EEVblog Electronics Community Forum

Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: GregDunn on September 10, 2018, 01:09:56 am

Title: Non-standard test leads?
Post by: GregDunn on September 10, 2018, 01:09:56 am
I was sorting and storing my test leads tonight after the big DMM consistency check, and realized I had a pair (probably came as part of a bundle with my Fluke 179 pawn shop purchase) which I hadn't tested yet.  They have no branding whatsoever, just the part number TL-99-1.  I plugged them into one of my meters and - the plugs didn't seat fully.  In fact, they wouldn't go into any of the guarded receptacles far enough to make electrical contact!  I pushed pretty hard (on one of the cheaper meters, not wanting to damage an expensive one) and still nothing.

Here's a picture of the plug (left) next to a Fluke plug.  It sure looks like the contact pin is too large but the guard is comparably sized.  Also attached is a picture of the probe end - looks properly marked but could be a fake I suppose.

Is there a different sized test probe pin that I'm not aware of?  I have no idea where these came from originally.  All my other guarded probes, including some pretty cheap ones, have no trouble fitting any of my meters.
Title: Re: Non-standard test leads?
Post by: coppercone2 on September 10, 2018, 03:01:28 am
i have a feeling you are handling some serious trash
Title: Re: Non-standard test leads?
Post by: GregDunn on September 10, 2018, 03:05:57 am
At least they were free.   ;D  The sad thing is that they look and feel pretty solid - nice strain reliefs at each end, professional looking two-color molding, threaded tips.  I guess the best thing I can do now is chop the plugs off and put some proper ones on, then relegate them to low voltage measurements...