Digital Insulation Meter Detects Signs of Insulation Deterioration
November 1, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
Damaged electrical insulation threatens equipment operation and endangers employee safety. The IDEAL 61-797 Digital Insulation Meter allows for periodic testing of insulation for signs of deterioration that can lead to breakdowns in electrical systems, generators, switchgear and motor windings. More importantly, testing with the 61-797 can prevent the dangerous occurrence of short circuits or short to grounds.
Compact enough to be held in one hand yet durable enough to withstand the rigors of heavy commercial and industrial usage, the 61-797 is purpose-designed to identify whether insulation is performing at an effective, safe level. Using test leads, the technician can quickly determine the integrity of insulation in new and existing wiring by identifying capacitive, absorption and leakage current at multiple test voltages (50V, 100V, 250V, 500V and 1000V) and resistance up to 20G ohms.
In addition, this versatile tester measures earth-bond resistance to assure verification of the continuity of the protective bonding, automatically senses and displays AC/DC voltage to 600V, plus calculates the Polarization Index (PI) and Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR).
Insulation testing is most effective when it is part of a scheduled maintenance program. Repetitive testing is made easier with the 61-797′s straightforward Pass/Fail function and its internal storage of values. Another convenience feature that will be appreciated by maintenance staff are the included “twist-on” alligator clips that fit over the test leads. There is also a remote test button for two-handed operation.
The 61-797 was designed with a 600 V Cat IV overvoltage rating and will safely disable itself if connected to a live circuit exceeding 30 volts. A live voltage hazard indictor is also prominently displayed on the front panel to warn the technician before use on an energized circuit. Once testing is complete, the 61-797 automatically discharges capacitive voltage from the equipment under test that may be a shock hazard.
Clamp Meter Features HFR For Noisy Electrical Environments
September 21, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
IDEAL debuted an upgraded industrial-grade version of its TightSight(TM) Clamp Meter that features High Frequency Rejection (HFR) to assure accuracy when measuring in noisy electrical environments or with complex waveforms, such as adjustable speed drives.
Like the original TightSight, this new meter has the exclusive TightSight bottom display for safe reading from virtually any angle, along with True RMS, CAT IV or CAT III safety ratings, and slim tapered jaws and a hook tip to reach into crowded cable bundles. Building upon that success, IDEAL has hardened the original meter case and dial construction to withstand heavy-duty commercial and industrial settings, plus incorporated an on-screen low battery indicator that warns the user an hour before power is shut off to avoid inaccurate readings. HFR makes the meter immune to electrically noisy areas when measuring AC current, DC current, AC/DC voltage, frequency, resistance or capacitance.
The new meter is available in four professional quality models: 660A with or without DC current measurement, and 1000A with or without DC current measurement. Each is ergonomically engineered to feel comfortable, even when the user is wearing heavy gloves.
Fixed Wiring Installation Tester Ideal For Quick And Long Testing
July 12, 2010 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
The SureTest® installation tester from Ideal Industries Networks Division is easy to use, very compact and ergonomically designed. Through use of new, lighter components and materials, as well as fewer (four) batteries, the device weighs just 675g, around 50% lighter than most competing testers on the market – an advantage if an electrician is testing for long periods.
In order to deal with new technology developments and stricter legislation, electrical contractors have had to acquire increased knowledge and skills. New technologies such as renewable energy generation, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, small scale embedded generators and solar photovoltaic power supply systems require additional regulations. Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are increasingly being utilised in wiring installations, which means electricians require accurate, rapid non-trip loop testing devices.
SureTest® complies with BS7671: 2008 (17th Edition) IEE Wiring Regulations and is EN61557 compliant. In a matter of seconds, the device can take accurate loop impedance measurements that won’t trip RCDs. The device is able to measure frequency and phase rotation in three-phase installations and includes a calibration certificate.
An Auto-RCD feature helps save time on the job, eliminating the need for an electrician to go back and forth to the distribution board. The device also calculates and displays both Prospective Short Circuit Current (PSCC) and Prospective Earth Fault Current (PEFC), providing fast, error-free reporting.
A separate Ramp Test enables the user to quickly identify RCDs that are prone to nuisance tripping. The tester ramps up the applied current until the RCD trips and then displays the reading on screen. When testing continuity, a smart ‘null’ feature zeros out any test lead resistance, reducing measurement errors.
Insulation test voltages of 250, 500 and 1,000V are provided, as well as a remote test probe that helps electricians perform tests in awkward, hard-to-reach locations. SureTest® has a simple, uncluttered front panel and menu structure, making it easy to use. The device also benefits from an ultra-lightweight, rugged OLED display (similar to the latest mobile phones).
Light Meter Offers Simplicity
December 23, 2009 by admin
Filed under Meters & Testers
The IDEAL Digital Light Meter (61-686) precisely measures incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide, high-pressure sodium and halogen lamp output, yet carries an MSRP of only $139 (U.S.), or about 25% less than competitive light meters with similar feature-sets.
The meter is extremely easy to use. Simply place its remote sensor in the area to be measured, press the “on” button and the light level will appear on the LCD read-out. Values can be saved on the LCD by pressing the Data Hold button or the Max Hold button to capture the maximum value.
Hard-to-reach areas are no problem thanks to the meter’s remote sensor with 1.5 meter cable. When finished, the compact meter easily slips into a pocket or the provided tool tote. The meter is shipped with a standard 9V battery.
