Readers of journals are subjected to many standard phrases, repeated so often that the meaning of the phrase is taken for granted - phrases such as 'reliable, compact and maintenance-free' and many others. How reliable is reliable, how small is compact, and does 'maintenance-free' really mean the product can be left untouched forever?
Hellermann Tyton uses the phrase 'Unconditional lifetime guarantee' in relation to three test instruments - the TBM811 and TBM812 DMMs, and the T1832 insulation tester. These are quality Toptronic products, freely available from any Hellermann Tyton distributor, and they are literally guaranteed for the duration of their working life. The guarantee covers any failure due to faulty workmanship; it is unconditional, and a replacement instrument is supplied with no questions asked. For example, if a winding or any other electrical component fails anytime at all within its lifetime, the instrument will be replaced free of charge because the design of the instrument, and quality control process, is supposed to ensure that this just does not happen. Obviously if an instrument is accidentally dropped into a crusher, it is unlikely to be replaced free of charge!
For instruments with such unconditional guarantees, it might be assumed that they are priced sufficiently high to cover possible replacement costs, yet the Toptronic instruments in question are more than competitively priced relative to most competitors, says Hellermann Tyton. The company is also the first to offer this type of unconditional warranty.
The Toptronic TBM811 is a general purpose DMM, protected to 1000 V and 6 kV transient protection. Arranged in a robust shock-proof, splash-proof case, it conforms with IEC 1010 cat II/III, and can be provided with an optional RS232 cable and software. The T812 is similar but with true RMS.
The Toptronic T1832 insulation/continuity tester has been designed with safety in mind, and complies with IEC 1010 safety standards. Three ranges of 250, 500 and 1000 V are provided for insulation testing, and a choice of 500 W or 3 W for continuity testing. A push-and-turn locking switch can be operated for hands-free testing over a long period. Any residual current in the circuit under test is automatically discharged immediately after the test.
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