Convenient insulation resistance testing with Sonel MIC-5

A well-made electrical wiring systems guarantees reliable power supply for many years, but sometimes a visit from a professional electrician is be necessary. At first glance, when we see the tools an electrician uses, we will know whether we are dealing with a professional in this field, or maybe an amateur visited us with a test light, comprising a bulb and lamp holder from a bygone era.

Sonel MIC-5 features

With a quick diagnosis by a professional, the lost power supply can be easily restored, but sometimes the nature of the fault requires the use of a professional device, which the MIC-5 insulation resistance tester from Sonel certainly is. This tester is like a handy medical stethoscope hung around the neck of the tester, allows the operator to “hear” the insulation resistance at voltages of 250 V and the range from 250 kΩ to 1000 MΩ or 500 V within 500 kΩ to 1999 MΩ (the values apply to compliance with the IEC standard 61557-2 with an acceptable error of no more than 30%), test the line continuity in the range from 0.0 Ω to 1999 Ω (at less than 10 mA) and measure the supply voltage up to 600 V, also at the power service connections to buildings – which Sonel ensured by designing the tester in measurement category IV 600 V and in a double insulation housing.

Handy and ergonomic

It is worth to note that the tool is powered by two AAA 1.5 V batteries for more than 14 hours of continuous operation while testing at UISO = 250 V and over 11 hours of operation at 500 V; in practical terms, this means many months of use without the need to replace or recharge batteries. A highlight here is that Sonel MIC-5 has an Auto-Off feature when the tester is not in use. The designers also did not forget about such details as work light to illuminate the tester’s connection point. A short press on the tester’s power button turns on the work light and lights up the display. The ergonomics of operation are noteworthy – especially the large buttons, with a clearly noticeable stroke when pressed and comfortable to operate even when wearing electrically insulating gloves. A very high ingress protection rating of IP 65 allows the tester to be used in very dusty and humid conditions.

Optional accessories

A good idea is to purchase accessories for this tester – the K-01 and K-02 crocodile test clamps and the S-2 case. The designers at Sone also considered the scenario of testing with the product in places where high electrical contact precision is required, like in electronic systems or in installations where rail connectors are used to hook up wires with a size less than 1 mm2 (like in control and feedback circuits). After removing the 4 mm wide screw-on tips, a needle probe with a pointed tip can be used. The tester is marketed with a declaration of verification, which authorizes the obtained test values to be included in electrical safety test reports, if necessary.

With this inconspicuous tester:

• You can immediately measure the value of electrical insulation resistance in single-family houses and multi-family buildings, where the test voltage is limited to 500 V and the minimum insulation resistance value is 1 MΩ.
• You can test the continuity of connections of ICT wiring, door phone systems and doorbells, if you need to identify the wire assignment.
• You can test out devices in safety class I (washing machines, electric stoves and dishwashers) for dangerous voltages (ground faults) on the device chassis. If present, a dangerous voltage on the tested appliance is indicated by an appropriate message on the tester’s screen, a sound cue and a gentle vibration of the tester.
• You can test the continuity of live conductors, protective conductors and equipotential bonding.
• You can determine the supply voltage levels in DC and AC circuits up to 600 V and with a resolution of up to 1 V.
• You can test whether, for example, a fuse (without a trip indication) still works properly.
• You can test the voltage of a car battery or check for blown fuses in a car.
• You can test out the commutator, the stator or the rotor of an electric motor.
• You can test starting capacitors, too.

Sonel MIC-5 is one of the smallest insulation resistance testers and voltage indicators on the market. The weight of no more than 338 g and good price are the features that make this product a must-have in every electrical installers toolbox. It can also be a perfect gift for a DIY enthusiast.

Author: Sonel S.A.

Products mentioned in the article: