A multi-function tester is an all-in-one electrical testing instrument designed for the efficiency and convenience of the professional electrician. Here we will demonstrate how to use the TIS MFT-PRO; an award-winning multi-function tester and one of the most respected and value-for-money test instruments on the market.
Getting started with the MFT-PRO
The MFT-PRO comes supplied with a hard carry case, which has custom-cut foam inserts so that the instrument and associated accessories can be safely and securely stored and transported. There is also a calibration certificate supplied with the instrument, so that you know you are starting off from a point of accuracy and compliance.
When you turn the unit on you come to a 4” resistive touchscreen, which is tough and hard-wearing and can be operated while wearing gloves, to save you time while testing and recording results. The home screen shows four fields for the main standard tests, which include:
- Continuity resistance
- Insulation resistance
- Loop impedance
- RCD testing
In all there are more than 15 tests which can be carried out using the MFT-PRO and they are all easily accessed via the home screen. These additional tests include full EVSE testing and 3-wire and 4-wire earth electrode testing capabilities, for which spikes and leads are included. The MFT-PRO also has TRMS for accurate measurement even on noisy and distorted circuits.
When you select a test the screen will first display the correct lead configuration so that you can safely carry out the test, and even if you accidently set-up the wrong lead configuration the unit has an in-built connection detection programme which will protect the unit from any damage.
Using the testing programmes on the MFT-PRO
Once you have selected the test you need there are a number of great features to make the process quick and simple and to enhance the accuracy of your results. For continuity testing you have an easy and reliable nulling of leads, and for insulation tests from 50 to 1000 volts you get readings up to 1 Giga-Ohm. Pro-lock no trip tests offer highly accurate results which are also repeatable, even on circuits in noisy industrial environments. And to help with all this, fuse and circuit breaker tables are built into the unit for ease of reference, and these are updated automatically to ensure you are always in compliance with future regulation changes.
To save time, the MFT-PRO offers L-N and L-E loop measurements with both PSC and PFC readings all in one test, and the unit also uses true RMS methods for voltage measuring to ensure supreme accuracy. The robustness of the unit also means you can rely on this accuracy in noisy environments and even with industrial installations where the harmonics may be distorted. The MFT-Pro also offers phase-to-phase loop tests up to 415 volts with PSC/PFC up to 40kA.
There are five test modes for RCD testing, which include:
- Manual
- Automatic
- DC sensitive
- Ramp test
- Time delayed
In auto mode the ramp test can also be included in the sequence, so the actual tripping current of the RCD is measured, which is great for detecting over-sensitive breakers which are causing false tripping. Full auto mode can also be used for both loop and RCD tests, which is a really efficient feature to speed up your testing regime and enables you to perform all your loop and RCD tests with just one press of a key and just one connection to the electrical supply. A volt drop test can also be used to confirm the design is correct according to the current UK regulations.
How to use the extra features on the MFT-PRO
Where the MFT-PRO really stands out is with the extra functions which not all multi-function testers can provide. These include:
- Schematic diagram help screens to show you how to connect your leads and carry out the tests.
- A phase rotation test which allows 3-phase equipment to be connected and operated in the right direction, a requirement of current regulations.
- An optional clamp is supplied to conduct power quality analysis including power factor and harmonics measurements, and also earth leakage measurements.
- Optional adaptors can be supplied to measure temperature, lux and relative humidity.
Using the data from the MFT-PRO
All the data you have measured and recorded is stored on the MFT-PRO unit itself, but this can be transferred via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to Android, iOS or Windows devices; so most laptops, smartphones and tablets. From here you can analyse and export the data into an Excel spreadsheet to present to clients or internal management, completing the final step in your testing programme and ensuring the MFT-PRO is an essential element of any accurate, reliable and professional testing regime.
Multi-function tester video demonstration
Check out our MFT-PRO video below to find out more about this quality product:
Please note that this section is for information purposes only. Anyone using equipment referred to in this section must be suitably qualified and/or experienced within the respective field. If in doubt before use, please consult a qualified electrician or engineer & thoroughly read all instruction booklets.