What is this test gear???? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: jonslab
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2020, 10:32:15 pm
content: I found these old test equipment listed on ebay, (https://www.ebay.com/itm/154154998189) a vintage multimeter, an insulation tester (whatever that is) and unknown third one with some Japanese writings on it. I wonder if anyone knows what is it, I'm just curious!Thanks

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2020, 10:34:34 pm
content: I think there are two insulation testers on that picture.

author: jonslab
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2020, 10:35:38 pm
content: They look different!

author: chrisl
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2020, 10:59:42 pm
content: https://www.iowaind.com/Industrial-Machine-Repair-/Nuts-and-Bolts-/Kyoritsu-hewmeg-500-insulation-tester-w-voltmeter-rare.aspSo it is a insulation tester w/voltmeter.

author: MosherIV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 30, 2020, 08:25:28 am
content: Yes, looks like an insulation tester.They apply a (high) voltage then measure the tiny leakage current to determine the 'insulation' resistance.

author: jonslab
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2020, 05:15:40 am
content: So they are of no use for a hobbyist?

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 31, 2020, 08:06:50 am
content: I wouldn't say that.The question might be"How often would you use one?"- in which case, the answer might be hardly ever....BUT...Having something like that available - especially if you get it at a good priceand it works- only adds to your capabilities. Also, learning how it works and playing around with it (carefully) will add to your understanding.Besides ...... it's test gear!

author: m k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2020, 10:53:13 am
content: With that you can also learn why certain equipment is usually the one that "discharges your static" electricity.

author: MosherIV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2020, 12:47:05 pm
content: I am not sure that an insulation meter and ESD gun are similar.Esd guns go way beyond 1000V. They certainly go up to 5KV maybe beyond. I have not used/seen one for many years now.Insulation meters usually only go up to 1000V. Beyond that, I think you start to go into Voltage withstand testers.

author: m k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2020, 11:17:02 am
content: Static was quoted.It was the other way around, like bad EMI filter or so.

author: MosherIV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2020, 11:32:22 am
content: QuoteSorry, I am not understanding your point here.I do not think you need an insulation meter to test for bad components in EMI filter, a dmm in resistance mode will find bad components. You do not need to present a high voltage to find bad capacitors, inductor or resistors.The high voltage is used to find a leakage path that a low voltage would not find.I am not saying that an insulation meter is not worth having, it is!Just not useful for finding bad components imo.

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2020, 12:17:44 pm
content: ESD tests are generally 4 kV or 8 kV depending on the standard and the test requirements.I tend to call insualtion testers High voltage resistance meters as that describes them quite well. They outup high voltage, measure the current and display the resistance. 1 kV testers are generally used in building and wiring applications. These applications are generally fairly low value resistances of up to 1 Gohm. Higher voltages (5 kV to 15 kV) are genarally used to measure much higher resistances, generally in the Tohm range.

author: m k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2020, 03:52:21 pm
content: Quote from: MosherIV on November 01, 2020, 11:32:22 amAround here it used to be a law, a must have for all commercial repair shops, maybe EU has eased things up.Like you said, to find a leakage and to be a final test before giving mains connectable stuff back to the customer.Memory is telling that once I wondered if I should file spikes away from the edge of a desktop case, couldn't see them but they were constantly stinging.Then for a forgotten reason I realised the case is live, can't remember how it was with the PE-wire.It was a time before ATX and when mains went back and forth inside the case.Luckily nowadays those fault current controllers are a must.