Megger’s new MIT480 Mk 2 range of handheld insulation and continuity testers, which are designed primarily for testing telecommunications equipment and cables, offer a host of new features to make testing faster and more convenient, and to minimise the risk of accidental damage to equipment under test.
The range currently includes two models – the MIT481, which offers a choice of four fixed test voltages and result storage, and the MIT485, which adds a variable test voltage feature, support for downloading of test results via a Bluetooth wireless connection, and facilities for recharging batteries without removing them from the instrument. Both models have a CAT IV 600 V safety rating in line with IEC 61010.
A major innovation is support for three-wire connection (tip, ring and earth or A, B and E). This saves time as no disconnection and reconnection of test leads is needed to carry out the full range of tests on a cable pair. In addition, a new differential test feature allows the difference between two consecutive continuity measurements to be calculated and displayed automatically.
The MIT480 Mk 2 instruments also introduce a wider range of insulation test voltages than was available with their predecessors, complemented by voltage stabilisation, which guarantees that the test voltage is always within 2% of the chosen value. For further confirmation, the actual test voltage being applied is shown on the display.
With the MIT481, fixed test voltages of 50 V, 100 V, 250 V and 500 V can be quickly selected. In addition to these fixed voltages, the MIT485 has a variable test voltage facility that runs from 50 V to 1,000 V. Selection of the 500 V fixed test voltage is gated to guard against accidental application of this high voltage to sensitive equipment.
In addition to their primary insulation test function, which delivers accurate results up to 100 GΩ with a test voltage of 500 V, the new MIT480 Mk 2 instruments also offer fast continuity testing with a user-selectable test current of 20 mA or 200 mA. Continuity testing covers 0.01 Ω to 1 MΩ without the need for manual range switching.
As a further convenience, the instruments provide DC and true rms AC voltage measurement up to 600 V. When measuring AC voltages, frequency up to 450 Hz is simultaneously displayed.
Both the MIT481 Mk2 and MIT485 Mk2 have capacious on-board storage for test results and, with the MIT485, saved results can be downloaded quickly and easily via a Bluetooth wireless link. Using the software supplied, the data is presented in CSV format and can be loaded directly into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
Megger’s new MIT480 Mk 2 insulation testers for telecommunications applications have tough housing with a shock-absorbing rubber over moulding that also provides excellent grip. Their “weatherproof” IP54 protection rating virtually eliminates the possibility of water ingress, even to the battery and fuse compartments.
The instruments are powered by six AA cells. Either alkaline or rechargeable NiMH types can be used, and the MIT485 offers the option of recharging the cells in situ. Chargers for use from the mains supply or from vehicle cigarette lighter type sockets are available as optional extras.
