• • • TEST & MEASUREMENT • • •
TESTING CHALLENGES AMID RAPID EV INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH
barriers to entry for contractors looking to support EV infrastructure, provided they have suitable equipment and training in place.
BY STEVE DUNNING, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MARTINDALE ELECTRIC
A
s EV uptake accelerates, so too does the need for compliant installation, inspection and ongoing maintenance of charge points, tasks that must be carried out by a qualified electrician or competent person. This rising demand offers contractors and installers a practical and timely way to broaden their service offering, explains Steve.
Ambitious targets driving deployment
The pace of charge point deployment continues to gather momentum. In the UK. Government targets call for an increase in public and private charge points from around 100,000 today to approximately 300,000 by 2030, which equates to about 1,000 additional new chargers per week for the rest of the decade. Delivering on such targets will require sustained investment in electrical infrastructure, appropriate test equipment and skilled technical expertise.
EVSE testing
requirements evolve From an installation and verification standpoint, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) introduces additional testing considerations beyond those associated with traditional electrical outlets. While many manufacturers already supply EVSE-capable test instruments and breakout boxes, the market is also seeing the emergence of simpler, more affordable tools aimed at essential safety checks. These developments help reduce
12 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING •MARCH 2026
First-line checking of EV charge points
In general electrical work, the multifunction tester (MFT) is widely regarded as the primary testing instrument. For quick functional checks of domestic and commercial outlets, however, electricians often turn to simpler socket testers. A comparable approach is now being adopted for EVSE, with dedicated EV socket testers becoming an increasingly common feature in contractors’ toolkits.
One example is the Martindale BZ820-EV socket
tester, designed as a first-line checker for EV chargers fitted with a Type-2 connector. While it does not perform RCD testing or earth loop impedance measurements, it can identify up to 28 wiring fault conditions and confirm that supply voltage falls within acceptable limits.
Installation and periodic testing Despite the growing availability of dedicated EV testers, the multifunction installation tester remains central to EV charge point installation and periodic inspection. MFTs support most of the core tests required for EVSE, including earth loop impedance measurement, RCD testing and phase sequence checks. Many modern MFTs are now designed with EV applications in mind. Instruments such as the Martindale ET6500 and ET6300 integrate EV charger testing into a broader electrical test regime.
Adaptors and connectors Alongside test instruments, a growing range of EV adaptors and connectors is now available, offering
varying degrees of integrated test functionality. These accessories can simulate vehicle connection states, support basic CP signal testing and provide an interface between EV charge points and standard test equipment.
A more advanced option is the Martindale TL326-EV electric vehicle charger test adaptor. Designed for use with Type-2 connectors, it allows connection to compatible test instruments via standard 4 mm jack plugs. When used with an appropriate MFT from any manufacturer, it provides access to all required measurements through the tester’s standard inputs. Suitable for both single-phase and three-phase systems, the TL326-EV offers access to L1, L2, L3, neutral and protective earth. An integrated CP mode selector enables simulation of key vehicle states, while an error position simulates CP signal failure to confirm that the charger correctly inhibits charging.
Preparing for the future As EV infrastructure continues to expand at pace, test equipment manufacturers are responding with an increasingly comprehensive range of cost- effective, user-friendly tools designed specifically for EVSE installation and maintenance. For contractors, this represents a clear opportunity to future-proof their businesses while contributing to the transition towards lower-emission transport. Safety, compliance and technical competence remain critical, and the demand for skilled electricians is set to increase further as EV adoption accelerates. With appropriate training and the right equipment, contractors are well positioned to play a vital role in supporting the UK’s evolving EV landscape as it progresses towards its 2030 objectives.
https://martindale-electric.co.uk/ev-solutions electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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