Product news

Cut above the rest

> Eaton’s PV ‘switch and surge’ unit

Flexicon has brought out a slitting tool for cutting non-metallic flexible conduit as an alternative to the traditional use of a Stanley knife.

The device has a protected blade and fits inside the conduit, allowing the contractor to slide it along the length to slit it. It can be used on all corrugated conduit diameters down to 13mm.

Flexicon claims that, when used with its slit conduit insertion tool, the process of cutting the conduit and inserting cabling can be up to four times faster than conventional methods.

The process is also safer than other methods and can help to reduce accidents on site, the firm suggests. www.flexicon.uk.com

TESTING TIMES

Megger has released a plethora of new products, including the AVO410 digital multimeter designed for low-voltage installations. The device measures DC voltage to 1,000V, AC to 750V, and AC or DC current to 10A.

The firm has also unveiled its MFT1700 series of multifunction testers, the TPT210 and TPT220 two-pole voltage testers and the DET14C and DET24C earth resistance clamp testers. > Flexicon’s slitting tool

Martindale Electric has developed the Safebreak SB13 socket test adaptor, which eliminates the need to remove the wall socket faceplate when testing, while Seaward has introduced its TPA test adaptor designed to extend the range of tests on three-phase equipment.

Fluke, meanwhile, has packaged up an “electrician’s kit” comprising of the 1652C multifunction installation tester, the T120 two-pole tester and the SM200 socket tester. The kit is aimed at those working in the domestic and commercial sectors. > Martindale’s Safebreak adaptor (left), and Megger’s multimeter (far left)

> Masterseal Plus from MK

Seeing is believing

FLIR Systems has launched its E-series compact thermal imaging camera range, consisting of four models to cater for those needing high-end quality through to entry-level use.

The FLIR E60 is the top-end model, providing 76,800 pixels from its 320 x 240 uncooled detector, allowing users to pick up thermal anomalies down to 0.05°C. The device can measure temperatures up to 650°C and includes analysis tools such as multiple-spot meters, automatic hot and cold detection markers and automatic calculation of the temperature difference between two user-defined points on the image. Three of the four models allow real-time thermal imaging at 60Hz, while all four come with a laser pointer to help associate the hotspot on the image with the physical target.

Separately, FLIR has also introduced the i3, a low-cost model designed to alert first-time users to potential problems such as a bad connection in a circuit before any outage occurs. www.flir.com

Solar power made simple

Installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems should be faster and more cost-effective after the introduction of a new “switch and surge” unit, according to Eaton.

The products were developed in conjunction with Solarcentury and provide DC and AV isolators with surge suppression, avoiding the need for contractors to use individual isolation and surge-protection devices.

The DC isolator is rated 30A at 600V and the AC one 63A at 240V, meaning they meet the requirements of domestic-scale PV systems in the up-to 4kWp feed-in tariff segment.

The units are housed in moulded enclosures and use standard solar panel connectors for the DC circuits and screw terminals for the AC ones. www.eaton.com, www.solarcentury.com

Update from Masterseal

MK Electric has replaced its Masterseal range of sockets with the new Masterseal Plus selection, designed for both indoor and outdoor use and where wiring devices and accessories could be at risk from penetration by dust or water.

The sockets can be used with almost any standard 13A plug and the new range also includes a seating spout to house moulded-on plugs, an improved lid-catch for easy opening and fixed gasket and rear drill holes for easier installation.

The sockets can be used in a wide range of environments, including factories, laboratories, swimming pools and commercial kitchens.

The company has also released its MK Shield range, designed for use in stadia and parks, and MK Splashguard for occasional domestic use. www.mkelectric.co.uk