A lot can change with the test and measurement landscape in a short period of time, as Metrel’s Mark Johnson can testify. Here he shares his thoughts after returning to the industry following a near two year break.

Returning to the test and measurement sector after a break of 18 months has been a most illuminating experience.

In that time it would appear that most/all of the major manufacturers have introduced the ability to update their premium instrument’s firmware in the field rather than by specialists at calibration time, having told everyone it was impossible for many years. To its continued credit, Metrel remains one of the only companies to offer updating for all testers – not just the most expensive.

Another shift has seen more manufacturers including help screens, which are now being built into top-end testers. It’s the same story with an SPD test, which Metrel machines have incorporated for 20 years.

Field firmware updating allows manufacturers to respond to changes in the Regulations or introduce new tests should the need arise, giving the customer better value from the investment in a test machine.

Adapter and overcome

A perfect example was the introduction of EVSE testing. Metrel updated its tester firmware free of charge to include an EVSE test protocol for those testers that had the hardware capability.

At the same time an adapter was introduced which could test the functionality of the charger and gave access to the electrical supply system for testing at a cost in the region. The adapter’s cost-effectiveness was ground-breaking at a time when some other companies were expecting end users to pay premium sums for a new tester with the same functionality.

At Metrel we see these types of adapters as the future. At the end of the day, if your tester is working well why spend more for another screen, processor, plastics etc. when you can use it as the interface and save your results to the memory?

The latest update to the MI3152 multi-function tester allows the unit, with the addition of an adapter, to transform itself into a precision high current earth loop impedance tester, operating up to 300 A.

Earth resistivity testing is not an everyday activity for most contractors, so it makes sense that they might not want to pay for the functionality. But if you need to measure specific earth resistance for the design of a grounding system, it is reassuring to know you just need to buy a Ro-adapter rather than purchase another complete test set.

More commonly, ring final circuit testing can be made quicker and transformed into a one-man job using Metrel’s unique ring continuity adapter (A2214). Firmware upgrades are available for the MI 3100, MI 3125 adding to their longevity, as well as the touch-screen MI 3152 and MI 3155.

Common themes 

Another change is that domestic 3-phase supplies have become more common. To facilitate their testing, the 3-phase active switch (A1507) is an adapter that automates testing, making it faster and keeping you safe.

You make the connections to the installation under test once. The switch is then controlled by either of our touch-screen testers, making and breaking connections as required and running through a suite of measurements – all under your expert supervision from a safe distance.

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Why Stock the ALVA Series? Because electricians already want it.

In today’s competitive wholesale market, success means offering products that electricians trust and that deliver strong margins, reliable sell-through, and minimal returns. The new Di-LOG ALVA Series of Multifunction Testers (MFTs) is already generating demand across the UK, driven by a national marketing campaign and a growing need for affordable, professional-grade test equipment. Whether your customers are domestic installers, commercial contractors, or EV specialists, the ALVA Series offers a tailored solution and a compelling reason to buy from you.

The ALVA Series includes the ALVA MFT, ALVA MFT Pro, ALVA MFT EV, and ALVA MFT Pro EV, along with the essential EVSE adaptors, DLEVLite and DLEV1. The ALVA MFT is a cost-effective, full-featured tester for everyday testing. The ALVA MFT Pro adds advanced diagnostics and data storage, making it ideal for commercial and industrial work. The ALVA MFT EV is bundled with the DLEVLite adaptor, which connects to Type 2 EV chargers for compliant EVSE testing. The ALVA MFT Pro EV includes the DLEV1 adaptor, which supports both Type 1 and Type 2 chargers and enables full Auto EV safety verification, combining earth loop, 6mA RDC-PD/MD, and RCD tests into a seamless sequence. This modular product line allows you to stock a range of price points and capabilities, appealing to a broad customer base, from sole traders to large contracting firms.

Meeting demand

Electricians today face tighter budgets, stricter regulations, and increasing demand for EV infrastructure. The ALVA Series was designed to meet these challenges head-on. Each tester features a full-colour TFT display and an intuitive interface for fast, accurate readings. Auto Start Loop and Continuity Testing save valuable time on site, while comprehensive RCD testing, covering AC, A, F, B, B+, EV and Selective types, ensures compatibility with both legacy and modern systems. Rechargeable options are available to reduce running costs and minimise downtime, making the range ideal for busy professionals working across multiple sites. For your customers, this means less time testing, fewer errors, and more confidence in their results, all at a price point that makes sense in today’s market.

EV testing is a rapidly growing segment, and the ALVA Series offers a complete solution when paired with the appropriate EVSE adaptor. The ALVA MFT performs the critical 6mA RDC-PD/MD test required for EV charge point verification. The ALVA MFT EV, paired with the DLEVLite adaptor, provides a portable and cost-effective solution for testing Type 2 chargers.

For contractors working across both domestic and commercial EV installations, the ALVA MFT Pro EV offers the ultimate package. With the DLEV1 adaptor included, electricians can test both Type 1 and Type 2 chargers and benefit from automated EV safety verification, reducing the risk of oversight and improving efficiency. These kits are already being adopted by contractors working with major EV charge point brands, and they’re looking for local stockists who can supply them quickly.

To support your team, Di-LOG’s regional sales agents will be equipped with demo units of the ALVA Series. This allows your staff to experience the product first-hand and confidently promote it to customers. In-branch training and product walkthroughs are available to help your team understand the key selling points and technical advantages, ensuring they are well-prepared to answer customer questions and close sales.

Support package

One of the biggest differentiators for the ALVA Series is the industry-first optional five-year support package, a major draw for electricians looking to protect their investment. The plan includes annual calibration and firmware updates with a guaranteed 72-hour turnaround, a five-year warranty on parts and labour, replacement leads in years two and four, and fixed-cost accidental damage repair. This level of aftercare reduces returns, builds customer loyalty, and gives you a powerful upsell opportunity at the point of sale.

Di-LOG is backing the ALVA Series with a national marketing campaign designed to drive awareness and demand. This includes targeted digital advertising to electricians and contractors, trade press coverage and product reviews, and social media campaigns showcasing real-world use cases. In-branch point-of-sale literature is available, along with bespoke digital PDFs and sales videos for your team. Our goal is simple: to make the ALVA Series a must-have for electricians and to make your branch the place they go to get it.

The market is shifting. Electricians are actively seeking affordable, reliable alternatives to premium-priced testers, especially in a tough financial climate. The ALVA Series delivers professional-grade performance at a price point that makes sense. With EV work on the rise and regulatory compliance more important than ever, the demand for multifunction testers is growing and the ALVA Series is perfectly positioned to meet it.

Ready to sell

By stocking the ALVA Series, you’re not just adding another tester to your shelves; you’re offering a complete solution that meets the evolving needs of your customers. With high demand driven by national marketing, strong margins, low return rates, and a flexible range to suit every type of electrician, the ALVA Series is a smart commercial choice. Add to that the exclusive support package and in-branch demo support, and you have a product line that’s ready to sell.

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Martindale Electric has unveiled two brand new handheld portable appliance testers (PAT) with the launch of the HPAT550 and HPAT650.

Compact, easy to operate and feature-rich, the new testers are designed to simplify PAT testing while maintaining full compliance with testing requirements for Class I and Class II appliances.

Replacing the extremely popular HPAT400, HPAT500 and HPAT600 the new models are built for portability and convenience. They offer one-button automatic testing and a clear PASS/FAIL indication, backed by measured values shown on a high-resolution colour display. These features, combined with USB-C fast charging and a lightweight, rugged design, make the HPAT series ideal for engineers conducting routine testing on the move.

The HPAT550 and HPAT650 deliver all the essential tests needed to verify the safety of electrical appliances. Both instruments include an IT-safe 200mA earth continuity test, selectable insulation resistance testing at 250V and 500V, and a dedicated test mode for IEC power leads. The 250V insulation test option ensures compatibility with surge-protected devices, giving testers greater flexibility across a wider range of applications.

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Instrotech, a leading supplier of test equipment, is continuing to mark a huge milestone: 40 years of providing the very best equipment, coupled with exceptional customer support.

To make the celebrations even more exciting, the company is running a series of prize draw competitions throughout 2024, giving entrants the chance to win incredible test equipment prizes.

With the first and second competitions complete and the lucky winners receiving their prizes, the third event commences on the 1^st of August. This time Instrotech is asking entrants to solve a test and measurement themed puzzle.  To enter, simply piece together the online puzzle pieces correctly to make an image of a Megger 1721, fill in your details and get entered into the prize draw. The first prize is the Megger 1721 Multifunction Installation tester itself, alongside two runner-up prizes of a Megger AVO^® 215 Multimeter and a Megger MLM50 Laser Distance meter.

“After the huge success of our first two 40^th year competitions this time, in partnership with Megger, we again have fantastic opportunities to win some great test equipment prizes, so why not have a go?” says Guy Brown, Sales Manager at Instrotech.

To enter the competition, simply successfully complete the quiz at, https://instrotech.com/40-years and you will be entered into the prize draw.

Terms and conditions apply. For more information visit www.instrotech.com. The competition ends on the 30^th of September with the draw taking place on October 2^nd 2024. Instrotech will be running its final prize draw in November.

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When it comes to verifying the phase sequence, or rotation, of three phase circuits, Martindale Electric offers a professional range of testers. Getting the phase sequence wrong can have devastating consequences for plant and machinery with serious implications for machine safety.

From motors running backwards through to cooling or lubricating systems underperforming, one wrong connection can lead to a major maintenance headache.

Providing enhanced user safety, Martindale Electric’s PSI4000 and PSI4300 non-contact phase sequence indicators can quickly and accurately identify three phase sequences for motor installations and other systems. Designed for use on both insulated and non-insulated conductors, the PSI4000 and PSI4300 carry out measurements via inductive crocodile clips, which can be simply clipped on to speed up testing and reduce the risk of coming into contact with live parts.

LEDs provide a clear indication of phase rotation and have a high intensity setting for when working in strong ambient light. Both models also offer a buzzer indicator. Similar in function, the only difference between the two-phase sequence indicators is that the PSI4000 provides a correct indication for clockwise sequence, as used in the building facilities industry, while the PSI4300 provides a correct indication for anticlockwise sequence as used, for example, in power utilities.

Another solution is the PC15250 phase rotation indicator, which has been specifically designed to quickly and simply prove the presence of all three live phases (or identify which are faulty) and show the sequence of phase rotation when all three phases are confirmed as present.

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The CM Series range of professional clamp meters from Martindale Electric, makes it easy to choose the right tool for the job every time. Whether it’s low current AC, or DC for solar PV and battery systems, the equipment gets the job done.

The pocket-sized clamp range includes the CM55 AC Clamp, CM57 TRMS AC Smart Clamp and the CM79 TRMS AC/DC Clamp, combining outstanding specification and measuring capabilities with reliability and ease of use.

The clamp meters meet the exacting requirements of electricians and service teams working on both AC and DC systems, from basic AC measurements through to min/max monitoring of start-up and charging currents. All the clamps are auto-ranging and measure current to better than 2% accuracy.

The entry level CM55 is a high-performance AC clamp meter which measures AC current up to 400A, AC/DC voltage and resistance with continuity test. The compact design also enables accurate and reliable current measurement down to 10mA resolution without the need to break into the circuit.

Following on from the CM55, is the CM57 TRMS Smart Clamp Multimeter which measures AC current up to 600A, AC/DC voltage, resistance with continuity test plus capacitance, frequency and diode test making it well suited to HVAC applications.

The CM79 TRMS Clamp meter features AC and DC current measurement up to 600A with Min/Max for monitoring maximum loads, start up and charging currents. The professional clamp is ideal for applications involving PV installations, battery monitoring, UPS systems and electric vehicles.

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