FEATURE INDUSTRIAL PLUGS & SOCKETS
What to look at when specifying the correct equipment for the job
When properly specified, socket testers provide a fast and effective solution to identifying potentially unsafe installation and wiring faults. Here, Martindale Electric looks at the selection of plug-in socket outlet test devices that are available in today’s market
S
ocket testers can be a particularly useful tool for identifying potential unsafe
conditions, prior to installing new plant and equipment. However, it is worth remembering that there is one fault that a socket tester, and indeed no other piece of equipment, can easily find the swapping of the earth and the neutral wires. This is because the earth and the neutral are common at the substation, (if not closer), so electrically they are indistinguishable. Socket testers are not an alternative to the verification of wiring installations. Nonetheless, as a first line indicator, they are an essential tool for all maintenance teams. All socket testers on the market check that the earth, live and neutral are the right way round, but with such a large number of proprietary plug-in devices available on the market, functions can vary considerably. With this in mind, when selecting a socket tester, it is important to understand the different types available and their capabilities and limitations. Essentially there are three main categories of socket testers - simple, advanced and professional - with the key differentiator being the ability to measure and display 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 certain other faults, some of which can be
30 JUNE 2017 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
potentially dangerous. When it comes to features, whilst some test
devices will offer a visual indication in the form of LEDs, other additional features may include a buzzer to indicate a good socket, or a combination of indicators to identify which particular fault type is present. However, it could be argued that in an industrial setting, less is more. After all, how reliable is an audible warning in a busy factory or plant setting? Many socket testers on the market, such as the comprehensive CP series from Martindale Electric, provide a quick and easy way of confirming 16amp sockets are wired correctly using three bright illuminated LEDs. The series also features an on-tester look up chart for fast and simple fault diagnosis. The Martindale CP201 from Martindale
Electric is an industrial version of the hugely popular classic check plug. Fitted with a 250V 16A plus, which meets BS 4343 / IEC309 standards, the CP201 is capable of identifying 28 fault conditions. Wiring faults are instantly indicated by one or more of the LEDs failing to illuminate, with the pattern of lit LEDs indicating the type of fault detected. For checking industrial sockets on 100V centre tapped circuits, the CP301, which is fitted with a distinctive yellow 110V 16A plug (also to BS 4343 / IEC309), uses three bright LEDs to provide fail-safe fault indication. Furthermore, fault indications include line one, line two and centre tap faults, plus line one or
two centre tap reversal. For larger industrial installations and when it comes to testing three-phase sockets and confirming the phase rotation sequence, three-phase industrial socket testers, such as the PC104 and PC105 range, can be used for instantly checking sockets in factories and commercial installations for potential wiring faults, prior to connection and maintenance of plant and equipment. For three-phase socket outlets, the PC104
and PC105 will instantly prove connection of all three lines, identify any incorrect wiring and show the sequence of phase rotation, whilst bright LEDs clearly display any faults. Covering four and five-pin socket configurations, 16, 32 and 63amp versions are also available. When it comes to the design of your socket tester, quality and durability should also be a key consideration. There is no point in spending money on a device which is not durable and may subsequently need to be replaced sooner rather than later. The most obvious answer here, is to ensure test equipment comes from a trustworthy and reputable brand. Secondary to this, 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. However, it is important to appreciate that although socket testers can be used for detecting first line fault conditions, they are not an alternative to full verification of wiring installations. For full verification it is necessary to follow
the inspection and testing procedures set out in Part 6 of BS 7671, using a full set of test instruments complying with the relevant parts of BS EN 61557, typically with a multifunction electrical tester, such as Martindale ET4000.
Martindale Electric
martindale-electric.co.uk
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