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April 2016 saw the arrival of a new batch of Megger multifunction testers. The untrained eye won’t spot any aesthetical or ergonomic differences between the existing MFT1700 series and the 2016 units, however the newer models offer additional, valuable testing features at very competitive prices.

Simply put the new range comprises of three testers, each one eventually replacing the current trio of multifunction testers:

  • Megger MFT1710, being replaced by the the Megger MFT1711
  • Megger MFT1720, being replaced by the the Megger MFT1721
  • Megger MFT1730, being replaced by the the Megger MFT1731

Megger MFT1711

The range opens with the Megger MFT1711. Replacing the MFT1710, the 1711 is an attractive prospect for any ‘Part P’ installer. The problem that laid with the existing MFT1710 is that although marketed as suitable for Part P installers, it would not conduct an automatic RCD test.

Crucially, anyone wanting to test an RCD upstairs in a house would need to carry out each of the tests individually, while having to run downstairs to reset the RCD four times over for each of the 1x and 5x trip time tests.

In addition a 1000V insulation test is also provided by the MFT1711 - a steadfast addition weighing in against other testers within its price range, as well as an RCD ramp test function ideal for fault diagnosis.

Megger MFT1721

Sitting in the middle of the Megger’s 2016 range of MFTs and replacing the MFT1720 is the MFT1721. Although labelled ‘mid-range’, the MFT1721 boasts a specification that tops the podium amidst competition within the same price range.

Suitable for the majority of electrical installers, the MFT1721 confidently enters commercial and industrial testing arenas, conducting line to line loop tests and having the ability to confirm line sequences.

What makes this model stand out is having the ability to test 3 phase RCDs and Type B (DC current) RCDs; these devices being found more and more in renewable energy installations like vehicle charge points, turbine and solar installations to name a few.

Megger MFT1731

Still a Bluetooth and downloadable model , not much in the way of general testing specification could be improved on in comparison with the older MFT1730, although a couple of fairly useless features have been removed creating room for more useful test functions. The MFT1731 is also available as an ‘Onsite’ package including software and an earth electrode test lead set (like the MFT1730 Onsite).

Suitable for use by electrical contractors and utility engineers alike, the MFT1731 can also be used as a comprehensive earth resistance tester to qualify specialist installations like distribution network earth circuits and lightning protection systems – completely outside the remit of BS7671.

The older MFT1730 had the ability to conduct standard 2 and 3 pole earth tests, but what sets the MFT1731 apart is the ability to carry out ART (attached rod technique) and stake-less earth resistance tests. These functions not only prove the MFT1731 as a very capable standalone earth resistance tester, but arguably champions this model as one of most (applicable) multifunction testers on the market.

So what function(s) did the MFT1731 lose in comparison with the MFT1730? To answer very simply (and personally to some degree) - nothing that really mattered. The older model had could store a Ze loop measurement which allowed the tester to calculate an R1+R2 value when conducting a Zs test.

I argue that the R1+R2 value should have been ascertained before energising a circuit anyway, so this function should only have been used to qualify a previously recorded value – something any capable electrical contractor can do using a few seconds of mental arithmetic. This being said, the MFT1721 still offers this feature should it be truly missed.

So which model is suitable for you?

It’s important to note that all of the usual Megger bells and whistles are carried across from the older range to the new range. These include 2 wire anti trip loop testing, automatic test start, dual test button design for left and right handed use, CATIV safety rating and IP54 protection.

The choice of Megger tester should be narrowed down by what sort of installation work you are conducting, with thoughts being paid towards future work you may want to undertake:

  • MFT1711 – single phase, domestic installation work
  • MFT1721 – single phase, domestic work with a view to branching out into commercial/industrial three phase electrical installation work in the future
  • MFT1731 – suited for all low voltage electrical installation work, with the ability of downloading test results for volume testing and extensive earth resistance testing

Megger MFT Comparison Chart

MFT1711 MFT1721 MFT1731 MFT1731 Onsite
200mA Continuity Test
15mA Continuity Test
Insulation Resistance Test 250V, 500V & 1000V 100V, 250V, 500V & 1000V 100V, 250V, 500V & 1000V 100V, 250V, 500V & 1000V
RCD Test (AC, A & S Types)
RCD Test (B Type DC Current)
Auto RCD Test
RCD Ramp Test
RCD (3 phase)
Loop Test (2 & 3 Wire Anti-Trip
Line Test (L-L)
Loop Test R1+R2 Calculation
Earth Test (2 & 3 pole) ✔ (Requires accessory)
Earth Test (ART & stakeless) ✔ (Requires accessory) ✔ (Requires accessory)
Phase Rotation
Download Memory
Software Included
Leakage Current ✔ (Requires accessory) ✔ (Requires accessory) ✔ (Requires accessory)
Rechargeable