Circuit Analyzer

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AZsparky

AZsparky

Senior Member
Location
Scottsdale, AZ
For those of you that use a circuit analyzer, (Like the Ideal 61-164) what brand and model do you recommend and why? Particularly interested in one that tests for bootleg grounds. Thanks!
 
I use my 165 all the time.
Not only tests for bootleg grounds but measure the resistance of each conductor back the main breaker.
So you can easily map a branch circuit by selecting the lowest resistance, the next receptacle by the next lowest resistance etc.
Many more features like GFCI & AFCI testing.
 
ohm said:
I use my 165 all the time.
Not only tests for bootleg grounds but measure the resistance of each conductor back the main breaker.
So you can easily map a branch circuit by selecting the lowest resistance, the next receptacle by the next lowest resistance etc.
Many more features like GFCI & AFCI testing.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'm looking at the Ideal 165 and the Amprobe equivalent. The 165 uses the 120 volt power and the Amprobe has a 9 volt battery. Don't know if that's a good or bad thing. Seems like I use a lot of 9 volts with my other testers already.
 
AZsparky said:
Thanks! I'm looking at the Ideal 165 and the Amprobe equivalent. The 165 uses the 120 volt power and the Amprobe has a 9 volt battery. Don't know if that's a good or bad thing. Seems like I use a lot of 9 volts with my other testers already.
Click to expand...

Can the Amprobe be used on energized circuits, which would be a plus.

But the 165 must be used on live circuits, which can be a negative.
 
I have an Ideal 165 which I have been using for almost three years. I use it constantly. The 165 is discontinued. Ideal still makes the 164 which lacks the AFCI tester which I never use anyway.

The 165 burned up on me about a year ago. I noticed it wasn't booting up and then smoke started pouring out. Ideal replaced it for free even though it was out of warranty by a couple of months. I'm always a little hesitant when I plug it in now but it's such a useful tool, I have to use it.
 
Coppersmith said:
I have an Ideal 165 which I have been using for almost three years. I use it constantly. The 165 is discontinued. Ideal still makes the 164 which lacks the AFCI tester which I never use anyway.

The 165 burned up on me about a year ago. I noticed it wasn't booting up and then smoke started pouring out. Ideal replaced it for free even though it was out of warranty by a couple of months. I'm always a little hesitant when I plug it in now but it's such a useful tool, I have to use it.
Click to expand...

Some functions need a rest between tests to let the meter cool down, per instructions.
 
Accessories?

Accessories?

ohm said:
I use my 165 all the time.
Not only tests for bootleg grounds but measure the resistance of each conductor back the main breaker.
So you can easily map a branch circuit by selecting the lowest resistance, the next receptacle by the next lowest resistance etc.
Many more features like GFCI & AFCI testing.
Click to expand...

Hi Ohm:

I purchased the 61-164. I should have it this week. Are there any must-have accessories in your experience, such as the iso-ground adapter or the alligator clip set?

Thanks
 
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