Checking the safety of sockets with a conventional socket tester will only give you an indication as to whether the wiring is correct, and the presence of an earth, but what happens if the quality of the earth isn’t up to standard? A socket could be being used which is potentially unsafe. If a faulty appliance is then plugged into this socket, any earthed metalwork could become live resulting in a potentially fatal accident. The HSE guidance note recommends the use of socket testers that can detect potentially dangerous earth faults, they state:
“”If the test device does not display either the numerical value of earth fault loop impedance or the range of numerical values into which the loop impedance falls, then it is a simple socket-outlet test device and must not be relied upon to indicate whether a socket-outlet is safe to use.””
The Martindale E-Ze Check™ Xtra provides the perfect answer, showing how safe the earth connection is as well as checking if a mains socket is wired correctly or not and whether the supply voltage is correct. A pattern of bright LEDs on the face panel provides a clear, colour indication of earth loop impedance, within a number of carefully selected bands, and means the E-Ze Check™ Xtra identifies potentially dangerous faults other socket testers miss.
This excellent socket tester is a low cost and fast method to check circuits, either before or after a new installation, as well as in between required periodic inspections. It can also ensure that a socket is safe before connecting an appliance, for instance as part of a PAT test (portable appliance test).
Professional Model
There are two models available in the Martindale E-Ze Check™ Xtra range, the standard Martindale EZ150 socket tester plugs directly into a 13amp socket, and the Martindale EZ650 professional socket tester kit which is supplied with a mains adaptor and set of 3 way test leads for use on sockets, junction boxes, terminals and lighting circuits.