Cheap 1KV Insulation Tester/Megger - 5203

[Shock]

Picked up one of these 5203s. First impression, solid and way better than I expected, specs weren't bad either. They seem to go for around $120 I've not checked the Chinese sites though, the various imported and rebadged versions are considerably more expensive (such as the Mastech). Mine came with a carry bag, leads and crocs, has a detachable rubber holster.

Anyone have one and can share experiences?

• 3 3/4 digit, LCD
• CATIII 1000V, CAT IV 600V
• Insulation test 0.01M? to 10.00G?
• Insulation test at 50,100, 250, 500 & 1000V
• DAR, PI and timer
• Live circuit detection ACV & DCV
• Voltage Measurement 750 VAC & 1000VDC
• Backlight LCD
• Continuity, Data Hold, Low Battery Indication
• Test Data Memory for 20 readings



DC Voltage 660m/6.6/66/660/1000V ± 0.5% ± 5d
AC Voltage 660m/6.6/66/660/750V ± 1.5% ± 5d
Resistance 0.01? to 200? ± 1% ± 5d

Insulation Tester 1.8 mA nominal output
50V, 100V, 250V, 500V 0-50,100,250,500 M? ± 3% ± 20d
1000V 1-5G? & 5-10G? 5% ± 0.1G? & 10% ± 0.2G?

[Shock]

Anyone have a copy of some decent Pat/Appliance/Insulation testing procedures, specifically Australian if possible? Or good books on the subject (or books that have sections that cover this)?

I've not found much in the way of reliable information searching so far.

[VintageNut]

http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/measurement-of-insulation-resistance-1

I am working on a guarded fixture to make insulation resistance measurements. There are common practices but no standards that I am aware of. Serious engineers use a heated fluid bath to immerse the wire sample. I have visited a facility and participated in trial measurements with an electrometer. The sample resistance was on the order of 10s of T ohms.

When your sample is at or above 1G ohm, you are not going to make an accurate measurement unless your test cables and sample are guarded.

[obd.tech]

Hi Shock, can you please give us some feedback on this test meter now you've had it for a while 

Whats the quality like and have you compared it to any other 'megger' testers.
Have you had a 'teardown session' yet

Thinking of getting one for use on hybrid electric vehicles. Thanks 

[Shock]

Whats the quality like and have you compared it to any other 'megger' testers.
Have you had a 'teardown session' yet
Thinking of getting one for use on hybrid electric vehicles. Thanks 

I've done some insulation tests at different voltages and also shorted the probes it works fine. Nice range of test voltages, some testers have 5000V as well, some have less test ranges. Aside from just the plain insulation test it does Dielectric Absorption Ratio (DAR) and Polarisation Index (PI).

You swap the probes when you perform insulation testing as it also operates as a multimeter. Case is like 2 really chunky multimeters side by side, it's not a small unit but it sits quite well on a bench. Fairly decent silicon test probes and also came with clips, case.

Display is clear, lights up really bright. If you were doing PAT testing as a business I would say unless you were broke you are probably best to spend more and buy one with a few more bells and whistles. No test fittings with this just probes and clips. PAT testing is also to a certain local standard.

Seemed better or cleaner constructed than the Uni-T UT511 at the time when I took a peak inside (sorry I don't want to tear it down) and way better than those really small Victor/Vici ones which all look dangerous to me.

Manual was pretty awful, best to download it to read, there is a few different versions I saw around, as this meter is sold under a few names. But it's really easy to use unless you want to learn all the features and remember them.

It was an opportunistic purchase for me as it was sold as not working, but it ended up just being flat batteries and in mint condition. I do have another megger branded analog meter but it's old and there is nothing to really compare.