Joe,
I just watched a number of your videos, thanks for making them! I did have a quick question about the cheap meter CAT 1 testing. You noted the meters that failed to function after a CAT 1 test and then noted the meters were "rated" at CAT 2 or even 3 (The Mastec is the one where this caught my attention). I thought the CAT ratings simply mean the meter will not harm the user when subjected to the test. I thought failure to function was OK. Am I wrong in thinking that all of the meters you tested "passed" at least that part of the CAT 1 test since none caught fire, exploded etc?
I was thinking about this because one of your videos linked to one of mjlorton's videos where Fluke engineers show a cheap meter exploding
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed them. During the time I was making them, I was asked several times about the design of my transient generator. You want to know how to make a KJ test jig at home?? I know how and will give you my secret. Start with a 20J test jig, add some ignorance and drama to it. There you have it, instant high risk death machine capable of exploding meters and causing fires!
I don't believe I ever claimed to test to an IEC standard, nor was it ever my intent to. These were very low energy stress tests ran only to see how robust the meters were. Well, that and provide some entertainment. I did however provide details about each setup as I went through it. If you would like to know if a specific meter met it's CAT rating, you would need to go to an accredited lab.
As for your question, I would contact some manufactures and see what you can find out. It was covered but I don't believe you will get a clear answer.
If 5ky does decide he would like to give up his meters for another round of destructive testing (I think he said $600 or something out of pocket) to help us learn more about how robust these meters are, I will continue to test them from a low energy source. I would be willing to bet 5ky is starting to think that the time invested is worth more than the cash.