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‘Wireless’ has become a buzz word over the last 10 to 15 years, suggesting speed, efficiency and modernity. Whilst these advantages remain somewhat ill-defined, it is certain that various methods of wireless communication have filtered onto an ever-increasing array of products in domestic, commercial and industrial environments. The test and measurement sector is no exception. The benefits, however, can remain quite vague so this article aims to give both a basic overview of wireless technology and an insight into how it can help professional electricians and maintenance experts. Most wireless-enabled products on Test-Meter now use one of three principal methods: infrared, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

World-leading thermography experts FLIR have released a series of new thermal cameras for 2017, each with its own advantages and disadvantages in a range of sectors. Three new higher-spec options are available in the form of the FLIR E75, E85 and E95 Thermal Cameras for Building whilst the FLIR C3 Compact Thermal Camera - an upgrade for the FLIR C2 - is a more budget choice that nevertheless maintains FLIR’s usual high standards when it comes to image clarity, reliability, and build quality.

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Professional-Electrician.com’s Norman Bradshaw recently took on the task of reviewing the Chauvin Arnoux PEL 103 Power Energy Logger, a datalogger that features remote communication and comprehensive data-gathering capabilities, and used his article to ask why more electricians are not taking advantage of datalogging in order to meet client demand for greater energy efficiency.<!

Throughout October 2016, Seaward Solar are offering free webinar demonstrations that will showcase the features of the new Seaward PV200 photovoltaic tester and IV curve tracer in detail.

This is a common question that is answered often by our technical support department. The solution below applies to the Megger MFT1710, 1711, 1720, 1721, 1730, 1731 and 1735.

The word DUCTER was registered by Evershed & Vignoles in 1908 – a shortened version of ‘conductor tester’ that has since evolved into an adjective; similar to HOOVERing a floor or MEGGERing an electrical cable.

Evershed & Vignoles developed the original ‘Ducter’ and were one of the companies that evolved into Megger. Interestingly, Evershed & Vignoles also developed the World’s first high resistance ohmmeter in 1889.

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A new addition to an impressive line-up of low resistance ohmmeters, the Megger DLRO100 series is comprised of three instruments; each model available as a mains powered unit or as a battery/mains powered unit.

The most advanced model is capable of remote operation, asset tagging, communicating wirelessly using Bluetooth and is also DualGround compatible for additional safety. These features coupled with a CAT IV 600VAC/500VDC safety rating and IP54 protection against dust and water ingress position the DLRO100 as a stalwart benchmark for any opposition in the market.

Regular inspection and testing of a Solar PV installation not only qualifies that the system remains electrically safe for continued use, but that it operates as efficiently as originally intended.

The IET guidance note (Code of Practice for Grid Connected Solar Photovoltaic Systems) provides engineers with a more user-friendly approach to installing and maintaining a PV system than that of BS EN 62446; the international standard upon which the guidance note is based.

April 2016 saw the arrival of a new batch of Megger multifunction testers. The untrained eye won’t spot any aesthetical or ergonomic differences between the existing MFT1700 series and the 2016 units, however the newer models offer additional, valuable testing features at very competitive prices.<!

The common misconception of a lack of electric vehicle charging points in the UK is the prime argument for reasons against investing in an electric vehicle.

If truth be told, there are currently 1,500 public EV charging points across the UK. And with the government investing £30m into eight pilot regions, this number is expected to increase to 8,500 over the coming years.<