In this month’s Face to Face we speak with Steve Dunning, Managing Director at Martindale Electric, to find out more about test equipment and its role in improving electrical safety.

How has the Martindale product offering changed over the years?

Electrical safety is fundamental to us at Martindale. We offer a comprehensive range of electrical test equipment where safety is always our core principle. With almost 100 years of history behind us, our products have obviously developed significantly. Taking three lines as examples, in 1968 we patented the ring main tester, now known as a socket tester, these have evolved into valuable diagnostic tools for the electrician. Our core tools for safe isolation are constantly evolving, while our PAT testers have taken portability to a new level.

What are the most popular testers amongst electricians?

We are seeing a significant emphasis on safety within the electrical industry from both industry bodies and manufacturers, particularly focused on the safe isolation process. As a result, we see an increase in demand for products associated with this process – namely voltage indicators and associated proving units, including DC supply proving units for those working with renewables. And of course, most electricians have a socket tester!

Can you tell us about Martindale’s Safe Isolation Campaign?

Safe isolation, and then proving dead, sounds like it should be relatively simple. In a recent survey undertaken across the industry we found over 80% of electrical professionals were familiar with the safe isolation process but only around 55% actively followed the process every time. Our Safe isolation campaign ALIVE focuses on building awareness, highlighting five essential steps, and the importance to always following the process.

Has the expansion of EV charging infrastructure created new testing opportunities for contractors?

Absolutely, the focus on increasing EV infrastructure is creating a significant commercial opportunity for electrical contractors and installers. As EV adoption increases, so too does the requirement for compliant installation, inspection and maintenance of charge points. Where many of the EV test tools are dedicated testers or capable multifunction testers for installation and certification, longer term we see a need for some simpler maintenance and service tools such as the recently introduced BZ820-EV EVSE socket tester.

What can be done to further improve electrical safety in the wider industry?

This is really about education around safety processes such as safe isolation, also making sure that test instruments are used correctly and in the electrical environment for which they were designed and specified to be used in. As a manufacturer, safety is our core focus, and we have just launched our new apprentice and training hub to act as a resource for both existing and new entrants into the electrical industry.

What are Martindale’s aims and objectives for the years ahead?

Martindale is a broad-range supplier of test equipment, from environmental testing such as our legionella test kits, through installation testers to safe isolation tools and beyond. Electrical safety is absolutely paramount to us at Martindale. We will continue to offer the most comprehensive range of safe isolation equipment, championing electrical safety in the workplace through the development, manufacture, and supply of trusted, reliable solutions.

Find out more about Martindale Electric here

Catch up on previous ‘Face to Face’ articles here

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