New Installation Tester Speeds Up Testing of Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Fixed Wiring Installations

In order to deal with new technology developments and stricter legislation, electrical contractors have had to acquire increased knowledge and skills. New technologies such as renewable energy generation, combined heat and power (CHP) systems, small scale embedded generators and solar photovoltaic power supply systems require additional regulations. Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are increasingly being utilised in wiring installations, which means electricians require accurate, rapid non-trip loop testing devices.

SureTest® complies with BS7671: 2008 (17th Edition) IEE Wiring Regulations and is EN61557 compliant. In a matter of seconds, the device can take accurate loop impedance measurements that won’t trip RCDs. The device is able to measure frequency and phase rotation in three-phase installations and includes a calibration certificate.

Peter Halloway, Channel Manager at IDEAL INDUSTRIES NETWORKS DIVISION comments: “Most electricians, particularly sole traders and the self-employed, don’t have enormous purchasing budgets and so ideally they want to buy one installation tester that provides all the functionality in one device, including non-trip loop testing and phase sequencing to comply with the latest 17th Edition wiring regulations. SureTest® gives them all this functionality in an easy-to-use, affordable package.”

An Auto-RCD feature helps save time on the job, eliminating the need for an electrician to go back and forth to the distribution board. The device also calculates and displays both Prospective Short Circuit Current (PSCC) and Prospective Earth Fault Current (PEFC), providing fast, error-free reporting.

A separate Ramp Test enables the user to quickly identify RCDs that are prone to nuisance tripping. The tester ramps up the applied current until the RCD trips and then displays the reading on screen. When testing continuity, a smart ‘null’ feature zeros out any test lead resistance, reducing measurement errors.

Insulation test voltages of 250, 500 and 1,000V are provided, as well as a remote test probe that helps electricians perform tests in awkward, hard-to-reach locations. SureTest® has a simple, uncluttered front panel and menu structure, making it easy to use. The device also benefits from an ultra-lightweight, rugged OLED display (similar to the latest mobile phones).

“SureTest® is able to perform non-trip loop testing and is one of the fastest devices currently available,” adds Peter Halloway.

The SureTest® kit comes with a complete set of detachable test leads, a switched remote test probe, crocodile clips, traceable calibration certificates, hard copy user guide, and a padded carrying case that stores the tester and all its accessories safely inside. SureTest® comes with a two-year warranty, upgraded to three years if the user registers online