What megger do you recommend?

[ericsherman37]

I'm a fairly recent convert and believer to the awesome value of meggers as troubleshooting/test tools. My shop has a couple old hand crank ones that are pretty obsolete, though functional, but none of my heathen coworkers ever use any of them. I think I'm the only one that has figured out how useful they are (mostly thanks to this site and a fair amount of use in the field).

I'm planning on lobbying my boss to get a new one, as I think it would pay for itself in not very much time at all, but I'd like to take some recommendations from y'all seasoned professionals as to what might be a good purchase. I don't think we need anything with all the bells and whistles, but something simple yet dependable would be nice. If I can convince my boss to get something like this, then I might be able to prove to my coworkers how well it works with all sorts o' issues.

So, what do you guys use/recommend that might fit the bill?

 

[Jlarson]

I have an AEMC 1045, good megger IMO, I may be biased though cause I got it pretty cheap.

I will be adding a Fluke 1587 megger/DMM to the arsenal too though soon, I like the increased number of test voltages and the fact I could do a lot of my t-shooting with just one meter. Another good option to look at.

 

[ericsherman37]

So the Fluke 1587 does regular voltage and current measurements and all that too? I looked at the Fluke 1507... looks like it does just megging. But it's cheaper.

 

[Jlarson]

Yeah the 1507 is just a megger, the 1587 is a DMM too, with a lot of the same measurement functions of the 179 DMM, plus it has low pass filtering.

 

[StephenSDH]

I have the 1587 and I am happy with it. Does exactly what i expect.

 

[barclayd]

Just remember - If it's not made by Biddle, it's not a 'Megger'.
www.biddlemegger.com

db

 

[K8MHZ]

Just remember - If it's not made by Biddle, it's not a 'Megger'.
www.biddlemegger.com

db

That was true at one time, but no longer.

Megger is now it's own company and the name Biddle is no where to be found on their products. Megger purchased the Biddle Instrument Company, the Megger line and name along with it and now builds all sorts of test equipment besides megohmeters. AVO was also part of the package. I have and old Yellow Megger and I think AVO may be on it somewhere. It's raining and I don't feel like going to the van to look.

Megger also makes time domain reflectometers bearing the Megger name, so a Megger may not be a megger at all any more.

You can get decent used megohmeters on Ebay for cheap. Like 50 to 75 bucks. I have a beautiful Sanwa from the 70's I got for about 50 bucks.

 

[Cow]

So the Fluke 1587 does regular voltage and current measurements and all that too? I looked at the Fluke 1507... looks like it does just megging. But it's cheaper.

I'm very pleased with my 1507. I use it for strictly megging, it's been a lifesaver. Don't know how other electricians can go without? This is a necessity as far as I'm concerned if you need to trouble shoot tripping breakers/motors, etc.

I picked mine up new on Ebay for around $350ish. I've had it for 3 years or so, it had to be repaired for the first time about 6 mos. ago as it wouldn't reach testing voltage.

If I lost it, I'd go right back out and buy another.

It's one of those things, once you get it and use it, you'll wonder why you went so long without...

Are you hoping to use it on that lighting circuit that's giving you grief?

 

[ericsherman37]

Are you hoping to use it on that lighting circuit that's giving you grief?

UGH don't remind me!

Yeah the hand crank one just isn't cuttin' it. I almost ran it over today; I think it's been dropped a few too many times. Or it's just filled up with dust from neglect.

 

[macmikeman]

I tell you something. I wish I had of invested in a Fluke Meggometer instead of an expensive Biddle when I bought my first digital one. Mind you this was before the internet got cranking and there was no e-bay yet. Couple that with the fact that only one local place carried Meggers and that was the Biddle model I bought. Reason- Biddle no workey so good now. I have some backup cheaper ones but I want a good Fluke.

 

[ptonsparky]

I bought the 1507 because I have more than enough DMMs for checking volts. It does everything I need it to do.

I have a TPro and amp clamp for everyday all day use. All other meters have cases and are not carried around in a tool bag or pouch. Just to expensive.

 

[Cow]

I bought the 1507 because I have more than enough DMMs for checking volts. It does everything I need it to do.

I have a TPro and amp clamp for everyday all day use. All other meters have cases and are not carried around in a tool bag or pouch. Just to expensive.

Sounds like we both carry the same meters for the same reasons. The rotation function on the T+Pro is nice...

 

[wptski]

Other than PI/DAR testing which it's no good for, the 1507 is pretty good.

 

[Strife]

I got a megger from 1936, works just as well as the newer one I have from couple years ago.
Of course I'm the only one taking the old one for a drive every now and then. Not about to trust anyone else with that

I'm a fairly recent convert and believer to the awesome value of meggers as troubleshooting/test tools. My shop has a couple old hand crank ones that are pretty obsolete, though functional, but none of my heathen coworkers ever use any of them. I think I'm the only one that has figured out how useful they are (mostly thanks to this site and a fair amount of use in the field).

I'm planning on lobbying my boss to get a new one, as I think it would pay for itself in not very much time at all, but I'd like to take some recommendations from y'all seasoned professionals as to what might be a good purchase. I don't think we need anything with all the bells and whistles, but something simple yet dependable would be nice. If I can convince my boss to get something like this, then I might be able to prove to my coworkers how well it works with all sorts o' issues.

So, what do you guys use/recommend that might fit the bill?

 

[dbuckley]

The advantage that having a single function meter gives is that you wont accidentally connect it on the wrong range and damage it. having said that, modenr meters are far more forgiving than their forbears; autoranging is a wonderful thing!

 

[hardworkingstiff]

I got a megger from 1936, works just as well as the newer one I have from couple years ago.
Of course I'm the only one taking the old one for a drive every now and then. Not about to trust anyone else with that

I was wondering what was wrong with the old hand crank megger.

I always thought the hand crank was great because you didn't need batteries to make it work.