explore the BusinessNet
MEGGER'S MFTs SCOOP PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARD
Story
At this year’s high-profile Electrical Industry Awards, Megger’s new MFT1700 range of multifunction installation testers scooped the coveted award for Innovative Test and Measurement Product of the Year. The testers were chosen from a wide range of entries in this hotly contested category by a panel of independent judges, all of whom have in-depth knowledge of the electrical industry and its requirements.
Highly intuitive
Among the many benefits that helped to propel the MFT1700 testers to success in the awards are their ease and speed of use. All functions are clearly shown on the front panel and the operation of the instruments – including test selection and the connection of leads – is highly intuitive.
The digital display is complemented by an analogue arc, which allows many types of tests to be carried out more quickly and conveniently. The display also has two digital readouts. The primary readout shows the main parameter under test while the secondary display shows additional information, such as the test voltage or current.
Innovation switching
Innovation is also found in the earth loop impedance testing function. Unlike traditional multifunction testers, the new instruments support two-wire testing, which simplifies connection and makes testing possible at points like light switches where no neutral is available. The instruments offer both non-tripping tests for RCD-protected circuits, and high-current tests for circuits without RCD protection.
A further time saving innovation is automatic switching between connection terminals, which means that when loop tests are carried out with a mains plug, it is unnecessary to change connections during the test.
Increased capability
For RCD testing, the new instruments can be used with type A, AC and S RCDs. There is an option that tests type B, pure D.C. RDCs used on some PV systems. In addition to the standard ramp test, a new pass/fail ramp test has been introduced which saves time in applications where it is only necessary to show that the RCD trips between preset maximum and minimum limits.
An innovation that significantly increases the versatility of high-end instruments in the MFT1700 range is the incorporation of facilities for earth electrode testing. The high-end models also have facilities for testing three-phase RCDs and checking phase rotation. In addition, they are provided with rechargeable batteries that save money and ensure that users are never caught out by having no suitable batteries to hand.
Even safer
Safety has been given particular attention, and the instruments have a CAT IV 300 V rating in line with IEC 61010. In addition, built-in protection means that accidentally connecting an MFT1700 to a live circuit when carrying out an insulation or continuity check generates a warning but does not damage the instrument, even if the test has already been initiated.
Finally, the MFT1700 range includes models that have facilities for storing results for download via a wireless Bluetooth link to a PC, PDA or Smartphone running Megger’s PowerSuite software.
