Sure test 61-165 - InspectionNews

David Banks · #1 (**permalink**) 05-16-2008, 09:03 PM

Warning. I was getting a lot of open grounds today. Finally after pulling out the chord low and behold was the round ground insert in the receptacle. Must have been half broken and ready to go. Ordered a new one tonight.
Might want to wiggle yours to see if they are loose. Mine takes a lot of abuse.

Jeff Spencer · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 07:25 AM

David,

I've been having the same problem with mine, except the ground post is intact. I went through 3 houses with open ground readings. The day I called Ideal to arrange replacement, it started working normally again. I think my problem is within the pigtail.

It's getting frustrating. This is the third unit heading for replacement in a little under 2 years. Honestly, I'm beginning to lose confidence in these analyzers.

Jeff

BARRY ADAIR · #3 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 05:52 AM

The standard power cable for computer works just fine, available almost anywhere and is less expensive then buying through HI equipment suppliers. Length hasn't affected any of my findings. I've tested different lengths on the same circuit just to make sure

If and when yours malfunctions in the field you always have a back-up as long as your computer battery is charged and will last for the rest of your inspection.

Also take your tester with you and try different cords. I've found the pin tension seems to vary and "tighter is better"

Vince Santos · #4 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 10:02 AM

Same thing happened to mine so I called Ideal and they are sending me a new cable for free.

Something else I've found is when the receptacle shows no ground I remove the cable from the suretest front and plug it back in. Personally I don't like the idea of having to fiddle with my testing equipment to get it work right. I've had to send my unit back once already and am thinking of just putting it aside and looking for another circuit analyzer.

JB Thompson · #5 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince Santos

Same thing happened to mine so I called Ideal and they are sending me a new cable for free.

Something else I've found is when the receptacle shows no ground I remove the cable from the suretest front and plug it back in. Personally I don't like the idea of having to fiddle with my testing equipment to get it work right. I've had to send my unit back once already and am thinking of just putting it aside and looking for another circuit analyzer.

I noticed mine doing that a year ago and basically just got into the habit of pulling the cord out and reinserting it. It is frustrating.

About a month ago I bought the 61-059 and couldn't be happier. I haven't retired the the 165, but I only pull it out when I want to double-check something. Granted, this isn't necessarily a good use for an expensive piece of equipment, but I was also tired of the larger device with more features than I really needed.

Jeff Spencer · #6 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BARRY ADAIR

The standard power cable for computer works just fine, available almost anywhere and is less expensive then buying through HI equipment suppliers. Length hasn't affected any of my findings. I've tested different lengths on the same circuit just to make sure

I was encouraged by your suggestion above when I once again began getting open ground readings during this morining's inspection. At least until I discovered that my Dell power cord uses a 5-pin plug. Off to the local computer store for an extra power cable.

Thanks for the info, though.

Jeff