FEATURE TEST & MEASUREMENT Industrial socket testing made easy W
hen properly specified, socket testers provide a fast and effective
solution to identifying potentially unsafe installations and wiring faults. They can be particularly useful as a service tool for identifying potentially unsafe conditions prior to installing new plant and equipment. Clearly, socket testers are not an alternative to the full verification of wiring installations, but as a first line indicator they are an essential tool for all maintenance teams. Most electricians and maintenance
teams are familiar with Martindale check plugs for polarity and fault checking of 13A wall sockets, but may not be aware that it is now possible to adopt the same approach for single and 3-phase industrial sockets. In addition to quickly identifying a wide range of fault conditions, the latest 3-phase plug-in testers also show phase rotation. Martindale industrial socket testers include 400V, 230V and 110V models and are now available with 16A, 32A or 63A plug types. Before carrying out any socket testing it is important to understand what they are capable of and the different types available. All socket testers check that the earth, live and neutral are the right way around (polarity testing). Some offer added features – they may include a buzzer in addition to LEDs to indicate a good socket or they may show a combination of indicators to identify that a particular fault type is present. 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
16 MAY 2018 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
EZ165 advanced socket tester with earth loop indication
substation (if not closer), so electrically they are indistinguishable. When selecting a socket tester it is important to understand the different types available and their capabilities and limitations. There are three main categories of socket testers, simple, advanced and professional as defined by the Health & Safety Executive. The key differentiator is in the ability to measure and display either ranges or numerical vales for earth fault loop impedance. All 13A wall socket testers will show the absence of an earth; the Martindale EZ165 (advanced) will show you how good your earth is, and the EZ2500 (professional) will give you numerical values for certification and reporting. Industrial socket testers are basic testers for checking wiring polarity and identifying faulty connections prior to maintenance and installation work. Martindale three phase socket testers include additional functionality such as phase sequence indication. The CP Series of industrial socket testers from Martindale includes both 230V and 110V models.
MARTINDALE CP201 230V SINGLE PHASE INDUSTRIAL SOCKET TESTER The Martindale CP201 is an industrial version of the classic check plug, available with either a 16A or 32A plug to BS 4343 / IEC309. It 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. Common fault conditions can be quickly identified from the look up chart displayed on the front of the label. This approach is fail-safe in the unlikely event of any the LEDs failing to operate. For the checking of 110V
centre tapped industrial sockets, Martindale manufacture a dedicated tester, the CP301. It is fitted with a yellow 110V 16A or 32A CT plug to BS 4343/IEC309 and uses three bright LEDs to provide fail- safe fault indication with a clear on-tester look up chart for fast and simple fault diagnosis. Fault indications include line 1, line 2 and centre tap faults, plus line 1 or 2 centre tap reversal.
MARTINDALE PC105 FIVE PIN 3- PHASE SOCKET TESTER When working on 3-phase circuits, a phase error connection can be catastrophic for the equipment and endanger personnel. Phase reversal leads to motors running backwards, cooling, or lubrication underperforming or not working at all, and creates a real hazard on equipment such as belt conveyors, elevators or escalators. The PC104 and PC105 from Martindale test 3 phase sockets and confirm the phase rotation sequence before connecting new equipment to the supply. They can be used for instantly checking sockets in factories and commercial installations for potential wiring faults prior to the connection and maintenance of plant and equipment. Bright LEDs clearly indicate any faults with a simple look up chart on the tester for quick fault diagnosis. • Up to seven wiring condition checks • Phase sequence indication • Neutral/earth check • Bright LED indication • 16A, 32A and 63A models The range of 3-phase industrial socket testers cover four and five pin socket configurations and 16, 32 and 63amp versions are available. The testers are enclosed in a rubber holster to withstand the roughest of on-site environments.
Martindale Electric T: 01923 441717
www.martindale-electric.co.uk
Martindale PC105 five pin 3 phase socket tester
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