As safety is critical to all electrical installations, reliable test and measurement equipment remains a vital part of any contractor’s kit, says Mike Cullum, Northern Europe Sales Manager of IDEAL Industries EMEA and APAC.

Quality equipment often comes with a hefty price tag, and with electricians continuing to report concerns over rising costs, wholesalers must find a way to offer affordable test and measurement equipment for less, combining innovation, safety and value for money without compromising on quality.

The UK’s construction sector continues to struggle with huge increases in material costs, supply chain issues and rising fuel prices. A recent survey, which researched the top 10 challenges for the electrical industry in 2023, found the main worry for UK electricians was the rising cost of materials (48%), followed by rising fuel costs (29%).

As a knock-on effect of rising prices, tradespeople are being forced to increase their prices. According to a 2023 nationwide study of tradespeople, more than two fifths (43%) said they had been forced to increase their prices substantially. In the face of ever-increasing costs, it’s crucial that electrical equipment offers value for money without compromising safety. When it comes to vital test and measurement equipment, however, there is often a huge disparity between the best, branded products, which are robust, accurate and consistent, and the more affordable alternatives, which are typically less reliable and more prone to error. This presents huge opportunity for wholesalers to cement relationships by offering a high-quality alternative to premium brands with comparable quality and functionality.

Having identified the need for a high-quality range of test and measurement equipment that combines reliable safety and consistency with affordability, IDEAL Electrical used its global scale and know-how to homogenise its test and measurement range, enabling the electrical trade to take a significant step up in quality, while taking a step down in price compared to the market leading brand.

Affordable test and measurement

Offering the best possible quality and innovation at an attractive price point, the test and measurement range from IDEAL Electrical comprises Circuit Tracers, Clamp Meters, Fork (split jaw) Meters, Digital Multimeters (DMMs), Voltage Meters, Non-Contact Voltage Testers and Infrared Thermometers. The range is segmented into tools for commercial, domestic and apprentice use, enabling wholesalers to recommend the right product for their customers’ specific requirements.

The part numbering system makes it easy for wholesalers to suggest the correct tester. The base model has the lowest number, while the higher functioning/higher CAT rated testers have a higher part number. For example, the entry point non-contact voltage tester is 61-627, the next model up is 61-637, and so on.

User-friendly design features

Key features of the range include a LEAD warning on the DMMs, which notifies the user if the test lead has been inserted into the wrong port. The FUSE notification feature, meanwhile, alerts the user to a blown fuse while allowing them to continue with measurements unaffected by the fuse. The range features vibrant yellow coloured casing, which makes it easy to identify the testers on site, and, as the casing is over moulded, several of the testers are robust enough to withstand drops and knocks with up to 2m drop protection. Several of the products also have IP ratings that provide certain levels of dust and water protection.

Probe holders on the back of the testers allow for two-hand testing and category ratings provide peace of mind that the tester is fit for the job and will pass scrutiny if the equipment is audited.

The newly launched IDEAL Circuit Tracer Plus revolutionises the industry with the inclusion of integrated continuity testing. It is a truly all-in-one solution that can trace, test for and locate shorts or splice errors without the need for a separate tester.

What electricians want

IDEAL Electrical conducted extensive research during the product development process, incorporating features and benefits that end users identified as the most beneficial for safety and productivity.

As a result of user feedback, a backlight torch function that can be switched on independently from the testers has been included. In addition, the innovative, patented bottom display, which was previously only available on the TightSight Clamp Meters, has now also been incorporated into the Fork Meter and Circuit Tracers, aiding visibility for users when working in confined and poorly lit locations. By incorporating common features and functions throughout the range, electricians can easily switch from one piece of equipment to another. For example, across many of the testers, non-contact voltage, high voltage and continuity indicators have a common display functionality and are located at the top of the unit.

A quality product at a competitive price

As testing and measurement is of the utmost importance to the safety of all electrical installations, electricians need to know that they are investing in equipment that will not only do the job accurately, but will also be easy to use and last for years.

With IDEAL Electrical’s test and measurement range, wholesalers can offer electricians access to more durability, reliability and safety features for less, enabling them to save money without compromising on advanced technology or quality assurance – a win-win in today’s climate, where rising costs are the number one cause of concern for electricians.

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Matthew Parton, Product Development Manager at ESP, looks at the self-test area of the emergency lighting sector and how it can save building owners time and money.

Emergency lighting is a legal requirement in almost every building, with one simple, life-saving task: to provide light if a power outage shuts down a building’s standard operational lighting. It is the responsibility of building owners and responsible persons to prove that the emergency lighting systems they are responsible for are working correctly and are regularly maintained so that they are in full working order.

According to BS5266-1 Emergency Lighting – Code of practice for the emergency lighting of premises, the functional operation of the emergency lighting systems falls onto the responsibility of the user (i.e. the appropriate person appointed responsible for the premises).

BS 5266-1, Section 12 outlines the recommended routine testing of the system.  These include (but is not definitive to):

• Checking functional operation “at least every month”.
• Full rated duration test (on each luminaire) “at least annually” (full discharge of batteries to check all working as required).
• Logging of failures to any part of the system and introducing alternate safety procedures until this is repaired.
• Recording all testing and repair information in a logbook.

All emergency lighting installations must have routine tests carried out, with each system luminaire the subject of daily, monthly and annual testing. These tests should all be documented with the results including maintenance and rectification results all held on file.

Whilst the testing of emergency lighting does not take much effort and isn’t difficult, manually inspecting every single lighting luminaire for lamp starting, operation and duration performance can be a very labour intensive and therefore expensive task. However, with the latest improvements in technology, routine testing can be simple, automatic and therefore much less expensive. It is now possible for building owners to take advantage of emergency lighting equipment that ‘self-tests’ in accordance with the relevant standards.

Reduce the burden

Installing self-test emergency lighting units can reduce the burden of testing emergency lighting installations as they perform all mandatory testing automatically, removing the need for manual testing to be carried out by the user or building owner. The resulting reduction of labour time leads to inevitable cost savings. Whilst the initial costs for the products may be higher, overall, they will provide a very short payback period – making them an ideal option that should be given consideration at the beginning of any project.

The benefits of self-test emergency light units include ease of installation, with no need for key switches or additional data cables for example. Convenience is also a major plus, with mandatory tests carried out without disruption to the normal use of the building, and any faults identified. The self-test units identify faults in luminaires and any faults are then highlighted to maintenance personnel, saving them the time and effort it would take to search the building in question for faults.

Self-test units use an accurate internal clock programmed to interrupt the permanent mains supply at set intervals, initiating emergency lighting tests. Short duration weekly and monthly tests and annual full duration tests are automatically activated with the results shown via an LED indicator on the fitting. The responsible person only needs to check the indicator and it means that only lights with reported faults will need to be attended to by maintenance personnel.

Extra peace of mind

During initial power up of a self-test unit, an automatic commissioning stage will begin. The internal clock will commence at a random time between 0 and 24 hours – this avoids the luminaires all going into test at the same time. After the initial charge up time (up to 72 hours), the unit will carry out a full duration test. After all initial tests are completed successfully the inbuilt processor will start the standard programmed test schedule, reporting failing functions via the status LED. In addition, it is also possible to initiate a manual test on self-test emergency lighting fittings for extra peace of mind.

Monitoring results is straightforward. A single bicolour LED indicates the system status. A green LED on constant with a pulse once every minute shows that the micro-processor is active and functioning. A flashing red LED identifies a fault condition is present. If a fault is resolved the LED indicator will return to green.

The following LED statuses apply to ESP’s Duceri self-test fittings:

ESP continues to develop its Duceri range of Emergency Lighting to meet the latest standards and to offer the latest technologies. The company’s range of Self-Test Emergency Light Fittings offers numerous benefits over standard fittings by reducing the costs and time associated with manual testing and inspection.

The self-test products within the Duceri Emergency Lighting range include:

• 3W LED Maintained Emergency Self-contained Downlight with Self-Test and Interchangeable Open and Corridor Lens.
• 3W LED Emergency Open Lens Downlight with Self-Test
• 9W LED IP65 Non-Maintained Emergency Twin Spot with Self-Test
• 3W LED IP65 Maintained Emergency Bulkhead with Self-Test
• 3W LED Maintained Emergency Exit Box with Self-Test

They have all been tested and comply with the latest standards.

For more information, click here

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“Electrical Safety at Work: Safe Isolation” is the new short form catalogue from Martindale Electric. The 44-page catalogue contains a complete range of products specifically designed for executing safe isolation procedures.

Implementing safe isolation is essential to achieve compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations, which are there to ensure that workers on site are not exposed to danger when working on or near live electrical systems. The new Martindale catalogue helps you select the right tools for the job, featuring the key components critical to implementing an effective procedure to stay safe during the installation and maintenance of electrical plant and equipment.

From an individual electrician working on a domestic installation through to a maintenance team working on an industrial site, Martindale offers solutions with a wide portfolio of safety products available either as individual items or within a handy kit. The range includes lock off devices and warning signs, proving units, voltage indicators/testers and many accessories, all detailed in the catalogue.

Industry-focused kits are also included, designed to contain everything needed for specific customer safety requirements. These include kits for general electrical work, utility applications, domestic installation or to enable gas service engineers to securely lock off circuits.

The new catalogue can be downloaded here

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PEW hears from Kasp on the vital role of safe isolation in ensuring electrical security.

In the world of electrical work, safe isolation is a fundamental part of an electrician’s role – not only to protect circuits but to protect people’s lives.

While health and safety is already a top priority in high risk industries like construction, those who work regularly with known hazards can sometimes become complacent. In the electrical sector – the safe isolation of the electrical network cannot be overlooked.

It’s an essential but often underestimated aspect of the job and is a key step in ensuring that workers on site aren’t exposed to danger when working on or near live electrical systems. Safe isolation is a multi-step process that involves not only turning off the power but also locking out the circuit to prevent accidental reactivation.

Sadly, over 1,000 electricity-related accidents are reported to the HSE every year, 30 of which lead to fatal injuries. When dealing with live electricity, there’s no room for error, the only way to ensure everyone’s safety is by adopting thorough isolation procedures.

The opportunity for electrical wholesalers is clear; encouraging the usage of appropriate lock off devices as an essential piece of kit for professional electricians to protect themselves and others from potentially deadly consequences. The supply of this equipment is not only an opportunity to generate sales, but an opportunity to save lives.

Keep assets secure

With over 40 years of security expertise under its belt, Kasp is one of the UK’s leading security padlock, chain, and cable brands, created by Carl Kammerling International Ltd.

Kasp Lockout is a range of essential tools designed specifically with safe isolation in mind, to protect electricians and their colleagues from accidents at work. Every year, thousands of injuries at work occur during the repair or maintenance of machinery, and most are due to a failure to isolate energy sources. Kasp Lockout safeguards against a sudden release of energy, locking off energy sources using padlocks and physical security devices.

 Kasp Easifit MCB Lockout

This universal mini circuit breaker isolates single, double, and triple switches. Its simple installation uses no tools, and quickly protects against dangerous energy surges while maintenance and repairs are carried out.

To use, simply place the tool over the switch, tighten the easy-to-use thumb screw, rotate the screw toggle and lockout with a padlock. Made from quality, non-conductive material, the Kasp Easifit MCB Lockout is an essential part of any maintenance toolbox.

Kasp 812 Pin Lockout

Ideal for locking out wider miniature circuit breakers, this pin lockout uses a simple push button installation, so no tools are required. Made from high quality, non-conductive material, the pin lockout works with one padlock and fits a maximum shackle diameter of 6mm.

Kasp MCB Lockout Kit

This unique kit contains all the essential parts to lock off one mini circuit breaker. The kit includes an Easifit MCB Lockout, one 25mm brass padlock, a danger and identity tag, and a carabiner to hold the kit together. Essential Lockout Kit This kit is ideal for a broad range of circuit breakers, including those over 60 A. It’s easy to use and contains both the Easifit MCB Lockout and the Pin Out Wide Lockout. F

Fitting neatly into a sturdy red pouch with a carabiner for hands-free access, the kit also contains a 40mm red vinyl coloured brass padlock with brass shackle, a 25mm brass padlock, a lock off hasp, a tagout marker pen, and a danger tag.

Protection for electrician’s assets

According to Met Police data, nearly 35,000 tools were stolen in the capital city alone between January 2021 and October 2022. A third of those tools were stolen from vehicles. Kasp Van Locks provide the ultimate defence for tradespeople seeking to protect their vehicles.

Kasp 500 Van Lock and Hasp

Designed just for vans, the Kasp 500 Van Lock’s chrome plated hardened steel body gives incredible strength as well as protection from corrosion. A shrouded steel shackle offers the ultimate safeguard against hacksaw and cropping attacks, while its six-pin cylinder defends against lock picking.

With a corrosion resistant mechanism to protect against the elements, this is the ultimate van lock. Meanwhile, the hasp is made from zinc plated heavy duty steel, giving excellent security and protection against corrosion. It is supplied with fixing bolts and includes a nifty storage bracket to hold the padlock when the van is open.

Conclusion

Safe isolation is more than just a routine task for an electrician – it’s arguably the most important part of their role and demonstrates their commitment to prioritising the protection of others.

Electrical professionals should be actively encouraged to utilise the latest technologies and equipment available to them to make every day electrical work safer for all involved. The consequences of not doing so are simply too great.

For more information, click here

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Kidde Safety Europe has announced the launch of a new relay unit under its Cavius brand, designed to provide enhanced safety for building occupants.

The new Cavius Relay unit serves as a dedicated connection between smoke and heat alarms, and third-party safety systems in the event of a fire. Enabling an emergency signal to be transmitted to systems such as telecare systems, strobe lights and sounders, this offers an ideal specification for dwellings that house vulnerable people or where compliance with the Equality Act is essential.

The mains powered Cavius is an interface between Cavius RF smoke and heat alarms and hard-wired third-party inputs (such as fire panels, break glass boxes and sprinkler flow switches) and output systems (such as telecare systems, strobes and sounders). When any of the input devices are triggered, it sends a message to the Cavius Relay unit, which in turn activates all the other appliances within the system, quickly raising the alarm and ensuring the safety of building occupants.

Notably, this versatile product can be connected or interfaced to warden call or telecare systems, making it suitable for specification in assisted living and sheltered housing facilities where enhanced safety and care is paramount. In addition, the Cavius Relay is ideal for use in houses of multiple occupancy (HMO) and other environments where a full portfolio of lifesaving devices is required, alerting the whole building even when a fire is detected in an individual flat.

The Cavius Relay is mains powered and features a battery backup, which will power the device in the event of a mains power failure and comes with a full 10 year guarantee.

For more information, click here

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Martindale Electric has introduced two new advanced socket and non-trip earth loop testers, the EZ165 and EZ365; must-haves for any electrician or engineer needing to check mains sockets.

These conveniently compact but powerful testers detect 28 fault conditions, check the mains voltage level and show how safe the earth wiring is by carrying out a non-trip earth loop test and indicating its value in six discrete ranges. This test is critical for ensuring the safety of your electrical system, as a low earth resistance is essential for safety disconnection devices to work properly and prevent electrocution when faults occur.

The EZ165 and EZ365 testers have a variety of features to make fault diagnosis fast and easy. The combination of red and green LEDs quickly identifies neutral, earth, and live connections, and makes it easy to spot common faults. A lookup chart provides further fault diagnosis. The testers also indicate high and low voltage levels and their tough, sculpted design makes them easy to unplug, transport and use in a variety of environments.

The EZ365 model includes additional features, such as an incoming supply polarity swap test and the ability to trip test 30mA RCDs. The L-NE cross polarity test detects a serious fault condition that cannot be identified by many normal socket testers and is easily activated by using the touchpad on the EZ365. Faults are also indicated audibly on this model.

For more information, click here

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