Joe Bishop

Data network testers have a reputation for being both expensive and complicated which discourages many electricians from branching out into network installation. However, with Ideal VDV II models available from under £100, this need not be the case, especially as these testers require no special training to operate. At the other end of the scale, an Ideal LANTEK III can cost over £5000 despite seemingly performing very similar tasks so this post will explain the differences within the Ideal Networks range and help users find the best instrument for them.

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Exposure to excess vibration through the hand and arm (HARM) has been known to cause debilitating conditions for nearly a century. The most common permanent condition brought on by excess vibration exposure is hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), commonly manifested in vibration white finger. The condition affects workers across a range of industries with the Health and Safety Executive calculating that nearly two million people are at risk.

PAT Training Services Ltd is pleased to announce the relaunch of PAT-Testers.co.uk to sit alongside its established Test-Meter.co.uk brand.

The Martindale HandyPAT range - consisting of the HandyPAT 500 and HandyPAT 600 with numerous kit options - has been designed with the requirements of offices and schools in mind. Both instruments are excellent low-cost options for anyone performing occasional, low-volume PAT testing thanks to their full set of test functions, user-friendly operation and portable design.

As winter approaches and central heating boilers switch on throughout the UK, now is the opportune moment to look at the state of gas safety across the nation and discuss the practical steps everyone can take to prevent incidents related to gas leaks, fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Anyone looking for a user-friendly, all-in-one solution to 17th edition testing need look no further than the Martindale ET4000 Multifunction Tester, now available for less than half its recommended retail price from Test-Meter.co.uk! This functional tester - priced at just £449 - has numerous features which allow it to test electrical installations to BS7671:2008 (Amendment 3) standard.

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Until the end of October 2017, there are great discounts on three different models of Metrel multifunction tester on Test-Meter. We have collaborated with Metrel in order to give a discount of between 38% and 44% off the recommended retail price of Metrel MI3100S, MI3102BT and MI3152 Eurotest MFTs.

The British government and Ofgem have recently announced several changes to the National Grid which will transform how we use, store and generate electricity. Regulations will be eased, thus allowing private individuals and businesses with small-scale renewable generators to sell energy more easily, and public investment is set for the battery sector alongside several other rule changes. The headline-grabbing claim of these modifications is that consumers will save up to £40 billion by 2050¹ whilst they should also address fears about a lack of generator capacity but their effectiveness in practice remains to be seen.

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The FLIR C3 is an excellent thermal camera for all manner of professionals and is currently available with a choice of two great free gifts! The camera’s impressive thermal capabilities are complimented either by a FLIR MR40 Moisture Pen or by a VP52 Voltage Detector. These additional instruments supplement the C3 by forming an excellent package for detecting moisture or for inspecting electrical systems.

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Electric shock is an ever-present danger to professional electricians and maintaining safe working practices is crucial to preventing serious injury and loss of life. Unfortunately accidents do happen so it is important to understand the effects of electric shock on the body, as well as to know the correct response procedure when a colleague is injured.