TestEquipment ●From previous page
commercial sites, the new LOKKITPRO is the ultimate safe isolation kit providing a locking off solution for all sites and applications from mcbs with integrated test buttons through old style fuse holders, to switchgear requiring a cable lock approach.
Proving a circuit is dead Locking off the circuit correctly is just one part of the procedure. Before carrying out any work, an electrician must also verify that the circuit is dead before proceeding and in order to do so, a dedicated voltage indicator and a proving unit is a must! In terms of the use of voltage indicators to
prove dead, guidance from Electrical Safety First addresses some key points: “Following isolation of equipment or
circuits and before starting work it should be proved that the parts to work on, and those nearby, are dead. It should never be assumed that equipment is dead because a particular isolation device has been placed in the OFF position.” With this in mind, it is not enough to simply lock off the breaker and assume that the circuit is dead. Contractors should use a dedicated voltage indicator and a proving unit when carrying out this procedure, such as the Drummond MTL10 and MTL20 Test Lamps, or a two-pole voltage detector, such as the VII3800 or VI-15000 voltage indicators. Whilst customers can use a known live
source to test a voltage indicator, it is recommended that a dedicated proving unit is used. The reason being is that the known live source will only light some of the LEDS on the tester, whereas a proving unit will ensure that all the LEDS on all ranges are working, again safeguarding against incorrect readings due to a blown LED. In addition, there may not be a known live source close by, so by having a proving unit, the contractor will not have this problem.
The LOK6, a universal locking off device for fuse carriers.
Implementing safe isolation procedures is essential to achieve compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations.
Addressing key developments and providing
a comprehensive solution without compromising on quality, in terms of products stocked, can have a huge impact on customer loyalty and repeat business for the wholesaler.
The key elements that wholesalers should consider Arguably the most important factor is the ability to provide quality functional tools to the customer. However, perhaps more important is the ability to offer tools which can be relied upon to offer significant time-saving properties which can easily equate to increased productivity and in turn, profit. In order to achieve this, companies have simplified selecting the right tools by offering complete solutions, such as the VIPDLOK138 and VIPDLOK150 kits from Martindale Electric. These kits include an industry standard voltage indicator, proving unit, locking off devices and hazard warning labels. In line with guidance that a voltage indicator must be able to work without the need for a battery, many voltage indicators, such as the VII-3800 and VI-1500 do not require batteries and are dedicated to measuring voltage only,
18 | electrical wholesaler August 2017
which avoids any potential errors which may occur from using a tester on the wrong setting. Cost is another factor that wholesalers need
to take into consideration. As tempting as it might be for a customer to buy a cheap tool which “does the job”, purchasing decisions are more often than not based on industry recommendations and brand loyalty, which is often associated with company reputation and experience in the electrical test market. Taking all this into consideration, stocking innovative, quality products that will help to save the customer both time and money, can help wholesalers dramatically increase profits and achieve repeat custom, whilst keeping their customers safe and compliant. For more information on Martindale Safe Isolation Toolbox Talks visit:
http://bit.ly/martindale-talk www.ewnews.co.uk
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