Socket testers are not an alternative to the formal verification of wiring installations, but as a first line indicator they are an essential tool, explains Steve Dunning, Managing Director at Martindale Electric.

When properly specified, socket testers provide a fast and effective solution to identifying potentially unsafe installation and wiring faults, particularly prior to installing new plant and equipment.

All socket testers should check that the earth, live and neutral are the right way round but with such a large number of proprietary plugin devices available,  additional test functions can vary considerably. So, when selecting a socket tester, it’s important to understand the different types available and their capabilities and limitations.

Socket testers are categorised as either simple, advanced or professional  with the key differentiator being the ability to measure and display either ranges or numerical values for earth fault loop impedance.

It is also worth bearing in mind that although many of these devices will indicate some of the basic electrical faults that may be found in socket-outlet circuits, some of the simpler versions cannot be relied on to indicate more advanced faults, which can be potentially dangerous.

These 10 pointers will help you help your customer select the right one for the job.

1. There are so many socket testers available, what do I recommend?

Socket testers can be split into categories: simple, advanced and professional. All socket testers will check that basic connections have been made correctly; however, advanced/professional socket testers will have more functionality with respect to earth testing.

2. So, which tests will a simple socket tester perform?

All testers check that a socket is functioning; this includes checking for live and earth reverse, live and neutral reverse and that there is earth connected. However, they do not check if the socket is adequately earthed for safety. Some offer added features. This may include a buzzer in addition to LEDs to indicate a good socket, or they may show a combination of indicators to identify which particular fault type is present.

3. What is the difference between an advanced and professional socket tester?

The key differentiator is related to checking the effectiveness of the protective earth. More advanced testers indicate the value of loop impedance via LEDs (examples are the Martindale EZ165 and EZ365) or show numerical values. A reliable earth loop impedance measurement is essential to ensure that over-current protection devices achieve a fast enough disconnection time to avoid electrocution.

4. I’ve heard there’s a test that no socket tester can perform. What is it, and why?

There is one fault that a socket tester and indeed no other piece of equipment can easily find, the swapping of the earth and neutral wires. This is because the earth and neutral are common at the substation (if not closer), so electrically, they are indistinguishable.

5. What is the ‘supply reversed’ test on some socket testers?

This is a cross-polarity test. Although all socket testers are capable of identifying wiring faults at the socket, including live-neutral errors, they will not detect when the incoming supply polarity has been reversed. This serious fault condition where L-NE connections have been reversed at the supply and require a special additional test. The Martindale BZ701 has this feature.

6. Will my socket tester test an RCD?

A socket tester will only check the functionality of an RCD in a circuit i.e. the ability to trip. RCD testing requires the use of a tester or multifunction installation tester with RCD test capability which can measure time to trip.

7. Does a socket tester help with 18th Edition installation testing?

It’s important to appreciate that socket testers are not an alternative to the full verification of wiring installations. For testing installations, professional loop testers and multifunction testers suitable for carrying out all the tests needed to verify the safety of domestic, commercial and industrial wiring installations (according to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations) are required.

8. In summary, what can I use a socket tester for?

A socket tester is a first-line indicator to identify potentially unsafe installations and wiring faults. Socket testers offer a fast and effective solution when properly specified. They can also be particularly useful as a service tool in identifying potentially unsafe conditions prior to carrying out work on existing electrical systems and equipment or before installing new appliances.

9. I also need to check industrial outlets – can a socket tester help?

Manufacturers such as Martindale offer a full range of industrial socket testers, specifically for this application. These perform some of the basic tests similar to standard 13A socket devices but offer different pin configurations, different voltage levels and three-phase checks.

10. Can socket testers help with EV chargers?

There is a new classification of socket tester capable of first line checking of EV charge points. The Martindale BZ820-EV is an example, being able to connect directly to a Type-2 EV charger to perform tests similar to a basic socket tester. It can also simulate connection to a vehicle for additional tests.

Conclusion

When it comes to the design of a socket tester, quality and durability should be key considerations. Testers should ideally feature a tough sculpted design for easy removal and be durable enough to withstand the roughest of handling, thus providing many years of performance.

Socket testers offer a fast and effective solution to identify potentially unsafe installations and wiring faults when correctly specified as a first-line indicator. They can also be helpful as a service tool in identifying potentially dangerous conditions before carrying out work on existing electrical systems and equipment. Selecting the right tester for the job is key.

The Electrical Safety-First Best Practice Guide 8 (version 2) Selection and Use of Plug In Socket Testing Devices is an excellent source of information.

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The EZ156 and EZ365 Advanced Socket Testers from Martindale Electric have been crowned a Professional Electrician & Installer 2023 ‘Top Product’ award winner.

The awards are recognition for those manufacturers and suppliers that have made a real difference to the electrical contractor’s ability to get the job done efficiently, safely and professionally, whether this is in the form of innovative products, tools or time-saving solutions.

“We are delighted that we have been recognised by Professional Electrician and its readers in this way,” says Steve Dunning, Martindale Electric’s Managing Director.

The EZ165 and EZ365 detect 32 basic fault conditions and check the mains voltage level too. Both models also show how safe the earth wiring is by carrying out a non-trip earth loop test and indicating its value in six discrete ranges. A low earth resistance is essential for safety disconnection devices to work properly and prevent electrocution when faults occur.

“Our annual awards are a great way to reward those companies that have come up with excellent ideas to help electrical installers and businesses overcome common problems in their everyday work, to improve their workmanship, or to open up new profit streams,” said PE Editor, Richard Bowler.

“As such, these new advanced socket testers from Martindale Electric, released earlier in the year, are a very worthy winner of one of our 2023 Top Product awards.”

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Three new Martindale Electric socket testers give professionals more features and fewer headaches when it comes to choosing the right unit for the job in hand.

Easily activated by the touch pad, the recently launched BZ701, EZ165 and EZ365 check the main voltage level and safely detect the 28 socket wiring fault conditions, indicated by three red LEDs and a warning buzzer.

The EZ365 and BZ701 detect for L-NE polarity swap at the incoming supply and possible fault conditions on PME/ TN-C-S systems, correct polarity indicated by three flashing green LEDs. These unique conditions are unidentifiable by normal socket testers. Both the EZ365 and EZ165 model can carry out a non-trip earth loop test, though alone the EZ365 can trip test 30 mA RCDs by the touchpad. A low earth resistance is essential for safety disconnection devices to work efficiently and prevent electrocution when faults occur. These innovative testers demonstrate prominent value in their six discrete ranges to signify the earth wiring safety.

With 95 years of experience in electrical safety, Martindale Electric is a highly trusted name in the industry. Its socket testers offer a crucial first line of defence and make it easy for electricians to choose the right level of features needed for their work.

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.

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3 iPads and 95 socket testers up for grabs in Martindale’s Birthday Competition

Martindale Electric is celebrating 95 years of innovation and service in electrical safety by giving 95 EZ365 socket testers and three iPads as prizes in an online competition.

The company is running a prize draw competition until the end of June to win these great prizes, anyone can enter by answering three really easy questions on a special 95^th anniversary quiz.

“This is a great way to celebrate our 95^th anniversary and we want our customers and all test equipment users to have a go at winning these great prizes,” said Steve Dunning, Martindale Electric’s Managing Director. “Everyone who enters gets placed in the draw for the prizes – get entering and good luck!”

The EZ365 socket tester is a quick and easy way to test polarity, loop impedance and RCDs (30mA). Featuring red/green LEDs and a buzzer to indicate 28 fault conditions, these products are the first line of defence when it comes to electrical safety.

Follow the link below for details, closing date 30^th June 2023 (full terms and conditions available via the link below).

For your chance to enter, click here  

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