Peakmeter PM5203 Digital Insulation Tester Mini Review

[@TheElectriciansToolChannel]

It’s similar to the DOCOOLER DIGITAL INSULATION TESTER, I don’t know the model number but it’s the same device. Great video TP, you’re videos are the standard reference for electrical professionals 👨‍🎓

[@three-phase562]

Certainly looks the same TETC. They also have the 2.5kV version as well with the blue boot like the Bride has. There are a load of brands on Amazon and eBay that clone these meters that I have never heard of. Thanks for watching TETC.

[@mathman0101]

Absolutely no one doing this kind of critical work so kudos to you 3-phase. Manufacturers should be lining up to get you to review these products and really assess their stated values on the technical specifications. The EMF issue is something we should also be looking at especially if we are working in larger panels or new larger devices motors where we could get some stray EMF from an nearby area. Maybe you could come up with a practical procedure to keep the tester in a given mode and see before you test you get movement in the digits so alerting yourself that could be an issue to be aware of and take account of in doing measurements.

[@three-phase562]

I would imagine in day to day work for an electrician, the effect won't be too noticeable. The Fluke reading was only mV and it was right by the side of the HT Instruments, worth getting some instruments together and seeing what response there is. I find manufacturers are fairly intrinsic and not overly responsive to reviews on their instrumentation - may just be me of course.

[@mathman0101]

@@three-phase562 well I posted on the Fluke website on the limitations of their proving unit that you reviewed and I have and they have posted it - I reckon they would not have done that if they did not expect to improve it given its public, plus that review mentions your fantastic work in highlighting this. Fluke I find also very good in doing recalls for equipment that have safety issues that may be a regulation requirement but good to see them being proactive about it.

[@three-phase562]

@@mathman0101 In my experience, the more people that report an issue to them, then the more likely they are to respond to issues. It is the same with all the meter manufacturers I have reported issues to. Fluke knew I had issues with the unit and the only thing they offered was to replace it with the PRV240, which isn't solving my issue. I have another of their instruments that refuse to talk to the wireless module purchased in good faith. They have offered to buy it back or charge me for the firmware upgrade required to resolve the issue. Yes they do have instrument recalls when required and there instrument testing and development is extensive. I guess it will boil down to personnel experiences and may also be Fluke UK acting differently to other countries.

[@bassemdayeh5294]

Great video. Would it be possible for you to make a video to show how to properly use the peak meter 5203? I purchased this product from amazon and every time I use it at 1000V it always shows 10.10 reading weather the motor insulation is good or not. I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything. Thanks for the videos!

[@three-phase562]

Thanks for watching BD, I have a small three phase motor that I could create a little video on, would take me a few days though. A reading of 10.10 on the 1000V means it is over range. Do you have a resistor you could put across the terminals or even short them together to get a known reading.

[@muushkin]

Do you think the accuracy is good enough in this instrument for Earth fault loop impedance test / rcd testing in Home/small house Electrical installation 230/400V? Or do you think a more expensive instrument is necessary? Not on a professional level of course.

[@three-phase562]

The instrument is an insulation tester and cannot carry out earth fault loop or RCD testing directly. In my opinion it is more than adequate for general insulation testing on house wiring and appliances as long as you take the correct safety precautions before carrying out the tests. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@alvaciemoore711]

How do you do the PI and DAR tests?

[@three-phase562]

Hi. To carry out DAR or PI on the PM5203, you first need to set the timer for 1 minute or 10 minutes. Use the 'Select' button to bring the timer screen up (6 presses), press 'Enter' button to enter the set menu and then use the 'read/rel' buttons to select the duration. Then press 'Enter' again to set the duration. The screen moves onto the DAR screen. Keep pressing 'Select' button until back to the insulation test screen. Then press the 'Timer' button, timer should appear on the right hand side of the screen. Then start the test using the 'Measure' button. The instrument will display DAR or PI and carry out the test automatically. When the test is complete you see the final MOhm reading, you can then use the 'Select' button to view the DAR (7 presses), or PI (8 presses) ratio values. If you had the timer set for 10 minutes, with DAR and PI are populated, if the timer was set for only 1 minute, on the DAR is populated. Connections are the same as a standard insulation test seen in this video.