Which calibration tester?

[Jacko29]

Which calibration tester would you recommend using for multi testers, without spending a fortune.

Would like to start self checks and want something reliable and cost effective.

Thanks

 

[Apache]

CalCard

http://www.talk.electricianforum.co.uk/tefauctions.php?do=ad&id=58

Massive review here

http://www.talk.electricianforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1346

 

[Jacko29]

Thanks for the info

Only thing I noticed in the discussion is they mention a possible replacement every year (warranty for 1 year etc), which kind of defeats the object of keeping constant records for 3, assuming no 2 items would be that close tolerance wise??

How have you faired with yours?

Cheers

 

[Apache]

Thanks for the info Only thing I noticed in the discussion is they mention a possible replacement every year (warranty for 1 year etc), which kind of defeats the object of keeping constant records for 3, assuming no 2 items would be that close tolerance wise??

How have you faired with yours?

Cheers

I have no use for one as I'm not a spark!

Ignore the one year thing. It's been approved by ELECSA to extend calibration interval from1 year to three

Now and only with the CalCard Ext 1extend your instrument calibration period from

ONE YEAR

to

THREE YEARS

with the new ELECSA CalCard Ext1.

Any concerns PM 'caltronics' the inventor. He's a nice bloke. Not the most prolific poster but he drops by quite often

 

[a1]

Or make one yourself. I did.

 

[kme]

I`ve had mine over a year. Mfrs put a calibration expiry on to cover themselves; although mine gives the same readings now as it always has. As long as they agree, no need to re-calibrate the calibration standard (see recent thread on this subject).

KME

 

[sparkycomuk]

Buy some resistors.....they cost pence each....

0.5 ohm

1.0 ohm

10 ohm

0.5 Meg ohm

1.0 Meg ohm

10 Meg ohm

These will veryify Insulation resistance and continuity

Choose either a designated light fitting or non RCD socket (Sparkies shouldn't have these in their own Installation..... ) this is for Zs

Choose a designated socket for rcd/Zs not tripping

Job done for pennies.....Check it once a month (same socket/light fitting everytime)......Write it down on the sheet.....COMPLIANCE!

I personally have built it into a 4" x 4" adaptable box with M4 screws on the cover...just for convenience

 

[megger mike]

Socket & See do quite cheap check boxes

This one looks quite good and it's cheap. http://isswww.co.uk/Limited-Stock-Value-Products/Socket-and-See/Socket-and-See-CB200-Full-Check-Box/

Think there is three versions though. CB100 CB200 and CB300

See what you think

 

[ianmacd]

I have no use for one as I'm not a spark!Ignore the one year thing. It's been approved by ELECSA to extend calibration interval from1 year to three

Not true for MFT's as it does not test the RCD function. MFT's need to be calibrated every year still even if you use one of these.

 

[Lee321]

surely calibration is voltage checked too?

 

[ianmacd]

I would have though so too.

 

[NozSpark]

I made a check box myself.

Continuity

0.5ohms

1.0ohms

10.0ohms

100ohms

Insulation resistance

0.5Mohms

1.0Mohms

10.0Mohms

100Mohms

Dedicated socket for Zs

And a dedicated plug in RCD for RCD tests

been using that for the last 4 years (right after calbration) and I've never had a problem with either of my assessors about it.. (it's not been calibrated since either)

 

[kme]

Ignore the one year thing. It's been approved by ELECSA to extend calibration interval from1 year to three

Not true for MFT's as it does not test the RCD function. MFT's need to be calibrated every year still even if you use one of these.

No, they do not.

You simply have a socket which you always use (preferably an RCD socket adjacent to CU, not on the RCD protected ways). Here you check voltage, Zs and RCD times.

I`ve had the same Fluke for six years. The number of times its been sent for calibration? NONE.

I`m NIC (approved contractor), so they ask to look at my records every year. I brought this up with him a couple of years back - if it still test the same as it did last month, under the same parameters, then it doesn`t need calibrating.

These companies get enough of your hard-earned money. Don`t give `em more than you have to.

n.b. My calcard STILL gives the same readings it always did. If you read the reviews, you`ll see quite a few of us gave `em some abuse, and they just kept going.......

KME

 

[Apache]

Not true for MFT's as it does not test the RCD function. MFT's need to be calibrated every year still even if you use one of these.

See #4

 

[ISSWWW]

Yearly calibration is reccomended by all trade bodies if you ask at head office level but in reality, and locally, assessors want proof it is reading consistently, if that proof is by regular checking against any known or fixed source and documented they should accept that. If however you don't want to DIY a unit then the Megger MTB7671 is a very good unit and carriers out all the tests including RCD, price is a bit more but still ok.

 

[ianmacd]

See below.

Ian, The cal card will only check continuity and insulation testers.Earth loop and RCD testers will require calibration. If you have a multi

function tester you will require a valid calibration certificate when

your assessment is due. Regards G****.

 

[kme]

Aye - Elecsa..........

And people have a dig at the NIC off for making rules up - methinks ALL scam providers are "at it".

 

[Apache]

Aye - Elecsa..........And people have a dig at the NIC off for making rules up - methinks ALL scam providers are "at it".

But the Calcard is now ELECSA branded headbangheadbangheadbang

 

[ianmacd]

Yes and its acceptable for IR and continuity seperate meters where it will do what is says on the tin...erm....card but not for an MFT. I would hope no assessor would allow an uncalibrated MFT to be used for notifiable jobs.