Ever wonder what CATIII-600V means?

[giddonah]

I was about to just ask here, but a quick google turned up this article which I found interesting and wanted to share:

http://www.ecmweb.com/mag/electric_meter_safety_measure/

[Sparks]

That's one of the reasons I only use high quality Fluke meters. (not a sales pitch, just wouldn't want to get hit with cheap meter shrapnel to save a few bucks) :cry:

[giddonah]

I got one while I was in Indiana for some stuff. They had Ideal meters on sale from $140 to $100. I passed on it the first day. On another trip, they marked the rack 50% off. I think it was a CAT III 600V. It's nice to have good equipment.

[Sparks]

I've always used Fluke but Ideal seems to be in the same category these days. I've seen a lot of guys using them. Was always tempted myself to get one to save some $$ but just can't deviate from my tried and trusted flukes.

[roger g]

I had a great meter that cost me almost $300.00 and I even paid $30.00 for the handy dandy case. Though I don't do service much anymore it was always a pleasure to bring it out. Someone else liked it.
That the last time I spend that sort of money.


roger

[Sparks]

I hear ya Roger, but sometimes it sure beats spending needless time troubleshooting something weird and you find out the meter is giving you a false reading. I once had a situation where the power company was called out by my diagnosis to replace a defective meter that was meant to only allow power to pass at night only via time relay( demand issue with in-floor electric heat in a auto dealership) Well, I had also done some other non-related electrical work in the same mechanical room. I was young then and the power company electrician said right in frt. of the customer "well, I don't know what that kid did (me) but I got 175 volts coming out of this meter and I should have 240v". Customer looks at me questioning my knowledge. Well anyhow, to make a long story short. I pulled out my tried and trusted Fluke 189 and checked the voltage in frt. of both of them, proceeded to also check with my Fluke 33, same reading both times, 240 volts. I then politley advised jerk-off power company electrician to get his meter checked which he agreed with me on. He then humbly proceeded to replace the defective meter that the kid (me) had diagnosed. Flukes have never let me down.