[Question] Certificate of Compliance Testers

[robbardo]

Hi, my Hellermann Case of CoC Testers was stolen.
I have been looking through the internet for second hand units, and I came across one Multimeter that says it does all the tests in one Meter.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Rob

[AndyD]

Nowadays many testers are what's known as MFT's (multifunction testers) which are compliant with IEC 60364 standards and often UK 17th edition compliant. These aren't to be confused with multimeters which aren't the same thing. They perform several different tests including Ze, insulation, 2 and 3 wire non-trip loop for earth leakage protected circuits, RCD ramp testing and even RA values for earth rods. They often store the results and can be connected to a mobile device or PC and upload the test data for future reference or for being automatically entered into an application that fills out a test certificate.

I do have a Chauvin Arnoux MFT which is a very capable unit but I rarely use it, personally I prefer separate testers and also analogue mostly. MFT's are generally expensive and you put all your eggs in one basket so if it goes faulty or gets stolen your loss is substantially higher. They can be prone to refusing to test due to 'noise' on circuits and I'm really not a fan of the dumbed down single button 'Go/No Go' type testing. Places that can calibrate and certify and perform the all too regular software and firmware upgrades in SA are few and far between and they're expensive.

If you're one of those people who has his Mac, car, wristwatch and iphone networked then they're probably right up your street in which case I'd suggest a Megger or Fluke if your a brand conscious kinda guy otherwise a Metrel if you're on a limited budget.