Australia’s solar industry has shifted decisively toward 1500V DC string designs. While these higher-voltage architectures reduce balance-of-system costs and improve efficiency, they’ve created a significant gap in the test equipment most electricians carry. Standard clamp meters rated for 1000V DC simply aren’t safe for today’s utility-scale and commercial rooftop installations.
Working at these elevated voltages demands purpose-designed instrumentation that meets stringent safety standards – not just in theory, but under real-world conditions. Crowded combiner boxes, extreme temperatures, and outdoor exposure add further complexity. And when you’re troubleshooting performance issues across a large array, you need readings you can trust the first time. Guesswork isn’t an option when voltage potentials can exceed 1500V DC and arc flash hazards are very real.
The Solution: Professional-Grade Solar Testing from String to Inverter
The REED R5075 addresses exactly these demands. Engineered from the ground up for high-voltage renewable energy applications, it carries a genuine CAT III 1500V and CAT IV 600V safety rating – verified through independent ETL certification, not just a manufacturer’s claim. This means reliable protection when measuring on 1500V DC string circuits, combiner outputs, and inverter connections.
Beyond the safety rating, the R5075 delivers the practical features solar professionals actually need on site. The slim 35mm jaw profile fits into tight combiner boxes where standard clamps won’t reach, and it accommodates multiple conductors for rapid string current verification. True RMS sensing handles the non-sinusoidal waveforms common in inverter and VFD environments, ensuring accurate readings regardless of harmonic content.
DC power measurement with direct kVA readout simplifies performance calculations – you’ll see real power values without manually multiplying voltage by current. And the audible polarity indicator helps prevent miswiring during installation, catching reversed connections before they become expensive commissioning problems.
Key Benefits & Features
- Genuine 1500V DC Safety Rating The CAT III 1500V and CAT IV 600V rating isn’t marketing speak – it’s independently verified through ETL testing to IEC 61010-1 standards. This matters when you’re measuring live 1500V DC strings, where contact or internal meter failure could have serious consequences.
- True RMS for Inverter Environments Solar systems generate complex AC waveforms that confuse average-responding meters. True RMS technology measures actual heating value regardless of waveform shape, giving you dependable current and voltage readings on inverter outputs, VFD-controlled equipment, and grid-connected systems.
- Slim Jaw Accesses Tight Spaces The 35mm jaw opening slides between congested wiring in combiner boxes, junction enclosures, and switchboards where bulkier clamps simply won’t fit. You can clamp individual conductors or bundle multiple strings for aggregate current checks.
- Dual Display Efficiency Monitor voltage and current simultaneously on the 9,999-count backlit LCD. When commissioning or troubleshooting, this eliminates constant mode-switching and speeds up your workflow across dozens of string measurements.
- IP65 Weather Resistance Rooftop conditions are unforgiving – dust, rain, humidity, and temperature extremes are standard. The IP65 enclosure protects sensitive electronics from ingress, maintaining accuracy through harsh Australian environments from coastal installations to outback solar farms.
- Expandable to 3000A AC Connect the optional R5065 flexible current probe for high-current measurements up to 3000A – ideal for main switchboard work, large inverter outputs, and battery storage installations without oversized rigid clamps.
- Integrated Temperature Measurement The included Type K thermocouple probe enables contact temperature readings from -40°C to 400°C. Check cable terminations, busbar connections, and inverter enclosure temperatures without carrying additional instruments.
- Polarity Indication Prevents Miswiring Audible and visual polarity alerts help catch reversed connections during installation – a simple feature that prevents commissioning headaches and potential equipment damage on DC circuits.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Value | Practical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| AC/DC Current Range | 0 to 999.9A | Measures string currents through to large inverter outputs |
| DC Current Accuracy | ±(2.0% rdg. +5 dgt.) | Reliable performance verification on PV strings |
| AC Current Accuracy | ±(2.5% rdg. +5 dgt.) | Trusted readings on inverter AC outputs |
| DC Voltage Range | 999.9mV to 2500V | Full coverage for 1500V DC systems with headroom |
| AC Voltage Range | 0 to 1500V | Grid and inverter output measurement capability |
| Voltage Accuracy | ±(1.0% rdg. +5 dgt.) | High-accuracy voltage verification for commissioning |
| Resistance Range | 999.9Ω to 99.99kΩ | Continuity and insulation pre-checks |
| Capacitance Range | 100µF to 1000µF | Filter capacitor verification |
| Frequency Range | 5.0Hz to 999.9Hz | Grid frequency monitoring |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to 400°C (Type K) | Connection and enclosure thermal assessment |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±(1.0% rdg. +30 dgt.)°C | Reliable thermal anomaly detection |
| DC Power Measurement | 999.9kVA to 2500kVA | Direct power calculation without manual maths |
| Flexible Probe Range (with R5065) | 30A to 3000A AC | High-current mains and switchboard testing |
| Display | 9,999 count backlit LCD | Clear readings in bright sunlight or low light |
| Internal Memory | 999 data points | Store readings across large array inspections |
| Low Pass Filter (LPF) | Yes | Filters harmonics for fundamental frequency readings |
| Inrush Current Capture | Yes | Motor starting and capacitor inrush measurement |
| True RMS | Yes | Accurate readings on non-sinusoidal waveforms |
| Safety Rating | CAT III 1500V / CAT IV 600V | Verified for high-voltage solar system work |
| IP Rating | IP65 | Dust-tight and protected against water jets |
| Certifications | CE, ETL, RoHS | Independently verified safety compliance |
| Jaw Opening | 35mm (1.4″) | Fits tight spaces and multiple conductors |
| Power Supply | 2 × AA batteries | Readily available replacements Australia-wide |
| Auto Power Off | 15 minutes | Extends battery life during site work |
| Dimensions | 295 × 73 × 50 mm | Compact enough for single-hand operation |
| Weight | 540g | Comfortable for extended use |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 50°C | Suitable for Australian climate extremes |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C | Safe in vehicle toolboxes and site sheds |
APPLICATIONS & USE CASES
Commercial and Utility-Scale Solar Installations Verify string voltages and currents during commissioning, conduct performance testing, and troubleshoot underperforming arrays on 1500V DC systems. The genuine CAT III 1500V rating provides the safety margin these installations demand.
Rooftop PV Maintenance and Fault-Finding Identify failing strings, check combiner fuse status, and measure inverter inputs and outputs. The IP65 rating means weather delays don’t halt your inspection schedule.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Measure DC bus voltages and currents on high-voltage battery installations. The 2500V DC voltage range accommodates modern battery architectures with capacity to spare.
Switchboard and Distribution Testing Expand to 3000A AC with the optional flexible probe for main switchboard measurements, transformer secondary checks, and large motor circuit verification.
Electrical Contractor General Use Beyond solar, the R5075 handles standard electrical testing – residential through industrial – with voltage, current, resistance, continuity, capacitance, and temperature functions in one instrument.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- REED R5075 Professional Clamp Meter
- Type K Thermocouple Wire Probe
- Thermocouple Adapter (mini-connector to banana plug)
- Test Leads
- Protective Carrying Case
- 2 × AA Batteries (installed)
- User Manual
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
| Accessory | Model | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible Current Probe | R5065 | Extends AC current range to 3000A for large conductors |
| Magnetic Hanging Strap | R5900 | Hands-free operation on metal enclosures |
| Line Splitter | R5400 | Measure single-conductor current without separating cables |
| Fused Test Lead Set | R1020 | Heavy-duty replacement leads with added protection |
| Soft Carrying Case | CA-05A | Alternative carry option with accessory pouch |



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