Last year saw a huge expansion of the Test-Meter range across our electrical, thermal, high voltage, gas and environmental categories with numerous new products from some of the most prominent manufacturers in test and measurement. After careful deliberation, we have picked our top five new releases from 2017:
Megger MFT1741 Multifunction Tester
The Megger MFT1741 was launched in October and is one of the most advanced MFTs available on the market today. In addition to a wide range of sophisticated features also found on the older MFT1731, the new tester boasts the most advanced loop test of any multifunction tester. Not only is the test incredibly efficient, it negates the effects of RCD impedance uplift on loop impedance readings thanks to a range of different test currents and measurement features. Testing through 10mA RCDs does not pose the tester any problem and it can even perform a no-trip test of type-B RCDs. Furthermore, a patented confidence meter provides the user with a visual indication of the reliability of a test result. This handy feature allows the user to work more efficiently and effectively by ensuring that repeat tests are only performed when necessary.
Kewtech EZYPAT PAT Tester Range
With their compact size and sleek design, the Kewtech EZYPAT, EZYPAT Plus and SMARTPAT are battery-powered PAT testers that offer the user portability, usability and powerful testing capabilities. The EZYPAT Plus and SMARTPAT models are particularly impressive thanks to their load and run testing capability, an ideal test for instruments with lots of moving parts such as drills and other power tools. These two testers are the only battery-powered testers to offer this function and the SMARTPAT can also be remotely operated from the user’s smartphone using the KewPAT Android App.
Megger DCM305E Earth Leakage Clamp Meter
Megger’s brand new earth leakage clamp provides the user with highly accurate (±1%) true RMS earth leakage current readings down to a resolution of 0.001mA AC. The extended 100A AC measuring range is suitable for conventional current measurement in addition to leakage current whilst pre-set leakage current alarms (0.25mA, 0.5mA, 3.5mA) make it immediately clear when leakage current has reached a problematic level. Currently available for just £180, the DCM305E is an excellent solution for measuring earth leakage current with high precision and accuracy.
Kane 458 Flue Gas Analyser
Kane once again raised the bar for flue gas analysers in 2017 with the Kane 458. The analyser performs all the usual measurements and calculations associated with flue gas analysis with a high degree of accuracy but it also features an automatic boiler commissioning test sequence that will test a new installation in accordance with the process set out in Technical Bulletin 143. The carbon monoxide testing features are particularly impressive with a dual pump system providing over range protection for the CO sensor.
FLIR E75, E85 and E95 Thermal Imaging Cameras
The FLIR EXX range of thermal imaging cameras came out in February 2017 and they are noteworthy because of their incredibly powerful thermal imaging capabilities. With thermal resolutions up to 464 x 348 pixels over a maximum temperature range of -20˚C to 1500˚C, these cameras are ideal for uses in construction, building surveys, mechanical diagnosis and electrical applications. Thermal sensitivity of ≤30mK shows even the tiniest temperature variations on screen and the cameras also boast advanced features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, inbuilt GPS, voice annotation, MSX image enhancement and integrated digital cameras.