DMMs with LowZ feature (Solved) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2018, 07:09:19 pm
content: Hello, I'm looking a DMM (from reputable manufacturers) that do provide lowZ or configurable input impedance.So far I have found:Fluke 117Fluke 289I'm pretty sure I did see similar feature, what is described as lowZ by Fluke in Gossen meter, but can not find it again.Edit. Fluke 177 to Fluke 117Edit2.I did forget that we have this wonderful spreadsheet in here.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/Now I just would need one that have three meters in one: process tester, insulation and low resistance meter, electricians meter, ethernet decoder and scopemeter.

author: Terry01
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2018, 07:26:29 pm
content: The 121GW meter has the Low Z feature right?

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2018, 07:27:41 pm
content: Quote from: Terry01 on January 21, 2018, 07:26:29 pmI think so, but I'm not sure of its legal status and availability around the world.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2018, 07:31:58 pm
content: Brymen's BM235 (also EEVBlog branded) has a low impedance mode.

author: Axtman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 02:49:15 am
content: The higher-end Klein multimeters (MM700, MM2000, MM2300, MM5000 and MM6000) have Low Z settings because they are designed for electricians. I have an MM2000 and it's are great meter, reliable, rugged and safe.

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 02:55:21 am
content: Quote from: Vtile on January 21, 2018, 07:09:19 pmI have seen Thomas Nagy (electrician, YouTube) using a meter by Megger that combines electricians meter, low resistance tester and insulation tester all in one, but I cannot find it on Megger's website when I look. I suspect for business and commercial reasons Megger want you to buy lots of separate products for different functions rather than buying one product which combines many functionsSuch is the reality of business and marketing these days.

author: Russ
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 03:02:18 am
content: Quote from: DaJMasta on January 21, 2018, 07:31:58 pmYes, it does 👍

author: IanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 03:06:40 am
content: Quote from: IanB on January 22, 2018, 02:55:21 amActually, maybe I'm mistaken. The meter I have seen Thomas using appears to be this one:https://www.test-meter.co.uk/metrel-mi3000-easi-plus-multifunction-tester/https://www.test-meter.co.uk/images/file/Metrel%20MI3000.pdfIt's not actually made by Megger, and perhaps you can still buy it.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 01:14:38 pm
content: Fluke has a SV225 Stray Voltage Eliminator which turns a Fluke or compatible (probe socket spacing) meter into one with a Low Z function or use the Fluke TL225 Stray Voltage Adapter Test Lead Set.The Fluke 110 Plus, 113, 114, 116, 117 have Auto-V and LoZ (Fluke 289 has LoZ).The Fluke 12, 12B, 7-300 and 7-600 also are also low impedance meters of the past.

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 05:12:27 pm
content: Quote from: IanB on January 22, 2018, 03:06:40 amYep that metrel looks like a "standard" appliance tester and or installation tester. Ie. Fluke do have a few modelshttp://www.fluke.com/fluke/m3en/installation-testers/fluke-1653b-multifunction-installation-tester.htm?pid=72323Not entirely what I'm looking for as such instrument is dedicated device to prove that some installation or device is meets certain standards and or laws than general trouble, personal safety and sanity check device.Ie. Fluke 289 seems good at first, trend capture and all, but after you read the manual you notice its "trend" function is merely a marketing gimmick. No use to field inspect ie. if some switch (were it mechanical or sonar or electromagnetic) is bouncing etc. On the other hand Scopemeter is too heavy in beans to be easily justified as personal equipment.

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 06:02:17 pm
content: That low impedance probe might be a good choice as then the meter it self can be freely chosen hmm..

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 07:10:45 pm
content: Keysight U123x and 127x also have Zlow.

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2018, 07:52:27 pm
content: Thomas Nagy have a few really good videos, thx IanB.

author: Electro Detective
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2018, 02:09:56 am
content: Quote from: Shock on January 22, 2018, 01:14:38 pmFluke 289 in the Low-Z position gives a dual display with AC on top, and DC on the bottom, with fixed 0 to 1000v manual range (no auto-range)so both are going at the same time without the need for Auto-V3.1 k Resistance,I have used it for suspect smoke detector 9v battery tests and AAs too, works fine AFAICT--------------------FWIW, Fluke 114 does a great job too with Low-Z and Auto-Vgreat for basic no brainer testing, and no current sockets to think about when playing with electricity3.3k ResistanceWord to new players: If you play on mains with the Low-Z feature on any meter, you will trip the RCD/GFCIand people nearby may not be impressed with the meter's extra feature=>

author: Iagash
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2018, 12:23:39 pm
content: Might some of the owners of a meter with LowZ feature measure the lowest voltage it starts displaying?The reason I ask is, because the new 121gw displays 0V until the voltage raises to about 11V. After it was raised to 11V I can lower it again and it will display the voltage down to around 3V.This true for both AC and DC.I have never had a meter with LowZ before, so I'm not sure if it's supposed to be like that.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2018, 01:59:48 pm
content: Quote from: Iagash on January 23, 2018, 12:23:39 pmFluke 114 reading AA battery:charged 1.5Vflat 0.9Vdead 0.0VSo seems to work fine.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2018, 02:32:50 pm
content: Quote from: Iagash on January 23, 2018, 12:23:39 pmThe Keysight U1273A (and I suspect the U1233A as well, but I don't have it anymore) start from 0VDCand 3VAC