I was helping a friend troubleshoot a problem with his headlights on his car. I asked for a meter and he gave me a CAT IV 1000V ebay special. I wouldn't trust that to keep my table from wobbling. And that got me to thinking.
I understand the importance of the CAT ratings and what they mean. If it doesn't say Fluke or HP/Agilent on it I'm pretty much not using it. There is just no way to know the internals.
Probes however are replaced somewhat often and I can understand not wanting to pay 50 $/£/€ for a new set each time. I've seen vast difference in quality. What makes each CAT of probes complaint? I know that 600V have long tips and 1000V have just a little sticking out. Is there anything else to it? What makes probes CAT II or III or IV. I would imagine insulation thickness has something to do with it but how do you check that? What do you look at when you pick up a meter that isn't yours? I'm thinking in an industrial environment. How do you know some accountant some where hasn't made a poor decision?
Thanks
I understand the importance of the CAT ratings and what they mean. If it doesn't say Fluke or HP/Agilent on it I'm pretty much not using it. There is just no way to know the internals.
Probes however are replaced somewhat often and I can understand not wanting to pay 50 $/£/€ for a new set each time. I've seen vast difference in quality. What makes each CAT of probes complaint? I know that 600V have long tips and 1000V have just a little sticking out. Is there anything else to it? What makes probes CAT II or III or IV. I would imagine insulation thickness has something to do with it but how do you check that? What do you look at when you pick up a meter that isn't yours? I'm thinking in an industrial environment. How do you know some accountant some where hasn't made a poor decision?
Thanks