Fluke 1503 Insulation Resistance Tester, 500 V and 1000 V

1503 basic insulation resistance tester explained

The Fluke 1503 Insulation Resistance Tester (1503) is a compact insulation resistance tester for routine electrical insulation checks. It tests at 500 V and 1000 V up to 2000 MΩ, measures earth-bond resistance with a 200 mA test current, and reads AC/DC voltage to 600 V. Seven Star LLC supplies 1503 in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier in Muscat, not affiliated with the manufacturer.

The 1503 uses the same body as the 1507 but with fewer test voltages. The table decodes its headline data.

1503 technical specifications

Data come from the manufacturer product page for the Fluke 1503.

How the Fluke 1503 Insulation Resistance Tester works

An insulation tester applies a known DC voltage to the insulation and measures the tiny leakage current that flows. The ratio gives resistance in megohms. At 500 V and 1000 V, the 1503 stresses insulation enough to reveal moisture, contamination or damage that a low-voltage meter would not.

Before and after testing the instrument checks for live voltage above 30 V, inhibits the test if it finds it, and automatically discharges capacitive voltage after the test. The remote probe lets the user start a test from the probe tip.

Key features

• Auto-discharge of capacitive voltage
• Remote test probe
• Lo-ohm earth-bond measurement
• Backlit display
• Optional TPAK magnetic hanger

Where 1503 fits and related Fluke models

The 1503 is the basic tester in the 1500 line. The 1507 adds more test voltages (including 250 V and lower options) and extra features. For cables and rotating machines needing higher test voltages, the 1555 FC or 1550C is used.

For combined insulation and multimeter use, the 1577 or 1587 FC are alternatives.

Selection checklist for 1503

Confirm the following points before ordering, so that the instrument matches the work and the safety rules of your site.

• Test voltages needed: only 500 V and 1000 V.
• No PI or DAR calculation.
• Capacitive load up to 1 µF.
• Accessories included.

Safe use, care and maintenance of 1503

• De-energise and isolate the circuit under test, prove it dead with a voltage tester, and discharge it after the test before touching the conductors.
• Test leads are part of the measurement. Inspect them before each campaign, because leakage across damaged leads shows up as a falsely low insulation reading.
• Record the temperature and humidity with each result. Insulation resistance falls as temperature rises, so trend readings only on a comparable basis.
• Replace or recharge the battery according to the manual and check it before a long test campaign, because a high-voltage test draws noticeably more power than a voltage reading.
• Keep the instrument and its accessories clean and dry, and arrange periodic calibration in line with your quality system.
• Use the guard terminal where the instrument provides one, so that surface leakage across terminals or insulators does not distort a high-resistance reading.
• Allow the equipment under test to cool and dry where possible; a motor that has just stopped and is still hot will read lower than the same motor at ambient temperature, which can mislead a trend.

Typical applications of 1503 in Oman and the GCC

Insulation testing is a core predictive-maintenance task. In Oman, high ambient temperature, humidity on the coast and dust accelerate insulation ageing, so motors, cables and switchgear at oil and gas, power and water sites are tested on a schedule.

In Oman the 1503 supports routine checks of low-voltage motors, cables and distribution boards. Humid coastal sites and dusty inland plants both degrade insulation over time, so periodic testing helps catch problems before a trip.

1503 compared with nearby models

Choose by the voltage class of the equipment under test.

Information to send with an RFQ for 1503

To prepare an accurate quotation, please send:

• Exact model 1503 and the quantity required.
• Test voltages needed and the equipment under test, such as motors, cables or switchgear.
• Accessory needs such as extra leads, guard leads or a remote probe.
• Whether a case, software or reporting tools are required.
• Calibration traceability paperwork if required on delivery.
• Delivery point in Oman or elsewhere in the GCC and the required date.

Storage, handling and spares for the Fluke 1503

Store the Fluke 1503 in its case or holster with the test leads disconnected. Remove the batteries if the meter will not be used for several weeks, because leaking cells can damage the battery contacts. In Oman and the GCC, do not leave the instrument in a parked vehicle during summer, where cabin temperature can go well above the storage limit in the user manual.

• Inspect test leads, probes and clamps before each use and replace any lead with damaged insulation or exposed metal.
• Use only leads and accessories rated for the same or a higher measurement category than the work you do.
• Keep spare fuses of the exact type given in the manual; a wrong fuse removes the protection the meter is built with.
• Plan a regular calibration interval, often twelve months, and keep the certificate with the instrument records.

If your team uses several units of the Fluke 1503, it is useful to order spare test leads and batteries in the same RFQ, so that a meter is not taken out of service for a simple accessory.

Documents and quotation

Send the part number 1503 and we will confirm which manufacturer documents are available for this model.

For a quotation, send the part number 1503, the quantity and your delivery location in Oman or the GCC through the RFQ button on this page. Availability and lead time are confirmed per request.