Although socket testers are generally straightforward devices, selecting the most appropriate instrument can be challenging because of the variation in available features and testing capabilities.
Socket Testers – Too Many Options?
Martindale Electric pioneered the development of socket outlet testers, now more commonly known as socket testers, with the introduction of the patented Ring Main Tester in 1968. Since then, the market has expanded considerably, with manufacturers now offering a wide range of products designed for domestic, commercial, and industrial applications.
Although socket testers are generally straightforward devices, selecting the most appropriate instrument can be challenging because of the variation in available features and testing capabilities. The following questions and answers examine the key considerations involved in selecting and using a socket tester.
1. How Do I Choose the Right Socket Tester?
The extensive range of socket testers currently available can make selecting the most appropriate device difficult. In general, socket testers can be divided into three categories: Simple, Advanced, and Professional.
All socket testers are designed to verify that the basic wiring connections within a socket have been correctly installed. However, advanced and professional models provide additional functionality, particularly in relation to protective earth testing.
2. What Tests Does a Simple Socket Tester Perform?
All socket testers verify that a socket is functioning correctly. This includes checking for live and earth reverse conditions, live and neutral reverse conditions, and confirming that an earth connection is present. However, simple socket testers do not determine whether the socket is adequately earthed from a safety perspective.
Some models incorporate additional functionality, such as audible indicators that operate alongside LED indicators to confirm correct operation. Other devices use specific combinations of indicators to identify individual fault conditions. The Martindale BZ101 is an example of this category of tester.
3. What Is the Difference Between an Advanced and a Professional Socket Tester?
The primary difference between advanced and professional socket testers is the method used to evaluate the effectiveness of the protective earth.
Advanced socket testers typically indicate the earth loop impedance range using LED indicators. Examples include the Martindale EZ165 and EZ365.
Professional socket testers provide numerical earth loop impedance measurements.
Accurate earth loop impedance measurement is essential because it confirms that over-current protective devices can achieve a sufficiently rapid disconnection time to prevent the risk of electrocution.
4. Is There a Wiring Fault That a Socket Tester Cannot Detect?
There is one fault condition that cannot be easily identified by a socket tester and, in practice, cannot be readily detected by any other piece of test equipment. This fault occurs when the earth and neutral conductors have been interchanged.
This limitation exists because the earth and neutral conductors are common at the substation, or potentially at another point within the electrical distribution system. As a result, the two conductors are electrically indistinguishable during testing.
5. What Is the "Supply Reversed" Test?
This is a cross-polarity test.
Although all socket testers are capable of identifying wiring faults at the socket, including Live-Neutral errors, they will not detect when the incoming supply polarity has been reversed. This is a serious fault condition where L-NE connections have been reversed at the supply and require a special additional test. For example, within the Martindale range, the BZ701, has this test feature.
6. Can a Socket Tester Test an RCD?
A socket tester can only verify the basic functionality of a residual current device (RCD), specifically its ability to trip.
Comprehensive RCD testing requires either a dedicated RCD tester or a multifunction installation tester with integrated RCD testing capability.
7. Can a Socket Tester Be Used for 18th Edition Installation Testing?
It’s important to appreciate that socket testers are not an alternative to the full verification of wiring installations.
For testing installations, professional loop testers and multifunction testers suitable for carrying out all the tests needed to verify the safety of domestic, commercial and industrial wiring installations according to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations are required.
8. What Are the Primary Applications of a Socket Tester?
A socket tester should be considered a first-line diagnostic tool for identifying potentially unsafe installations and wiring faults. When correctly specified for the application, socket testers provide a fast and effective method of fault identification.
They are particularly valuable as service tools for assessing potentially unsafe conditions before carrying out work on existing electrical systems and equipment or before installing new appliances.
9. Can Socket Testers Be Used with Industrial Sockets?
Yes. Manufacturers such as Martindale offer dedicated industrial socket testers designed specifically for industrial applications.
These devices perform many of the same fundamental tests as standard 13A outlet socket testers while accommodating alternative pin configurations, different voltage levels, and three-phase electrical systems.
10. Where Can Additional Information Be Found?
The Electrical Safety First guidance note Best Practice Guide 8 (Version 2):Selection and Use of Plug In Socket Testing Devices, is an excellent source of information regarding the selection and application of this type of device.
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