Fluke 1503 Insulation Resistance Tester

Fluke 1503 Insulation Resistance Tester

Ideal for basic residential and commercial electrical insulation testing, this rugged, compact, and easy to use tool fits in the palm of your hand. You can depend on it to handle the most common tests and additional features, such as the remote probe, decreases the time needed to perform repetitive testing.

Features

• A rugged, compact insulation resistance tester for residential and commercial electricians
• Performs insulation tests from 0.01 to 2000 MΩ
• Offers two insulation test voltages: 500 and 1000 V
• Includes live circuit detection to prevent insulation test if voltage >30 V is detected
• Measures resistance from 0.01 to 20.00 kΩ
• Measures AC/DC voltage from 0.1 to 600 V
• Includes auto-discharge of capacitive voltage for added user protection
• Provides lo-ohms earth-bond continuity (200 mA)
• Simplifies repetitive or hard-to-reach testing with the remote test probe
• Saves battery power with auto power off
• Presents results on a large, backlit display
• Features CAT IV 600 V overvoltage category rating
• Runs on 4 x AA alkaline batteries (NEDA 15 A or IEC LR6) for at least 1000 insulation tests
• Save battery power with auto power off

Applications

• Troubleshooting
• Commissioning
• Preventative maintenance

6 Tips for effective insulation testing

1 isconnect any electronic devices like motor drives, PLC’s, transmitters, etc. before performing insulation testing. Electronics can be damaged by applying higher than normal voltage.
2 The effect of temperature should be considered – it is recommended that tests be performed at a standard conductor temperature of 20 °C (68 °F) or that a temperature baseline is established while compensating future readings by using a DMM with a probe or an infrared thermometer.
3 Select a test voltage appropriate for the insulation being tested. The objective is to stress the insulation but not to over-stress it. When in doubt, use a lower test voltage. It’s usually appropriate to test insulation at twice the voltage it normally sees: for example 460 V to 600 V rated equipment is often tested at 1000 V.
4 When using an insulation tester, leave the leads connected when you stop the test. The insulation tester can discharge any residual test voltage.
5 Conductors that are close to each other have a normal capacitance. This will cause an insulation resistance reading to start low and increase steadily until it stabilizes. This type of increase is normal, but if the reading jumps violently down and up again this indicates arcing.
6 Although the current is tightly limited, an insulation tester can generate sparks and minor but painful burns. The unexpected surprise can cause an operator to jerk away. As always, work away from live systems and use safe work practices when working overhead.