In this game you'll often pick up a piece of equipment and immediately realise it was designed for looks and not necessarily practicality. This is something that certainly can't be labelled at the recently launched MFT ECO from TIS, which was most definitely designed with practicality in mind first and foremost. Indeed, rather than following other MFT manufacturers, it’s clear that TIS has started from scratch to solve the problems faced by electricians. Personally, I like things to be as simple as I am. For example, I'm keen on a dedicated switch or button because I'm very much an analogue person in a digital world.
The younger engineers in our business, however, find things like rotary switches to be very tedious and laborious. Most MFT failures are due to the ingress of fine dust entering the rotary switch, so something you should consider when you’re on-site. Sealed membrane buttons do bypass this problem, so it's something I'm happy to look past. The shape and strap arrangements are unique to the TIS MFT range and they feature a comfortable, hands-free and easily viewable ergonomic design. I spent a few hours covering a lot of ground on a commercial install with this in place and it was always exactly where I wanted/needed it – not swinging around or hiding under my beer belly.
All three IR tests in one. Having undertaken lots of testing over the years, I've got used to the process of performing one test and recording the result. When we consider insulation resistance, you're often performing the same test a few times. That's not the case with the MFT ECO, as it will perform all three IR tests as one test. All you have to do is hook the three leads up to L, N and E and the unit will automatically switch the leads for you and give you the end results of the insulation measurements between each conductor. I've never found it to be a chore to move the leads around myself, but this is still a very well thought-out improvement. Similarly, rather than performing both PSC and PFC, the ECO gives both results from one test – another test process saved.
The unit is able to perform this simultaneously because it is capable of a two wire Zs test – something that not all MFTs can manage. In fact, I’ve not come across a better unit in terms of the accuracy, stability and reliability when in two-wire mode. Continuing with live tests, the ECO is able to pull another trick: an automatic ramp test at both sides of the sine wave, as part of the usual x0.5, x1.0 and x5.0 test. To top it off, all the information is presented on one screen, so no need to scroll through results and memorise which was highest.
There are other software treats that this MFT has in store as well, like allowing you to select various protective devices to check compliant Zs values. Different earthing arrangements can be selected and, incredibly, it has all of the data for the standards in different countries. A lot of sparks may shrug their shoulders at this, but if you work in the events and exhibition industry, it is an absolute game changer. Being a software-based device, there’s always opportunities to increase functionality, which can be updated online or when sent for calibration. You're reminded of this each time you turn the unit on.
There are lots of other details that TIS have added to the hardware, such as the supplied update lead, to keep those values and functions up-to-date. Also included is a braided lead for 3 pin sockets, which is as pleasant to use as the generous 2m silicone, HT Italia test leads and probes. Test with confidence Which brings me to another important note on quality: these are European made not just European assembled. In comparison to our other MFTs, most of which cost nearly double the price, the MFT ECO gave consistent test results, which filled me with confidence. In addition to the ECO, TIS has an extensive range of testers that offer uniquely combined features and are well worth a look. There are units to suit every budget and, much like the ECO, the only compromise you need to consider is on function and not quality.
