The introduction of the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations saw a change in the requirements surrounding overvoltage protection a.k.a. surge protection that will result in a much higher prevalence across a range of different properties. Here, we aim to have a look at the consequences of electricity surges, related regulatory requirements, the different types of surge protection device (SPD) available, and where and when to install them.

The Energy-related Product Directive (ErP) is a wide ranging piece of EU legislation that aims to reduce emissions in Europe through improving the labelling and efficiency of a wide range of appliances from lighting to refrigerators. It has now been in force for a number of years having first been passed in 2009 but various provisions have come into force at later dates. These include Regulation 813/2013 that sets out requirements for the eco design of space heaters and combination heaters.

Studies suggest that low cost fixes - particularly to do with more efficient use of energy - can save up to 20% of operating costs in electrical installations and production facilities. Regular monitoring and analysis of bills and overall consumption can help highlight when there is a problem but unfortunately do not isolate the source of wastage. Power and energy loggers provide one of the most convenient and accurate way of measuring electricity use, thus locating malfunctioning processes within an installation which can then be remedied.

Test-Meter is proud to announce the launch of an all-new version of PAT-Training.co.uk. The new site is the go-to destination for PAT testing courses with an online booking tool, course information and an extensive PAT equipment shop. Take a look to see our enhanced PAT training offering with new course venues and great bundles that build on our strong track record delivering PAT testing courses across Great Britain.

One of the quickest ways to assess the performance of building insulation and identify problem areas in walls is an outdoor thermographic inspection using a thermal imaging camera. However, there are several precautions that need to be taken in order avoid inaccurate results and ensure that the observer gains as much information as possible out of the inspection.

A variety of different factors must be considered when designing and maintaining a safe working environment for employees. Aside from obvious risks such as heavy machinery or frequent lifting, a range of other less obvious variables can contribute to serious work-related ill health. With 25.7 million working days lost to work-related ill health in 2016/17, monitoring and controlling these variables can benefit businesses and staff by providing a safer, more comfortable workspace.

One of the first things that everyone will notice about our thermal imaging cameras and infrared thermometers is that the emissivity capabilities are defined for every single product. Emissivity is either fixed - typically at 0.95 - or adjustable at varying increments between 0.1 and 1 in most thermal imaging cameras. This article aims to explain what emissivity is, how it is determined, and the practical challenges it presents for thermographers and technicians.

For many years, Residual Current Devices or RCDs have been commonplace in the vast majority of electrical installations.

RCDs provide additional protection against electric shock by constantly monitoring the current flowing through Line and Neutral conductors within a circuit, or an individual item of electrical equipment. Under usual circumstances, the current flowing within the two conductors is equal.

2018 has been an exciting year for test equipment with several big releases that have introduced new functionality to help technicians in their work. New products have been released in the gas, electrical and building sectors so we’ve taken a look back at the previous year and chosen our five favourite new products of 2018!

Test-Meter welcomed Seaward Electronic to Calibration House on Friday morning to conduct a free PAT Implementation and FAQs workshop for a range of participants from across Yorkshire. A class of 23 - including electricians, landlords, caretakers and PAT testing professionals - was in attendance as Seaward’s experienced tutors went through some of the main issues related to PAT testing and presented their latest PAT equipment.