Probe Master 8017s and Belden 8899 Wire Tested to Failure

A Probe Master 8017s and 46" of Belden 0905 8899 002 test lead wire is tested to destruction. Two banana jacks are attached to the Belden wire for testing. Both are swept from 2 to 20 Amps and then from 5 to 60 Amps.

[@DoRC]

I love my probe masters!

[@acoustic61]

Belden has rubber insulation while Probe Master is silicone which probably holds up better when heated.

[@jon123423]

Excellent test and reviews but I would have you to carry out full failure test to Brymen cable.

[@ArtVanAuggie]

I would like to see a thermocouple on the wire.

[@robc8468]

How about testing some generic Chinese multimeter leads sold online? Would be interesting to see how they compare to the name brands. Thanks great test.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I doubt that the companies making the DMMs are also making their own leads. There is a separate certification for them. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that even Fluke has outsourced their leads. That does not mean that they are poor quality.

[@stefantrethan]

On Friday I made a simple high current supply with a transformer (I needed 16 Amps, stopped fooling around at 500 Amps because the wire started to get warm). Maybe I should sacrifice one of my 2.5mm^2 test leads and have a go, I suspect the multicontact plugs (32Amp rated) will fail before the lead itself. I don't see why they would even use thinner wire than that, the OD and flexibility is almost the same as Fluke TL175 leads. It's a bit like making an extension cord that can't carry the rated current of the plugs. But I guess they save a few bucks and the meters are only rated to 10Amps anyway, and that's the intended use.

[@andypalm7061]

This was interesting!

[@brianhind6149]

Are you going to claim warranty on the probes ?

[@joesmith-je3tq]

As soon as I claim warranty on the meters they belong to.

[@JackZimmermann]

Hey! Thanks for trying out the ProbeMaster probes. I love my set and I'm about to buy another kit from them. So if I understand it right, the ProbeMaster held up better than the Brymen probes? Lower resistance? I love my Brymen BM869S and I'm thinking of using the ProbeMasters instead of the ones that came with the meters. Any opinion? By the way, I'll add a note when ordering ProbeMasters that I saw this video. Better info than any CAT-rating. Thanks again.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Held up better in what way? I never tested a Brymen probe to failure. The only time I have used the Brymen probes was for this test, so even long term normal use, I really have no idea how they hold up. For resistance, I have posted a graph showing all three probes on EEVBLOG that you can look at. Let me know if you don't understand what is being shown and I will try to explain it. One problem with the 8017S probes is they will not fit into the standard holders molded into most meters. www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hear-kitty-kitty-kitty-nope-not-that-kind-of-cat/975/

[@JackZimmermann]

Ah, must have mixed them up. I'll have a look on the EEVBlog. But I like the screw-on accessories on the ProbeMaster. Haven't had any problem using the ProbeMasters on my Siglent DMM or the Brymen. Anyway, thanks for the videos.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

From the probes I tested to destruction, the Probe Master and older style Fluke were the only ones to survive the 60A sweep. The Belden wire I ran held up as well. If you look at how long it too to damage the Fluke probe compared with the Probe Master, there was no contest. Also, the wire used on the Probe Master held up much better.

[@NextLevelAutoDiagnostics]

Does the Belden 8899 have markings on the cable?

[@joesmith-je3tq]

No. The spool is marked.

[@NextLevelAutoDiagnostics]

@user-gq8bb4vb5d Thank you. I ordered some 8899 and received 20 awg similar epdm wire that I'm not thrilled with.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I assume you purchased from one of their distributors. Not thrilled could mean the texture or color. Maybe you're not thrilled with how it bends. If you are concerned if what you purchased is actually Belden 8899, you could possibly post some closeup photos and provide the strand count, diameter of wires, OD of insulation... I use the EEVBLOG site for this but there are several forums available.

[@kkbose]

could you also show the setup

[@charleswilson4598]

Just a comment but I call high current through a small wire a fusible link. All cars have them. : )

[@marco56702]

Just out of curiosity.. Which setup are you using for these tests? (pc logging software, psu)?

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Labview 2011 with a Meanwell.

[@marco56702]

+joe smith thank you!

[@kuifmans2001]

The current doesn't matter at all. Voltage (drop V×I) does matter, me thinks.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I'm sure there's a point you are trying to make but I can't make sense of it.

[@yplim0]

Is the fumes toxic to the tester ?

[@joesmith-je3tq]

It's melting and sometimes burning PVC and silicone. What do you think? I'm sure you're smart enough not to put your mouth over the exhaust of a car and try to breath. In much the same way there is a reason these tests are being conducted outside.

[@mrraven9790]

fire fire :D

[@davecc0000]

The insulation on the Belden wire: sustaining a flame. Not good...

[@Mr.Leeroy]

it is the plywood that is burning..

[@RiyadhElalami]

Thar is why you get high quality leads, so you don't burn your house. Probe master to the win.