Looking for Multimeter Probes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: PixieDust
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2020, 04:54:10 am
content: I received my HP 3478A multimeter a few weeks back and have been looking for some probes for it. I contacted Pomona, but after 2 weeks, I haven't heard anything back from them. Reading other threads, the 6366 from:https://www.pomonaelectronics.com/products/dmm-test-leads-and-probes/test-leads-and-probes#appear to be what I am looking for, since they have retractable sheeths, but I would also like to buy another pair for 4 wire measurement. This second pair needs to have grabbers like the Model 5911B. But these grabbers obviously don't attach to the 6366. Does anyone know what they attach to? To Model 6358?

author: 0culus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2020, 05:07:42 am
content: I'll plug probemaster. I have two pairs of their retractable shield multimeter probes and they are awesome. Very well made, excellent silicone leads, and the retracting shields means they are compatible with both modern DMMs and older voltmeters that use binding posts. They have tons of other styles as well.

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2020, 09:26:03 am
content: Probemaster are excellent, also Pomona. I also have some RS Pro that have served me well for over 20 years, the probes are still needle sharp.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2020, 09:29:54 am
content: +1 for probemaster

author: PixieDust
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2020, 02:40:47 am
content: Hmm, Probemaster look good, they come with attachable hook grabber things, but they are not sold on digikey.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2020, 05:46:01 am
content: I remember ordering directly on their web site. shipping was $15 to europe which is completely reasonable.

author: PixieDust
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2020, 05:59:36 am
content: Yep that sounds reasonable. They don't offer international shipping due to COVID-19 at the moment so I had no idea how much it was going to be. Thanks for the clarification, I'll continue researching them.

author: Noy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2020, 06:00:42 am
content: Welectron ist selling them too in Europe.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2020, 12:14:40 pm
content: Another vote for Probe Master here. If you can wait to buy direct, there’s the advantage that they can pretty much customize them however you need, including retractable or unsheathed plugs and cable length.

author: KingSolomon
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2020, 03:29:27 pm
content: I also remember that Probe Master gave me a coupon for ≈20% off to use on my next order.

author: marcibalt
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 15, 2020, 08:00:32 pm
content: I bought a pair of Probemasters probes for my 3478A and they're amazing. Their customer service is amazing.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2020, 08:29:22 pm
content: Quote from: 0culus on June 13, 2020, 05:07:42 amHm-hm....We got measuring leads with retracting shields, because we got lots of old stuff which don´t have the safety 4mm sockets already.But in some cases they´re pain in the arse, as they´re flipping out of the socket, because the socket was too deep in the case, like by the fluke 179 multimeter or the greater alligator-clips for example.First they seem to fit, but a few minutes later, they´re out of the sockets….

author: PixieDust
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2020, 03:26:29 am
content: After spending half a day researching probes I've come to the conclusion that the probemasters are hard to beat. Dave's video helped sway me in that direction as well:That and the fact that you can attach a bunch of different attachments simply and easily depending on the job. And those attachments don't cost obscene amounts of money.Quote from: Martin72 on June 15, 2020, 08:29:22 pmThanks Martin, I was wondering whether to choose the retractable sheath version or just a bare banana plug version. I thought the retractable sheath one was a no brainer given that it has better bend/stress relief and the benefit of a sheath if it's needed. But you're making me think twice which one I should go for.

author: 0culus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2020, 03:28:14 am
content: I have the retractables and have had zero issues with them. I'm not sure I understand what the problem is.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 16, 2020, 09:28:14 am
content: Another option is to use adapters like these...https://www.pomonaelectronics.com/products/hardware/standard-sheath-banana-jack-non-sheath-banana-plug-adapter

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2020, 08:16:57 pm
content: Quote from: 0culus on June 16, 2020, 03:28:14 amWe got testleads from hirschmann to fullfil the safety needs ( if the plug is out of the socket, it must be isolated).The ordinary ones with fixed isolation around the plug and the retracting ones, which fitting in both sockets.Problem : If the socket ist to deep under the surface (see Fluke pic), the retracting plug wouldn´t fit completely and the force of the feather from the retracting would push them out, in a time.This happens by some of our multimeters and some of or alligatorclips.Reason is simple:The leads COULD fit in the safety sockets, but in general they´re made for the non-safety sockets.

author: PixieDust
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2020, 08:26:22 am
content: Thanks Marin, I think I'll get the 8010Shttps://probemaster.com/8000-series-test-leads-only/I don't understand the requirement of a sheath anyway. Less incompatibility, simplicity over complexity is what I've learned.The only other question is should I get various tips/attachments? What do you guys think? For four wire measurement with two hands, you definitely need some grabbers, should I get other ones as well? Which ones are must have in your opinion?

author: Noy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2020, 09:35:13 am
content: Pick the Kit with every Extension.

author: 0culus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2020, 01:42:17 am
content: The sheath is part of the probe's safety rating. Cutting it off invalidates the CAT rating IIRC. Not a problem if all you do is low voltage, but it starts to matter when you are working with higher energy stuff.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2020, 02:11:05 am
content: Yep, ProbeMaster if you want the best.

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2020, 04:09:32 am
content: Quote from: PixieDust on June 19, 2020, 08:26:22 amThe sheaths save lives and prevent accidents. I spent most of my life in an industrial setting working on automation equipment and instrumentation - crap happens. It is a very different environment than a service or an engineering bench.Given that info; I've used test lead sets from HP, Fluke, Ponoma and one other I can't remember. Generally they have to be replaced fairly regularly. One of the reasons I stick with Fluke handheld meters is their ruggedness in this sort of environment. Test leads on the other hand are basically expendable, as such I tend to not get too tied up in brands. That might change for my needs at home as I'm trying to get back into electronics as a hobby.QuoteI highly recommend looking at the various kits that are offered by the manufactures. It is very easy to one day need two probes and the next day to need a large alligator, who knows what you need on the following day. More importantly get a pouch or case to keep all of the little attachments in as they have a habit of disappearing. The kits of course don't have every possible attachment so you need to buy add ons if you find a need. Most of the "electronics" kits will have you covered though.Just don't do what I did late one night and order half of my leads with standard banana plugs and the other half MINI.

author: PixieDust
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2020, 12:06:27 pm
content: I thought CAT ratings are more to do with those plastic things/sleeves that you put on the tip of the probe to reduce the amount of probe stick out to prevent arcing. Wouldn't the probe need to be already inserted into the multimeter for any arcing to be a risk? So unless you're contact something high voltage while you're putting in a probe into the multimeter, then there shouldn't be a problem?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2020, 12:10:24 pm
content: Quote from: PixieDust on June 20, 2020, 12:06:27 pmI think it’s to ensure that if the banana plugs are not fully inserted, a wayward piece of metal (or conductive liquid) cannot short the two jacks or reduce their creepage distances, as well as preventing any human contact with any exposed metal.I’m also not sure that arcing is the reason for the sheathed probe tips, so much as making it harder to accidentally touch something.

author: 0culus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2020, 02:41:46 pm
content: Makes it harder to accidentally short something out too. I've done that with mains voltage in a moment of stupidity....makes a nice bright flash and leaves a crater on the probe!I'm no expert on CAT ratings (and there was a thread where it was done to death in the not to distant past), but my impression is that your meter has a CAT rating and name brand probes have a CAT rating. Together, they form a system that can be guaranteed to have certain characteristics according to those CAT ratings. Modifying stuff like cutting off the banana plug sheath messes this up and any CAT rating guarantees no longer hold. I also avoid working with really high energy circuits like the plague. This stuff becomes incredibly important if you're working on equipment that's on 3 phase AC for instance.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2020, 08:46:43 pm
content: At home, I got theseFluke TL175test leads.Like the twist guard system, it´s not gold plated, but until now I couldn´t discover any fails of proper contact.

author: Ordinaryman1971
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2020, 04:13:57 am
content: Not sure if you want Agilent branded Pomona's but here is an ebay listing:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Agilent-Multimeter-Test-Leads/173873311605?hash=item287ba82f75:g:CJQAAOSw9m9cjBf2

author: H713
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2020, 07:18:34 am
content: I'm probably the only guy on the planet who dislikes the Probemaster probes. I have two sets of them, and every time I try to use them I get frustrated. The probes themselves aren't too bad, if a bit bulky, but the leads are awful. Yes, they are the very definition of a wet noodle. That is part of the problem, the other part being that it is very rubbery- almost sticky. This creates multiple problems, not the least of which is that they are a dust magnet, but there's a bigger issue.I have never had meter probes that tangle the way the Probemasters do. I really loved them at first, but after about a week they started to really annoy me.I'm a big fan of the Fluke probes- they feel quite nice, and I find the lead wires are about the perfect blend of flexible and slippery so they don't tangle so much. I have yet to try the Pomona probes, but I have really liked every Pomona test lead that I've used so they're probably next on my list to try. They already get points in my book for being a little bit narrower than the probemasters, which I find to be excessively wide- this is rather annoying when working on power amplifiers with power transistors that are buried in a heatsink.That's just my $0.02. In other words, they aren't my favorite product. They are extremely well made and feel great to use, and they are razor sharp. If it weren't for the lead wires, I would probably like them a lot more.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2020, 08:15:00 am
content: That’s silicone wire for you. The solution is actually really simple: first, give them a good cleaning with soap and water. Shake them off and let them air dry. Then apply talcum powder (baby powder is fine). The stickiness goes away, replaced by silkiness. (This is how silicone test lead wire is shipped from wire companies.)

author: 0culus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2020, 06:09:40 pm
content: Yep, silicone insulation is worth the trouble. If you accidentally hit it with your soldering iron, it simply shrugs it off.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2020, 06:38:56 pm
content: Quote from: H713 on June 22, 2020, 07:18:34 amI have precision Probemasters (with pogo tips) and their cables are GREAT compared to Pomona precision probes (sold as Fluke too). Those have worst silicon cables, because they are SO THIN. They are like wet thread. After trying those, Probemaster cables are joy to use..

author: PixieDust
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2020, 08:14:53 am
content: Thanks guys, I'm going with a couple of Probemaster sets.

author: Corner
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2020, 02:35:26 pm
content: I personally like these Brymen silicone leads the most:https://www.tme.com/au/en/details/pp-bm10a/test-leads-sets/brymen/pp-bm-10a/, the handles are very comfortable to hold, and the tips are gold plated.I have a couple of sets of Probemaster leads, really don't like how they feel in the hands.I also have Fluke TL175, TL71 and TL75 leads for my Fluke meters, TBH the TL75 are the most comfortable to hold out of all of them, but I use TL175 the most due to obvious reasons.

author: edigi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2020, 07:40:48 pm
content: The Brymen probes are probably the best value generic probes.Probemaster has a great variety of excellent specialist probes.I have one of the micro-tip variants.My only complaint is the packaging: It does not have seal (I think it's common in the US) and I've got a probe that looks like a refurbished one although seller sold it as new...Some of my silicone probes are from Aliexpress. The leads of those are not near as flexible as the Brymens or Probemasters, although they are OK otherwise.

author: JonM
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 05, 2020, 03:09:13 am
content: I have a significant collection of Probe Master probes and am very happy with them. If you are in the US I suggest buying them direct. Recently I saw a Probe Master kit being sold on Amazon for US$10 more than Probe Master sells it for and there was a shipping charge. I believe that Probe Master ships for free in the US (or at least they used to). As someone else mentioned, they often supply a discount coupon for your next order so you may not want to buy everything in one shot.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2020, 03:52:58 pm
content: In edigis post I see this:But when I click on it, this appears:

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2020, 06:25:39 pm
content: That’s a forum software/server bug that’s been vexing everyone.

author: PixieDust
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2020, 05:24:14 am
content: Probes arrived today. Ordered direct, shipping wasn't cheap to Australia, but anyway. Decided to risk it and get the retractable sheath version. No complaints. They retract with little resistance and the connectors on the multimeter are very snug, so no chance of them popping out due to the retractable sheath. Very happy. Time to play.

author: capacitor_explosion
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2020, 06:11:11 am
content: +1 probemaster