Should we choose Fluke 1664 FC or Kyoritsu KEW 3128?

How to Pick the Right Insulation Resistance Tester: Fluke 1664 FC or Kyoritsu KEW 3128?

If you work with electrical installations as an electrician, contractor, or technician, you are aware of how crucial it is to verify the insulation resistance of the machinery and wire. The insulation that stops electric current from leaking or shorting out can be evaluated for quality and condition using insulation resistance testing.

It enables you to comply with regional laws and standards while ensuring the electrical system’s performance and safety. The question is, how can you pick the ideal insulation resistance tester for your requirements? The market offers a wide variety of models and brands, each with unique features and specs.

In this post, we’ll contrast two well-liked insulation resistance meters:

the Kyoritsu KEW 3128 High Voltage Insulation Tester and the Fluke 1664 FC Installation Multifunction Tester. We’ll examine their key traits, benefits, drawbacks, and uses so you can choose the one that works best for you.

Multifunctional Installation Tester Fluke 1664

The Fluke 1664 FC Installation Multifunction Tester is a flexible tester with the ability to test in accordance with all local requirements, safeguard appliances from damage when testing insulation, and share test results in real-time over your smartphone using Fluke Connect Measurements. For simple installs and speedy compliance checks, it works perfectly.

Fluke 1664 FC Features

The Fluke 1664FC is a convenient and trustworthy tester for simple installations thanks to its various features. Among these characteristics are:

Pre-test for insulation

This special function, which identifies when an appliance is connected to the system being tested, stops the insulation test and displays a visual warning. This assists you in avoiding potentially catastrophic and expensive errors that could harm the ancillary equipment of your clients.

Automatic testing:

This feature ensures compliance with local installation laws by running up to seven installation tests sequentially with a single connection. As a result, there are fewer manual connections, which cuts down on the chance of errors and shortens test duration.

enabled for Fluke Connect®

This entails that you can discuss measures in real-time with team members via a ShareLive video chat while also sending test findings to your smartphone, storing them in the cloud, and doing so. It’s the quickest method to receive approvals without having to leave the field and to let your team see what you see.

6 ranges

The Fluke 1664 FC measures insulation resistance up to 35T and includes six ranges: 500V, 1000V, 2500V, 5000V, 10000V, and 12000V. Additionally, each range’s voltage setting can be adjusted precisely.

lightweight and compact construction

The Fluke 1664 FC features a comfortable neck strap to free up your hands, as well as a small and lightweight design (less than 1.3 kg). Additionally, it lacks complicated multi-level menus and instead features a rotary dial knob that prominently displays the function that is now selected.

Additional Attributes

Additionally, the fluke fc 1664 has a Z-max memory for loop tests that enable quick evaluation of the highest loop test value, fast voltage measurement between L-N, L-PE, and N-PE utilizing the mains cord, parallel measurement of RCD trip current and trip time (RCD type AC and A), among other features.

Fluke 1664 FC Advantages

The fluke multifunction tester 1664 is a fantastic option for simple setups thanks to its many benefits. Several of these benefits include:

1. Insulation Tester PreTest: Prevents accidental appliance damage during insulation testing.
2. Auto Test Function: Sequentially performs up to seven installation tests with one connection, saving time and reducing errors.
3. Fluke Connect® Integration: Share test findings in real-time over your smartphone, enhancing collaboration and data management.
4. Six Ranges with Precision: Versatile and accurate measurements are ensured with six ranges and voltage adjustments.
5. Ease of Use: Its lightweight, compact form and rotary dial knob simplify operation and transportation.

Fluke 1664 FC Disadvantages

You should be aware of the Fluke 1664 FC’s drawbacks before purchasing it. Among these drawbacks are:

1. Graphical Representation Limitation: The display does not graphically depict insulation resistance and leakage current versus time.
2. Limited Diagnostic Tests: The Fluke 1664 FC cannot perform diagnostic insulation tests like PI, DAR, DD, SV, or RAMP.
3. Data Storage Limit: Its internal memory can only hold up to 99 data records.

Fluke 1664 FC Applications

The Fluke 1664 FC is well-suited for various applications that require basic installation testing and compliance checks, including:

1. Electrical System Checks: Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings benefit from comprehensive electrical system testing.
2. Equipment Testing: Cables, transformers, motors, generators, switches, and insulators can be accurately tested.
3. RCD Evaluation: Assess residual current devices (RCDs) for electric shock protection.

KEW 3128 High Voltage Insulation Tester by Kyoritsu

The Kyoritsu KEW3128 High Voltage Insulation Tester is a potent tester that can carry out diagnostic insulation tests such as the IR, PI, DAR, DD, SV, and RAMP as well as assess the insulation characteristics of various electrical equipment. It is perfect for sophisticated testing and high-voltage system troubleshooting.

KEW 3128 Features

The Kyoritsu KEW 3128 is a strong and adaptable tester for advanced testing and troubleshooting thanks to its many capabilities. Among these characteristics are:

1. High Voltage Insulation Resistance Tester: Capable of measuring insulation resistance up to 35T across six voltage ranges: 500V, 1000V, 2500V, 5000V, 10000V, and 12000V. Each range allows for precise voltage setting adjustments.
2. Graphical Display: The large display features a bar graph and backlight, providing graphical representations of insulation resistance and leakage current versus time. This enhances data visualization and analysis.
3. Diagnostic Insulation Tests: The KEW 3128 offers a range of diagnostic tests, including IR (insulation resistance), PI (polarization index), DAR (dielectric absorption ratio), DD (dielectric discharge), SV (step voltage), and RAMP (breakdown and burn modes).
4. Dual Power Source: The tester operates using either an AC line or an integrated rechargeable battery, providing flexibility in testing scenarios.
5. Automatic Discharge: Following each measurement, the tester automatically discharges the test object and monitors the discharge voltage, ensuring safety.
6. Large Data Storage Capacity: The internal memory can store up to 43,000 data records, enabling comprehensive data management.
7. IP64-Rated Design: With an IP64 rating (when the lid is closed), the tester is robust and suitable for outdoor use, offering resistance to dust and water infiltration.

KEW3128 Advantages

The Kyoritsu KEW 3128 is a fantastic option for advanced testing and troubleshooting because of its many benefits. Several of these benefits include:

1. Diagnostic Capabilities: The tester’s ability to perform various diagnostic insulation tests facilitates an in-depth assessment of insulation characteristics and system health.
2. Flexible Power Options: It can be powered using the integrated battery or an AC line, allowing for both portable and stationary testing.
3. Data Management: With extensive data storage and Bluetooth communication, data can be easily transferred and managed on PC and Android devices.
4. Safety Features: The automatic discharge and voltage monitoring enhance safety during and after measurements.
5. Robust Design: Its IP64 rating ensures durability and suitability for outdoor testing even in challenging conditions.

kyoritsu kew 3128 Disadvantages

You should be aware of the Kyoritsu KEW 3128’s drawbacks before purchasing it. Among these drawbacks are:

1. Lack of Insulation PreTest: Unlike the Fluke 1664 FC, the KEW 3128 does not feature the Insulation PreTest function to prevent accidental appliance damage during insulation testing.
2. Limited Installation Tests: The KEW 3128 does not have an Auto Test function that performs multiple installation tests sequentially with a single connection.
3. No Fluke Connect® Support: It does not support Fluke Connect®, so real-time measurement sharing via smartphone is not available.

kyoritsu kew 3128 Applications

Various applications that need sophisticated testing and troubleshooting of high-voltage systems can benefit from the Kyoritsu KEW 3128. These are a few of the applications:

1. Cable Testing: It can assess high-voltage cables, both above and underground, to ensure insulation integrity.
2. Transformer Evaluation: Instrument transformers, distribution transformers, and power transformers can be thoroughly tested.
3. Motor and Generator Testing: Synchronous, DC, and induction motors, as well as hydro, thermal, wind, and other types of generators, can be evaluated.
4. Switch and Breaker Testing: Load break switches, disconnectors, and circuit breakers can undergo comprehensive testing.

Fluke 1664 FC Installation Multifunction Testers

Conclusion

This article compares the Kyoritsu KEW 3128 High Voltage Insulation Tester and the Fluke 1664 FC Installation Multifunction Tester, two common insulation resistance testers.

We have examined their primary characteristics, benefits, drawbacks, and applications to help you choose which is best for you.

Both testers are suitable for various demands and purposes because of their unique strengths and drawbacks. You can select the option that best serves your needs based on your tastes and requirements. But there are some significant distinctions between them:

The fluke 1664fc multifunction tester has three features that protect appliances from accidental damage during insulation testing:

an Insulation PreTest feature, an Auto Test function, and a Fluke Connect® feature that lets you share test results in real-time over your smartphone via Fluke Connect Measurements.

It also has an Auto Test function that performs up to seven installation tests in one sequence with a single connection. For simple installs and speedy compliance checks, it works perfectly.

The Kyoritsu KEW 3128 features a large display with a bar graph and backlight, graphic representations of insulation resistance and leakage current versus time, diagnostic insulation tests like IR, PI, DAR, DD, SV, and RAMP, an internal memory that can hold a maximum of 43,000 data, and Bluetooth wireless communication for transferring and displaying real-time data to PC and Android devices.

It is perfect for sophisticated testing and high-voltage system troubleshooting.

We hope you found this article to be instructive and helpful. Contact us at any time if you have inquiries or suggestions. I appreciate your reading.

We have examined their primary characteristics, benefits, drawbacks, and applications to help you choose which is best for you. Both testers are suitable for various demands and purposes because of their unique strengths and drawbacks.

You can select the option that best serves your needs based on your tastes and requirements.

However, some of the most significant differences between them include:

The Fluke 1664 FC has a Fluke Connect® capability that enables you to share test results in real-time over your smartphone via Fluke Connect Measurements; an Auto Test function that performs up to seven installation tests in one sequence with a single connection; and an Insulation PreTest feature that safeguards appliances from unintentional damage during insulation testing.

For simple installs and speedy compliance checks, it works perfectly.

The Kyoritsu KEW 3128 has a large display with a bar graph and a backlight that graphically displays insulation resistance and leakage current versus time, diagnostic insulation tests like IR, PI, DAR, DD, SV, and RAMP, an internal memory that can hold up to 43,000 data (maximum), and Bluetooth wireless communication for transferring and showing real-time data to PC and Android devices.

It is perfect for sophisticated testing and high-voltage system troubleshooting. We hope you found this article to be instructive and helpful. Contact us at any time if you have inquiries or suggestions. I appreciate your reading.