors, triac and SCR insulation, and motors.
Do I need 150V, 250V, 500V, 750V, 1000V ranges? Or at least which?
Anything else you can recommend on the subject?
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com





RE: Recommendations on a Megger
How do you want to clamp the test leads to the circuits? (If you are a single person testing, you want clamp-on leads that won't pop-off)
What output? analog, digital, single purpose or multi-gage?
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
It's very easy to use, comes in a soft carrying case with sharp tips/alligator clips,
and has additional features not found on a traditional hand wound instrument.
Its battery life is quite long, and measures up to 4K meg.
John
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
The new electronic meters I have used read up to about 7 gig-Ohms. Some go much higher.
I used and loved an Amprobe hand cranked megger for some years. It had 250 Volts, 500 Volts, 1000 Volts and a 6 volt low Ohms scale.
If I had to buy a new megger I would probably go with an electronic megger with a range of test voltages.
Even though I miss the old crank meter.
Check E-Bay
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
I thought I listed what I need to check... ?
Thanks for the clip-on tip. Good point. I'm open to either single or multi-gage. Got a model(s) I should check out?
That AMEC looks pretty straight forward and to the point! Reasonable price too! I'm looking closely at it. Thanks.
I didn't' realize the hand crank-ers were a little ohm-limited.. Thanks for pointing that out.
Bill, is there any advantage to multi gig-ohm readings? I'm with you on the electronic angle.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
When you are in the GΩ range the condition of the test leads becomes important. Alcohol wipes are a worthwhile addition to your toolbag so you can clean the leads if you are chasing very high readings. Normally that is only needed on MV and HV cables, so perhaps not a problem for you.
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
I will most certainly include some alcohol wipes in my kit. Thanks for that pointer.
I agree those three ranges are probably the most important to my needs.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
We had a similar experience testing a brand new 11,000V 3-core XLPE feeder cable with a 5kV Megger and the readings were all over the place. The cable had passed the pressure test with negligible leakage current but the insulation resistance readings - which should have been well over 10 GΩ - weren't repeatable or stable. Turned out to be a light film of oily dirt from the switch house floor on the leads. Once they were thoroughly cleaned we were back normality. The jointers who had terminated the cable were really surprised at the source of the problem, and more than a little relieved because a lot of accusing fingers were being pointed at them.
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
Hi Kieth
I really like my 1587 and use it's various other capabilities almost daily.
I'm posting the manual link for you to look at.
http://assets.fluke.com/manuals/15x7____umeng0000....
Chuck
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
I also have a Megger 230425 4kV AC/5kV DC, I find useful if you need an AC type test. picked mine up used for $1000USD
http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/megger/hipots/hi...
Mike L.
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
If you're only using it a couple of times or so a year, why not rent one? Then you can get a good one.
At least it is easier to amortise into your customer invoice with a fixed rental cost, than trying to spread over three years or so.
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
ozmosis; Ack! No way.. Example: I can be minding my own business when I get called to a used machinery place because they just got in a lathe, or a mill, or crazy stuff like a pallet of 'automated drills', and they want me to check one out that blows it's breaker. Could be anything, but it would be nice to be able to megger the motor out. Leasing would be onerous in this example and probably no one would even talk to me for less than $100 about leasing anything and you can get new meggers for $50.
Like this one that also is CAT II 600V and does 1000VDC, 750VAC, OHMs, continuity, and is a well thought out small package all in a single self-hard case.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Recommendations on a Megger
My recommendation for a utility "megger" would be the KYORITSU 3132A. This is a basic instrument, non digital, but is used by Electricians everywhere.
Ray.