The American version definitely looks like half of it is missing!

Sparkingchip said:

It was an Australian website the MFT1800 series tester came up on, being sold in Australia and New Zealand

But, oddly, if you have a look at AS/NZS 3000, to the best of my knowledge there is no requirement for a formal "tripping time" instrument test of RCDs at present (although there is nothing to say the test can't be done with an instrument).

Sparkingchip said:

Which is how I came to be looking at Megger MFTs last night, I don’t think I will be rushing to buy the clamps for stake-less testing already having a set of leads and spikes.

The full stake-less testing (2-clamp) using VCLAMP and ICLAMP is really good. Only injects < 1 mA into a resistance of 40 ohms or so.

When many installations in urban areas require electrodes (recommended for TN systems now, but would be necessary if you have island mode capability because of Regulation 551.4.3.2.1) I think it's a far better and safer option than a loop impedance measurement to the electrode (think about trying to find 30 to 50 m of ground to carry out an n-stake test).

I think John Peckham  has his own favourite devices for stake-less testing, though. There are certainly some models out there for stand-alone testers which have both voltage injection and current measurement clamps built into one set of jaws.

Sparkingchip said:

The American version definitely looks like half of it is missing!

And it doesn't look like they are that cheap either?

https://www.testequipmentdepot.com/megger/installation-testers/true-rms-multi-function-tester-voltage-frequency-insulation-testing-mft70.htm

Chris Pearson said:

I bet that the innards are mostly the same with just the dials being different.

I would have thought the MFT1835 boards are all the same ... if there are language options, might be firmware or LCD difference?

Even if the 1835 boards are different to the 70 and 1700 series, they will be based on a similar design theme no doubt, as core elements are the same.

I have said before on this forum, I went to install a temporary supply for builders cabins on the edge of a churchyard with a meter box screwed to the DNO pole and a rod under it, to test the rod I had to put the testing spikes in between graves though I did try and be a bit respectful by lining them up alongside the pathway.

You can imagine the comments I got from the builders about trying to raise the dead.

Yes, finding somewhere to put the spikes for three wire testing can be a challenge and often impossible.

Sparkingchip said:

So one with an additional feature

 Sparkingchip  The only "additional feature" of the 1835 over the 1741 appears to be the "2x" test for RCDs ... but that can usually be done, if you really need it, with the VAR setting on a 1741?

With Amendment 2, it could be argued that the 1741 is now over-specified for the UK (AC testing only, with the only "tripping" test being 1x ... it could be argued that the 1/2 times test isn't specified in BS 7671, but it never was ... another rabbit hole perhaps unless you take the Australian view that "some form of trip, but not tripping time measurement, is acceptable").

Sparkingchip said:

You can imagine the comments I got from the builders about trying to raise the dead.

Sparkingchip  new nickname Dr Frankenchip

Well you know it makes sense, half the volts in the US, so only half the testing.

I think some of the extra costs will be in translating the manual...
 RCD > GFCI,

earth >> ground

live >> hot

green >>  bare

etc .

Mike

(no extra buttons for afci test either surprise surprise..)

gkenyon said:

NOTE: "Clamp+A" is the current measurement setting - so I think you get more with the 1741?

Actually, yes there is an alternative function to the X2 RCD test rather than a spare way on the rotary knob.

I meant to say just the dials and software. It wouldn't surprise me if the cheaper models with fewer features simply had them disabled. Manufacturing multiple PCBs and switches may cost more than using the same, although the PCBs of the cheaper models may not be fully populated with liquorice allsorts.