Tools
Mains socket and RCD trip tester
I needed to replace a broken mains socket. No problem - that's permitted without needing to employ an accredited professional electrician.
Once completed I had intended to check the connection using my "Martindale" test plug, but alas, it was nowhere to be found. Looking online I found that there was a newer model which also did a Loop Test, and it also checked that an RCD tripped when it should.
However, the coveted EZ365 sells for around £65 which is nearly 5x the cost of the basic model. There were numerous alternatives made in the Far East, but this is a safety-checking tool, and I'm unsure if I could trust a very low-cost unit. Martindale are highly regarded for this technology, and used by a high percentage of electricians.
As I'm starting to investigate off-grid storage and inverters which can deliver 240v AC, what I'd really like is a full domestic circuit check tool. But these are calibrated test-boxes costing £500+. I can't substantiate that expense for the infrequent occasions when I'd use it.
Continuing online research, I came across mains RCD test units made by Uni-T, which I traced back to the manufacturer's own AliExpress shop.
That Model UT582 did what I wanted and cost not much more than the Martindale EZ365 RCD Test Plug. But importing it from China was going to take a couple of months, delayed more than usual due to their current Covid restrictions.
And that's when I found the same item re-badged Multicomp and available next day delivery from CPC, part of the Farnell group of companies. At £90+VAT it was a massive saving on the professional testers, and I didn't need the annual calibration certification anyway.
The Multicomp MP780430 test unit arrives as a kit. It has a pair of black/red probes and two mains-socket test-cables (UK and European). Those socket test-cables normally sell for around £25 each! There's a fabric carry case and a strap to hold the device around your neck whilst working.
It requires six AA-size cells to power it, but those were also included. In time I'll replace them with long-life lithium cells, more appropriate for a safety-check tool which gets used only occasionally.
The CPC kit is a better bundle than was available direct from China, and also comes with the warranty of a reputable British company behind it.
Save energy... recycle electrons!
- 26 Forums
- 2,158 Topics
- 47.4 K Posts
- 25 Online
- 5,736 Members
Join Us!
Podcast Picks
Latest Posts
-
RE: Buffers, hot water and cooling
@dgclimatecontrol thanks, that's helpful.
By JamesPa , 51 minutes ago
-
RE: Is a Valliant Inline 6kW heater a BUS buster?
No I dont think you are missing anything. There is def...
By JamesPa , 2 hours ago
-
RE: Failing heat pump system - seeking thoughts on a rebuild
I realise im overdue an update on my situation. first...
By Cleardene-ashp , 3 hours ago
-
RE: Replacing Worcester oil boiler with an ASHP
@toodles thanks. I was told by the engineer that this h...
By JulianC , 3 hours ago
-
RE: Heat Pump Servicing & Maintenance – Good Value or Rip-Off?
Yes Octopus only have the £9 a month service plan for t...
By NJT , 5 hours ago
-
RE: Who’s Caved and Switched the Heating On Already?
@allyfish Dogs have owners - Cats keep staff. You are o...
By Toodles , 5 hours ago
-
RE: What crazy nonsense are inverter limits and why are they imposed?
A week later, I'm finally picking up this comment... ...
By Transparent , 5 hours ago
-
RE: COP is not the only measure of efficiency
We keep all our TRVs fully open using the whole house a...
By Old_Scientist , 11 hours ago
-
RE: Midea ASHP – how to set weather compensation
I think it is a bug in the code, it comes on even when ...
By cathodeRay , 1 day ago
-
RE: Havenwise App Help & Forum Support – Get the Most from Your Heat Pump
I am pleased to say at 4pm today we have added another ...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 1 day ago
-
RE: Renewables & Heat Pumps in the News
To unpack this a little.... 1) how many of us in this...
By Lucia , 1 day ago
-
RE: Vaillant aroTherm Plus 10kW thoughts?
@realevil the fans and fan speed / coil size (height, w...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 2 days ago
-
RE: Mitsubishi Ecodan 11kw Defrosting Issue.
@morgan this can just be done by your sepecilist when t...
By ASHP-BOBBA , 2 days ago
-
RE: Anyone still weathering it out with Agile?
@toodles I guess it all comes down to import averages. ...
By Tim441 , 2 days ago
-
RE: 300 Liter Tank - Do I have to heat it all?
The size of DHW tank affects the anti-legionella cycle....
By Transparent , 2 days ago
-
RE: Heat Pump SCOPs – The Truth Might Not Be What You Think
@scalextrix Name plate capacity
By HCas , 2 days ago
-
RE: Solar Thermal DHW and ASHP
I was originally contemplating a solar thermal installa...
By jamespetts , 2 days ago
-
RE: Solar Power Output – Let’s Compare Generation Figures
My system installed in July 2024 has produced 6.4mWh in...
By jamespetts , 2 days ago
-
RE: A Customer's Lessons Learnt from a Heat Pump Installation in a Large House
@judith thanks for your suggestions. Starting from col...
By GrahamF , 3 days ago