How to Choose the Best Multifunction Tester: Fluke 1663 vs. Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT
Are you an expert in electrical installation in need of a multifunction tester that can carry out any test demanded by regional laws and standards? If so, you might be unsure of which multifunction tester will suit your requirements the best or which device is the best installation tester?
Although there are numerous types on the market, the Fluke 1663 Multifunction Testers and the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT Powerful Multi-Function Testers are two of the more well-liked ones. and some believes that they are best multifunction electrical tester.
These two testers offer comparable features and functions, but they also differ in a few ways that can make one more appropriate for your particular needs than the other.
In order to assist you choose which tester is best for you, we will analyze the features, functionality, and prices of these two models in this article.
We’ll also provide you a few search terms you may use to look up more details about these testers. After reading this article, you’ll know exactly which multifunction tester suits your requirements the best.
Which Multifunction Tester Is Right for You: Fluke 1663 vs. Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT?
Professionals who work in electrical installation know how crucial it is to have a trustworthy, adaptable multifunction tester that can carry out all the tests demanded by regional rules and standards.
By enabling you to test continuity, insulation resistance, loop and line impedance, RCD, earth resistance, voltage, frequency, phase rotation, surge protection device (SPD), and portable appliance tester (PAT) features with a single instrument, a multifunction tester can help you save time, money, and hassle.
But how do you pick the best multifunction tester for your needs when there are so many possibilities on the market? In this article, we’ll contrast two of the most often used models:
the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT Powerful Multi-Function Testers and the Fluke 1663 Multifunction Testers. In order to help you choose which one is best for you, we will examine their similarities and differences in terms of features, performance, and cost.
Similarities between Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT and Fluke 1663 (fluke vs kyoritsu)
Both the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT and the Fluke 1663 are made to test every requirement of an electrical installation specialist.
Since they both meet the safety requirements of IEC 61010-1 for CAT III 500V and CAT IV 300V, respectively, they can both measure circuits that are linked to the public low-voltage power supply system without risk.
Both of them include sizable LCD screens that provide test results and assistance features.
Both products include test leads, remote control probes, and sturdy carrying cases.
Differences between Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT and Fluke 1663
While both testers share a number of capabilities, they also stand out for certain key distinctions that might make one more appropriate for your particular needs than the other.
Some of the key variations between them are as follows:
Screen: The Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT includes a color LCD screen that is more readable and appealing than the monochrome LCD screen on the Fluke 1663.
Smooth DC sensitive RCDs (Type B), which are utilized in specialized applications like electric vehicle charging stations, solar panels, and UPS systems, can be tested with the Fluke 1663.
Type B RCDs cannot be tested with the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT. Additionally, the Fluke 1663 can test both RCD type A and AC in a single test, which expedites and streamlines the testing process. Separate tests are required for each kind for the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT.
Insulation resistance testing: The Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT can only measure up to 2000 M at 1000 V, whereas the Fluke 1663 can measure insulation resistance up to 1000 M at 1000 V. This indicates that the Fluke 1663 can accurately test greater resistance values.
Testing for loop impedance: The Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT can measure up to 20 with a resolution of 0.001, whereas the Fluke 1663 can measure up to 2000 with a resolution of 1. This indicates that the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT can accurately test lower resistance values.
PEFC/PSC testing: The Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT can measure up to 20 kA or 50 kA depending on the mode, while the Fluke 1663 can measure up to 10 kA of potential earth fault current (PEFC) and prospective short-circuit current (PSC). This indicates that the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT can accurately test greater current values.
Zero adapter: The Fluke 1663 contains a special zero adapter for quick and precise test lead and mains cord correction, which does away with laborious calculations and minimizes errors. This feature is not present in the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT.
The Fluke 1663 contains a loop test Z-max memory that enables quick evaluation of the maximum loop test value and aids in determining the worst-case scenario for fault current. This feature is not present in the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT.
ATT: The Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT contains an anti-trip technology (ATT) for no trip loop L-PE testing on all RCDs with 2 or 3 wires, which stops unintentional RCD tripping and guarantees precise measurements. This feature is absent from the Fluke 1663.
The Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT contains a Zs/Ra limit function that compares the measured loop impedance or earth loop with the values demanded by electrical installation standards and displays a pass or fail result on the display, making it easier to verify safety requirements. This feature is absent from the Fluke 1663.
Bluetooth capability: The Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT features a Bluetooth capability that enables data transfer and report production with the KEW CONNECT app on a smartphone or tablet, increasing productivity and comfort at work.
This feature is absent from the Fluke 1663.
Testing of SPD: The Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT is capable of testing SPD (Surge Protection Devices), which guard electrical equipment from voltage spikes brought on by lightning or other sources. SPD cannot be tested with the Fluke 1663.
How to Choose Between Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT and Fluke 1663
As you can see, each tester has advantages and disadvantages of their own. You might find one to be more acceptable than the other depending on your requirements and tastes.
Here are some queries you might ask yourself to aid in making your decision:
How crucial do you think it is to test Type B RCDs?
How crucial do you think it is to test RCD type A and AC simultaneously?
How crucial are high values for insulation resistance to you?
How crucial is it for you to take measurements of low loop impedance?
How crucial do you think it is to measure high PEFC/PSC values?
How crucial is a zero adapter for test lead and mains cord adjustment to you?
How crucial is it for loop tests that you have a Z-max memory?
How crucial is it for you to have an ATT function for L-PE testing with no trip loop?
How crucial is a Zs/Ra limit feature to your safety verification process?
For data transfer and report generating, how crucial is it for you to have a Bluetooth function?
How crucial do you think SPD testing is?
You can assess the benefits and drawbacks of each tester and decide based on your responses to these questions.
Added information on each tester:
Multifunction Tester Fluke 1663:
The Fluke 1663 is a multifunction tester that can carry out each test needed by regional laws and standards for experts in electrical installation.
With just one tool, it is possible to test functions for surge protection devices (SPD), portable appliance testers (PAT), loop and line impedance, RCD, earth resistance, voltage, frequency, and phase rotation.
The monochrome LCD screen of the Fluke 1663 shows test results and has help options. It contains a rotary dial that makes choosing the testing range simple.
For hands-free testing, it incorporates a remote-control probe and a lockout feature on the test button. Additionally, it offers a self-test feature that verifies the device’s operation and battery life.
Smooth DC sensitive RCDs (Type B), utilized in specialized applications like solar panels, UPS systems, and electric car charging stations, can be tested using the Fluke 1663.
Additionally, it can test both the RCD type A and the AC in a single test, which expedites and streamlines the testing process. It can measure the ramp test, the auto test, the RCD trip time, the trip current, and the contact voltage.
Powerful Multi-Function Testers by Kyoritsu:
The Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT is a multifunction tester that is capable of carrying out all the tests demanded by regional laws and standards for experts in electrical installation.
With just one tool, it is possible to test functions for surge protection devices (SPD), portable appliance testers (PAT), loop and line impedance, RCD, earth resistance, voltage, frequency, and phase rotation.
The RCD types of AC, A, F, B (General & Selective), EV, and Variable RCDs can all be tested using the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT. It cannot test RCDs of Type B. For each form of RCD, specific tests are necessary. It can measure the ramp test, the auto test, the RCD trip time, the trip current, and the contact voltage.
With auto discharge voltage, the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT can measure insulation resistance up to 2000 M at 1000 V. It is unable to measure the dielectric absorption ratio (DAR) and polarization index (PI).
Two of the most popular models of multifunction testers for electrical installation professionals, the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT Powerful Multi-Function Testers and the Fluke 1663 Multifunction Testers, have been compared in this article.
We have examined their similarities and differences in terms of features, performance, and cost, and we have given you a list of questions you may use to guide your decision-making. You can use the keywords we’ve provided to look for more details about these testers.
We hope that by comparing these two testers, you can select the one that best suits your requirements.
Keep in mind that both testers are fantastic options for electricians who require a multifunction tester that can carry out all the tests required by regional rules and standards.
You might, however, find one to be more appropriate than the other for your particular circumstances based on your demands and tastes.
Professionals who need to test Type B RCDs, measure high insulation resistance values, remove mistakes caused by test lead and mains cord compensation, and assess the highest loop test value should choose the Fluke 1663.
Professionals who require a color LCD screen, measure low loop impedance values, measure high PEFC/PSC values, prevent unintentional RCD tripping, confirm safety requirements, transfer data and generate reports via smartphone or tablet, and test surge protection devices will find the Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT to be ideal.
You can use these search terms to find out more about these testers if you’re interested:
Fluke 1663 Multifunction Testers: fluke type b rcd tester, fluke installation tester, and fluke multifunction tester review
Kyoritsu multifunction tester review, kyoritsu bluetooth tester, and kyoritsu att tester. Kyoritsu KEW 6516BT Powerful Multi Function Testers.
We appreciate you reading this article. We sincerely hope you found it educational and helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any queries or comments. We’d be thrilled to hear from you.
