Metrel mi 3000 ze and zs tests.

[John_]

Can somebody help, with the metrel mi 3000, is it correct that loop function is for both Zs and Ze tests, and with Ze test do you know if I have to use 3 leads, i.e. Joining both neutral and earth to main earth, and probe live test lead into live and then press test. What is Line function for?

 

[froria]

Both ze and zs is tested the same way ze is external and zs is the complete earth falt loop. On my meteral is 3 leads brown lead on line blue on neutral green on earthing conductors. Obviously you test ze and zs in different locations but the process is the same

 

[John_]

Thx for prompt reply. So, setting loop function I should be able to use 3 pins plug at furthest point for Zs test and with the same function I should be able to do ze test at the distribution board but I will have to join both green and blue together and connect to main earth and brown to live. I prob repeat what u just said above but just want to clarify my understanding. Do u know what Line function for?

 

[lineman]

Think line function is for pscc

 

[John_]

Thx. From what I understand, when doing a ze test it also gives psc as well, i.e. Isc figure.

 

[lineman]

Does not give PEFC from the Ze setting?

 

[John_]

The poxy manual is quite confusing. With the loop test it gives PFC, with line function it gives PSCC. I wonder if I should use loop function for Zs, and line function for Ze. With the latter I should use 3 leads with blue and green on main earth (disconnected from board) and brown on phase. Take which ever the highest figure, PFC or PSCC. Theres no mention of PEFC in the manual.

 

[lineman]

I used to use loop function for Ze on hard test then line test for PSCC both with all 3 leads connected then take highest KA reading for the PFC

 

[Barx]

I believe Loop will trip RCD's, Line won't.

 

[lineman]

Is there not a function on loop to apply a soft test to circuits with rcd protection? Not used this actual meter but have used various metrels in the past so can only go by them

 

[John_]

There is loop rcd which does not trip rcd. I believeve for this reason loop is for Zs testing. But what I am curious whether line is for ze. Should have stuck with megger as I was trained with this, but for the price I can't justify the cost as I have just start out the sparky world.

 

[John_]

I am an IT background, Cisco, but now want to explore the sparky world as it suit my lifestyle more.

 

[John_]

Amended

 

[John_]

Lifestyle means kids, poxy kids but u just love them dearly.

 

[Barx]

Lifestyle means kids, poxy kids but u just love them dearly.

Not wanting to take over thread but,

What makes you think sparkying will suit you better? I've done both jobs and I wish I could go back to IT.

I'm currently having to work an hour and halfs drive from home and doing a rewire in a day. Today I will be setting off very shortly 6:15 (so wont see kids), We (5 of us) have a 3 bed room middle floor flat to fully rewire today. Cornice trunking everywhere (Have to do the full room). Don't see us getting done till about 8 then drive home. Won't see kids tonight either. With last night being an exception and me getting home for 6, it's been the same all week. Again, last night being the exception, not seen kids since sunday. Really think about what your wishing for. Sparkying is a lifestyle that requires quite a bit of flexibility. And to be honest, I'm not enjoying it at mo.

Good luck either though

 

[John_]

:-( I thought being self employed u have a choice of the sort of hours and jobs u want to do.

Before when I was doing IT working in the city, I leave home at 5.45am every morning to get to work for 7am and quite often don't leave the office till 7pm or even later but still be on call. With big projects, I also have to work weekends and once did 7 consecutive weekends, Saturday and Sunday, with no extra pay or time off in lieu. The job paid well but because of this I couldn't leave until I got made redundant. The company subsequently went under.

Like the saying, the grass always greener on the other side, I might be wrong about better lifestyle being self employed but having experienced being employed all my life I am willing to give self employ a try.

I am recently qualified as part P installer, now just need to build up some experience.

 

[Barx]

Self employed is a bit different, I'm employed so have no say in my destiny. Was a bit mardy this morning

The boys thar seem happy in their job either already have a good regular customer base or don't need to make a full wage and just work to make a bit or specialise in some thing.

When reading your post I thought exactly same as you. Grass is always greener...

 

[cakey3]

Have the same tester and suffered the same confusion to start with. The correct way is:

Ze- set tester to loop and three lead test. Brown lead to line, blue to neutral and green to the main earth conductor which should be disconnected from met.

Zs- set tester to loop and three lead test. Use the non trip rcd setting obviously if circuit rcd protected.

PEFC - set to loop. Same as ze test but with earth conductor connected

PSCC- set to Line. Same as PEFC

So u can test for ze then keep all the leads in same place, connect earth conductor press test button for pefc then switch to line press test button for pscc. Easy once u know.

 

[John_]

Thank you cakey for making it clear and put it in such simple way. I think I understood now. Thx again.

 

[John_]

Thank you for your understanding barx.