Whether you are a professional electrician or just a beginner in the field, you will need a collection of special tools and accessories by your side that will be required for your job. Other than that, there are a lot of DIY enthusiasts that also require similar tools in order to perform various testing in their projects. The insulation resistance tester is one such tool and you will find a lot of options in the market if you are looking for one. But before you buy one, make sure you understand the following concepts:
- Insulation Test Range: One of the most important factors of an insulation resistance tester is its testing range. It will give you an idea about the capacity of the device and whether it is applicable to your requirements or not. While some resistance testers are well-suited for heavy applications, some are specifically designed for micro readings.
- Voltage Capacity: The insulation resistance tester you are getting will only be helpful for you if it can be used for your application. And to check that, you will first have to check its voltage capacity and compare it with the voltage level of the testing circuit. If the voltage of the circuit is higher than what’s supported by the tester, it won’t perform as expected. In a lot of cases, you probably won’t even get a reading at all.
- Warranty: Insulation resistance testers are quite premium and you probably wouldn’t want to spend such a significant sum again on a new device any time soon. Therefore, it is a smart choice to get a reliable device firsthand and save yourself from further troubles. For that, make sure you get an insulation resistance tester with a long warranty period.
Insulation resistance testers aren’t as common as other electronic measurement instruments. Thus, you are probably unfamiliar with the important properties of the unit and the process of selecting the best option amongst the choices available in the market. Therefore, we have created this list of the best insulation resistance testers right here where we have gathered the best options available in the market right now. You will also find all the necessary information about our choices right here. For any further help, you can take a look at our Buying Guide for the best insulation resistance testers and make your decision based on the information provided there.
Best Insulation Resistance Tester 2024
| Insulation Resistance Tester | Insulation Test Voltages | Resistance | Power Type | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klein Tools ET600 Multimeter Tester | 125 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, 1000 Volts | 4000 Ohms | --- | Check On Amazon |
| LEAGY VICTOR Digital Resistance Tester | 50 Volts ±10%, 500 Volts ±10%, 1000 Volts±10% | 2000 MΩ | Battery Powered | Check On Amazon |
| Fluke Megohmmeter Insulation Resistance Tester | 50 Volts, 100 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, 1000 Volts | 0.01 Megaohms to 10 Gigaohms | Battery Powered | Check On Amazon |
| BTMETER BT-6688B Megohmmeter | 100 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, 1000 Volts, 2500 Volts, 5000 Volts | --- | --- | Check On Amazon |
| AEMC 2126.53 Digital Megohmmeter | 250 Volts, 500 Volts, and 1000 Volts | --- | Corded Electric | Check On Amazon |
| VICI Digital Tester Megohmmeter Meter | --- | --- | 1.5V AA battery*6pcs, or external DC 9V power source | Check On Amazon |
| AOPUTTRIVER Digital Insulation Resistance Tester | 500 Volts, 1000 Volts, 2500 Volts, 5000 Volts | --- | 1.5V(AA)*6 batteries | Check On Amazon |
| Extech Autoranging Digital Insulation Tester | 250 Volts, 500 Volts, and 1000 Volts | 200 to 200 kΩ | --- | Check On Amazon |
| Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter | 50 Volts, 100 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, 1000 Volts | 0.01 Ohms to 20.00 Kiloohms | Battery Powered | Check On Amazon |
| EnnoLogic Insulation Tester | 50 Volts, 100 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, or 1000 Volts | --- | AAA batteries | Check On Amazon |
| Amprobe AMB-25 Digital Insulation Resistance Tester | 250 Volts, 500 Volts, and 1000 Volts | --- | Corded Electric | Check On Amazon |
| Megger MIT230-EN Insulation Tester | 25 Volts to 600 Volts | 0.01 to 100 Ohms | --- | Check On Amazon |
Best Insulation Resistance Tester Reviews
1. Klein Tools ET600 Multimeter Tester
Starting off, we have one of the most famous brands when it comes to electronic gadgets. Klein will offer you a wide range of options for electronic measurement instruments like an insulation resistance tester.
In the 1st position, we are putting the Klein Tools ET600 Multimeter since it is the most popular option on our list. And rightfully so as this is a multimeter, meaning it will offer you measurement results for many other types of testing apart from insulation resistance. This device is capable of testing insulation resistance up to 4000 MΩ at various voltage levels such as 120, 250, 500, and 100 volts.
The Klein Tools ET600 Multimeter has dedicated test and lock buttons so that the insulation testing process is now easier than ever. You will also have certain safety features on the device such as warning alarm, high voltage indication, etc. As for AC/DC voltage measurement, the Klein Tools ET600 Multimeter is capable of measuring the voltage up to 1000 Volts.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test at 125 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, and 1000 Volts
- Offers up to 4000 MΩ resistance measurement
- 1000 Volts AC/DC voltage measurement
- TRMS technology for increased accuracy
Pros
- One of the most popular options
- Offers multiple measurement options
- Safety features are implemented
Cons
- Not suitable for small applications
2. LEAGY VICTOR Digital Insulation Resistance Tester
Since a lot of options in the market are designed for professional applications, we will be including a handful of basic options as well on our list. One great choice in that category could be the following insulation tester made by LEAGY.
In 2nd place, we are putting the LEAGY VICTOR VC60B+ Resistance Tester. As you may have already noticed, this is the cheapest option you can find in the market right now, making it an ideal choice for beginners. Still, you will be able to measure up to 2000MΩ resistance on this resistance tester at 1000 Volts.
On top of that, this device also offers an accuracy of about ±4% +2 digits of the result, which is pretty good for such an affordable insulation tester. As for the display, you will find a large LCD display on the LEAGY VICTOR VC60B+ with backlit features. Since this is a pretty compact device, you will notice minimal power consumption that is about 300 milli watts.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test at 50 Volts ±10%, 500 Volts ±10%, 1000 Volts±10%
- Offers up to 2000 MΩ resistance measurement
- Powered by batteries
- Large LCD display
Pros
- Easy to use for beginners
- Large LCD display for clear understanding of the results
- Intuitive controls
Cons
- Not a great choice for professional applications
3. Fluke Megohmmeter Insulation Resistance Tester
In case you are looking for a professional insulation resistance tester, then it would be wise to go with Fluke. Fluke is a brand that is dedicated to premium range electronic measurement devices such as multimeters, testers, clamp meters, and a lot more.
In the 3rd position, we have the Fluke 1507 Digital Megohmmeter. As the name suggests, this device is designed for high capacity applications and its resistance testing range ranges from 0.01 Megaohms all the way up to 10 Gigaohms. And since the device is still quite compact, it would be an ideal choice for testing heavy machinery on-site.
To make the testing process even easier for you, you will also find an additional remote test probe included within the package that allows you to test circuits from hard-to-reach areas. The Fluke 1507 Digital Megohmmeter also has a built-in safety feature that detects whether the circuit voltage is higher than 30 Volts to keep the user safe.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test at 50 Volts, 100 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, 1000 Volts
- Offers 0.01 Megaohms to 10 Gigaohms resistance measurement
- Powered by batteries
- Pass/Fail function for repetitive testing
Pros
- Best option for professional usage
- Offers a very wide range of resistance levels
- Built-in safety feature
Cons
- One of the most expensive insulation resistance testers
4. BTMETER BT-6688B Megohmmeter
BTMETER is also offering a budget-friendly option for an insulation resistance tester on our list. You will also find this unit highly versatile, just like the brand itself.
The BTMETER BT-6688B is also a high capacity resistance tester which is suitable for professional on-site applications. Thanks to its compact size, you will be able to carry it wherever you go. And as for the testing capacity, you will find the BTMETER BT-6688B compatible for a resistance range of 0.1 megaohms to 200 gigaohms.
Even with such a high resistance capacity, the device maintains a pretty neat accuracy level of 3%~10% for +5 digits of the result. As for the voltage range, you will be able to use the BTMETER BT-6688B at 100 Volts to 5000 Volts. Coming to the safety, the BTMETER BT-6688B is packed with double insulation and rated for a safety rating of overvoltage category Ⅱ safety standard.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test at 125 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, and 1000 Volts
- Offers 0.1M to 200G ohms resistance measurement
- Takes less than 10 seconds for smaller measurements
- overvoltage category Ⅱ safety standard rating
Pros
- PRetty cheap option for the given features
- Offers high resistance level checking
- Comes with 2 years of warranty
Cons
- Cannot be used for smaller measurements
5. AEMC 2126.53 Digital Megohmmeter
AEMC is also a well-known brand for electronic appliances. You will find many different electronic devices with AEMC labels like meghommeter, ground clamp, phase rotation meter, etc.
The AEMC 2126.53 is a digital megohmmeter that offers measurement of insulation resistance at 250, 500 and 1000 Volts. For continuity resistance measurement, the range for this device ranges from 0.00 to 400 Ohms. And the accuracy for the results is maintained at about 1.2% for +-3 cts reading.
The AEMC 2126.53AEMC 2126.53 also features an EST lock feature that lets you carry out timed measurements with ease. You will be able to use the EST lock feature for measurements ranging up to 15 minutes at a time. The device will auto discharge itself once the insulation test is complete, making it a safer option.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test at 125 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, and 1000 Volts
- Offers 0.00 to 400 Ohms continuity resistance measurement
- Powered by corded connection
- EST lock feature for timed measurement
Pros
- Great device for the given specifications
- Suitable for basic tasks
- Allows easy timed measurements
Cons
- Price range is a bit too high for the features
6. VICI Digital Tester Megohmmeter Meter
Coming back to the affordable range of insulation resistance testers, we have one more cheaper alternative from Vici. It is a rather versatile brand that deals with many different types of products.
The Vici Digital Insulation Resistance Tester is a multi-functional device that offers a lot of features within a small package. On top of that, it is packed with many safety features too such as anti high voltage circuit, strong anti-magnetic and anti-jamming function, high voltage alarm, short circuit alarm, etc. Still, the Vici Digital Insulation Resistance Tester is very easy to use and offers clear results on the large LCd display.
As for the power source, the Vici Digital Insulation Resistance Tester accepts both, a DC 9 Volts external power source, or 6 units of 1.5 Volts AA batteries. With multiple power options, you will be able to use the device at any location without any problem. Along with all these features, you will be glad to know that the Vici Digital Insulation Resistance Tester is also the cheapest option you will find on our list today.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test at 125 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, and 1000 Volts
- Offers up to 2000 MΩ resistance measurement
- Powered by both batteries and external power source
- Works at an accuracy level of 4%
Pros
- Multi-functional insulation resistance tester
- Easy to use and carry
- Offers multiple power types
Cons
- Not suitable for professional applications
7. AOPUTTRIVER Digital Insulation Resistance Tester
If you haven’t found the right insulation resistance tester in your budget, worry not. The following option from AOPUTTRIVER might be perfect for you since it is also one of the budget-friendly options in the market.
The AOPUTTRIVER AP-6688B Digital Insulation Tester is yet another great option from our picks that costs almost a fraction compared to other premium choices in the market. But, it still offers a resistance measurement range of 1MΩ to 200GΩ at 500 Volts to 5000 Volts. You will also find a frequency range of 40 to 400 Hz on the device, making it a more versatile option.
As for the safety and reliability of the design, it arrives in a protective sheath that is completely insulative and suitable for the safety of the user. Furthermore, the product design is in compliance with the IEC-1010 double insulation standard as well as the over-voltage category II safety standard. You will also find a 2-year long warranty period on the device that seems to be missing on even some premium options.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test at 500 Volts, 1000 Volts, 2500 Volts, 5000 Volts
- Offers 1 MΩ to 200 GΩ resistance measurement
- Comes with 2 years of warranty
- Comes in a protective insulative sheath
Pros
- Operates on 6 1.5 Volts batteries
- Resistance measurement range is great
- Comes with a warranty period
Cons
- Not a great choice for professional work
8. Extech 380260 Autoranging Digital Insulation Tester
Compact options are quite popular when it comes to electronic measurement devices. Thus, we are featuring the following insulation resistance tester from Extech on our list.
The Extech 380260 is an Autoranging Insulation Tester that manages to measure insulation resistance up to 2000 megaohms. And, you will be able to perform tests at voltages 250, 500, and 100 Volts. You can even measure AC and DC voltage with the Extech 380260 is an Autoranging Insulation Tester up to 750 Volts and 1000 Volts respectively.
As we mentioned earlier, this is a very compact unit that measures about 7.8 x 1.9 x 3.6 inches in size. Thus, carrying it around should not be a problem for anyone. As for the display, this unit comes with a dual backlit LCD display for clear understanding of the results.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test at 250 Volts, 500 Volts, and 1000 Volts
- Offers up to 2000 MΩ resistance measurement
- Dual backlit display
- Compact device
Pros
- One of the most compact options measuring about 8 x 1.9 x 3.6 inches
- Offers standard measurement features
- Highly portable insulation resistance tester
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side compared to other options
9. Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter
As you might have noticed earlier, Fluke only deals with high-end premium options for electronic testing devices. Up next, we are bringing one of the most premium options made by Fluke.
The Fluke 1587 is one of the most premium choices for an insulation resistance tester available on our picks today. This is a high capacity tester where the measurement resistance range varies from 0.01 Mohms to 2 Gohms. And, the device manages to offer such high measurement capacity despite being powered by small batteries.
This is also a multi-functional multimeter that is capable of measuring various other factors apart from resistance such as current, voltage, frequency, and even temperature. And as it is powered by a true RMS meter, you will find the most accurate readings on the Fluke 1587. It also has a low pass filter that blocks unwanted voltages to prevent disturbance in the process.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test at 50 Volts, 100 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, 1000 Volts
- Offers 0.01 megohms to 2 gigaohms resistance measurement
- Low-pass filter to block unwanted voltage
- TRMS technology for increased accuracy
Pros
- One of the best options for professional use
- Most accurate reading with TRMS meter
- Features a wide range of standard certifications
Cons
- Most expensive multimeter on this list
10. EnnoLogic Insulation Tester
ennoLogic is also a brand that has been producing electronic measurement devices for many years now. Since the brand focuses on accuracy, you will find its insulation resistance tester suitable for professional work.
The ennoLogic Insulation Tester operates at 50 Volts, 100 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, or 1000 Volts and offers measurement of insulation resistance within the range 50 kohm to 2 Gigaohms. This is one of the few options in the market that offers measurement of Gigaohm resistance under such an affordable price range.
This is also a professional multimeter, allowing you to check a variety of factors apart from the resistance. It is powered by 6 AAA batteries unlike most other choices. But, in order to save power, the device shuts itself off after 15 minutes of inactivity. It also has a large LCD display that has up to 5000 counts. And unlike the majority of the options in the market, ennoLogic offers a 10-year long warranty period on the ennoLogic Insulation Testers.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test at 50 Volts, 100 Volts, 250 Volts, 500 Volts, or 1000 Volts
- Offers 50kOhm to 2 Giga Ohms resistance measurement
- Powered by 6 AAA batteries
- Professional multimeter with multiple functionalities
Pros
- Comes with a 10-year long warranty period
- Great option at this price point
- Easy to use and navigate
Cons
- A bit complicated for beginners
11. Amprobe AMB-25 Digital Insulation Resistance Tester
Amprobe is also a recognized brand when it comes to electronic testers and other similar devices. You will also find many professional wire breakers or HVAC tools designed by the same brand.
The Amprobe AMB-25 is a digital insulation resistance tester that can be used to test insulation levels of wires, cables, motors, and even heavy appliances like transformers. Since it is a digital meter, it comes with an automatic range selection feature that allows you to test the circuit without needing any pre-calibration.
The Amprobe AMB-25 also has built-in internal memory that is capable of storing up to 9 test results at a time. As for the measurement range, the Amprobe AMB-25 offers measurement of 0 to 1,000 megaohms at voltages 250, 500, and 1,000 Volts. The is also comparatively safer than many other options since it has for European Standard EN 61010-1 Category III standards.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test at 250, 500, and 1,000 Volts
- Offers 0 to 1000 MΩ resistance measurement
- It has European Standard EN 61010-1 Category III standards.
- Internal storage for saving test results
Pros
- Saves up to 9 results at a time
- Compliant with high safety standards
- Automatic range selection feature
Cons
- Other options are a bit more reliable
12. Megger MIT230-EN Insulation Tester
In the end, we are bringing a rather fresh brand into our selection called Megger. Even if you are not familiar with this brand, worry not. You will certainly find its insulation resistance tester pretty decent.
At the end of our list of the best insulation resistance testers, we are placing the Megger MIT230-EN Insulation Tester. This is also one of the premium options available on our list today that offers many great features. First of all, it allows measurement of 0 to 1,000 megohms, making it suitable for many standard tests.
The Megger MIT230-EN Insulation Tester also has a dual digital display with analog ARC function so that it can replicate the response of an analog meter for the same test. You will be able to use this device at voltage ranging from 25 to 600 Volts and even use it for continuity resistance checking within the range 0.01 to 100 ohms.
Best Features
- Offers insulation test between 25 Volts to 600 Volts
- Offers 0 to 1,000 megohms resistance measurement
- European Standard EN61010-1 Category III safety rating
- Analog ARC function
Pros
- Only option that offers the functionality of both digital and analog testers
- Safety rating is pretty good
- Accurate readings are provided
Cons
- Resistance range is a bit short for the price
Buying Guide For The Best Insulation Resistance Tester
On this page, you will find a collection of the best insulation resistance testers available in the market right now. So far, you must have found at least a couple of options that suit your requirements the best. While some may need an insulation resistance tester for professional purposes, some might be looking for a basic device for casual projects.
Since we have covered a wide range of options, you will definitely find the perfect option right here. Apart from that, we are also giving you the following buying guide so that you can make an informed decision based on the important qualities of an insulation resistance tester that we will discuss here.
1. Insulation Resistance Tester Test Range
An insulation resistance tester, which is commonly known as Megohmmeter, is a special type of ohm meter that is specifically designed to test the electrical resistance of insulators. Thus, the safety of a variety of electrical components is basically dependent upon the performance of this unit. Since insulation is very important, you must make sure that you are buying an insulation resistance tester with a wide testing range.
While some devices are designed for high-level testing, some are more focused on micro testing for insulation of smaller electronic components. As you can imagine, the applicability of the 2 cannot be interchanged, nor can they offer identical results in both cases. If you are buying an insulation resistance tester with the auto-range feature, it will be a better choice since it can automatically locate the resistance.
2. Voltage Rating
While you were browsing multiple options available in the market for an insulation resistance tester, you might have noticed a dedicated voltage range with each unit. This is basically the range of the supported voltage capacity of the unit. In simpler words, the highest value in this range is the maximum voltage level of the circuit that you can connect to the insulation resistance tester.
For safety, it is recommended that you always check the voltage rating of the unit before applying it to a live circuit. If the voltage level of the circuit is too high than what is supported by the insulation resistance tester, you might end up with a fried device. In the best-case scenario, you won’t get a reading from the device at all. Since it is a lot of hassle to find a new insulation resistance tester on the spot, it is highly recommended that you check the voltage rating first and make your decision based on that.
3. Type of Insulation Resistance Tester
As you may already know, not all electronic measurement devices are the same. In fact, not all devices even fall under the ohm meter category, despite measuring the electrical resistance of the circuit which is calculated in the Ohms unit. An insulation resistance tester on the other hand is a type of ohmmeter that is specifically designed for insulation materials and for checking their resistance levels.
While there are a lot of options that offer a high resistance testing range ranging up to 2000 MΩ, some are more suited for intricate measurements where the resistance level lies below 1 Ohm. Therefore you can imagine you won’t be able to find a single option for both types of applications. To avoid problems later on, you should first consider the possible resistance level of the circuit you are going to test and buy an insulation resistance tester based on that. You can also get a heavy-duty Megohmmeter and a Micro Ohmmeter together so that you will always have an option available while you are performing the tests.
4. Portability
Portability is a very important factor for electronic measurement devices such as an insulation resistance tester. Almost all electricians need to carry a dedicated set of tools with them that mostly includes an ohm meter, apart from other instruments. If you are also planning to use the insulation resistance tester for external application, you should consider the overall design and size of the unit first and make your decision based on that.
Another factor that affects the portability of the device greatly is the power type of the device. If the device offers a standalone battery, you can easily carry it anywhere and test as many circuits as you want until the battery is active. The same cannot be said for heavy-duty devices that require a corded connection.
We included both types of options on our list today so that you can make a decision based on your application. It is also a smarter choice to select an insulation resistance tester that offers both corded as well as cordless power type so that you can get the best of both worlds with a single device.
FAQs
Q. Is it possible to check the accuracy of an insulation resistance tester?
Yes, of course. You can get an idea about the accuracy of an insulation resistance tester by referring to the accuracy range offered by the manufacturer. Most manufacturers offer the accuracy levels in both positive as well as a negative range which is basically a possibility of a minor tolerance between actual resistance and displayed result. You can also check the accuracy manually by setting up the switch to the 20-V range and checking whether the device displays the value as X.
Q. Can I use a multimeter instead of an insulation resistance tester?
Multimeters are basically all-inclusive electronic measurement devices that are designed to offer a specific test range for all types of electrical measurements. On the other hand, an insulation resistance tester, which is a type of ohm meter, is only designed for checking the resistance level of the insulation material. A standard multimeter can be used for testing voltage, current, and even resistance levels. Therefore, you can use a multimeter instead of an insulation resistance tester if it offers the same test range which is needed for your application.
Q. Which insulation resistance tester is the right choice for a beginner?
If you are a beginner in the field and are buying an insulation resistance tester for the first time, you should start with a compact, intuitive, and cheaper option. Such an option is perfect for basic DIY-focused applications and you can perform a lot of experiments without worrying about damaging the device. Once you understand the working of an insulation resistance tester completely, you can move on to premium and high-capacity options later on.
Conclusion
We hope that you have managed to find out the perfect insulation resistance tester for your application on our list today. If not, we will strongly recommend you to check each and every option present on our picks given above and compare them based on the information presented in our buying guide for the best insulation resistance tester. On the other hand, if you are finding it difficult to choose just one option amongst all these choices, worry not. We will give you some great recommendations right here.
The LEAGY VICTOR VC60B+ is one of the cheapest insulation resistance testers you can find in the market right now. It is also a great choice for beginners as it offers a highly intuitive design and minimal controlling options. But, the LEAGY VICTOR VC60B+ still offers resistance measurements up to 2000MΩ and supports up to 1000 Volts. As for the accuracy, this device is rated for ±4% accuracy for reading +2 digits.
There are only a handful of options in the market for insulation resistance testers that can offer resistance measurement from milliohms to kiloohms. The Fluke 1507 Digital Megohmmeter is one such device that supports a test range of 0.01 Ohms to 20.00 Kiloohms. As for the design, the Fluke 1507 Digital Megohmmeter is designed for professional applications and comes with a remote test probe as well for hard-to-reach areas.
The VICI Digital Insulation Resistance Tester is also a great option as it is suitable for both indoor as well as outdoor applications. This device can be powered by either 6 1.5 Volts AA batteries, or a standard 9 Volts corded connection. It is also pretty easy to use since it has a large LCD display that lets you read the results with ease.
