TOOLS OF THE TRADE
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Back to basics: the unsung heroes of the electrical trade I n a world of rapid innovation, where solar systems, smart homes and energy automation dominate headlines, it’s easy to overlook the humble until they fail. Poor-quality fittings wear quickly, and become loose or discoloured. High-quality components, on the other hand, offer durability, a solid tactile feel, and sleek designs that complement modern interiors. Whether it’s a standard 16A plug or a dedicated isolator, the right product reflects care and consideration.
essentials that keep every electrical installation running. But for those on the tools every day, there’s no forgetting the importance of quality distribution boards (DBs), switches, sockets, and protection devices. They remain the backbone of any reliable electrical system and, when paired with the right tools of the trade, they make all the difference. Let’s start with the DB – the true control hub. A well-built, properly laid-out DB not only ensures safe and efficient power distribution but also speaks to the installer’s workmanship. Clean, spacious layouts and labelled circuits reflect professionalism, but more importantly, they make maintenance and fault-finding faster and safer down the line. It’s worth investing in DBs that offer flexibility, scalability and ease of installation, especially as consumer needs evolve. Then there are the ever-present switches and sockets. These are the touchpoints of any installation, used daily and often overlooked
When it comes to protection, it’s not negotiable. Circuit breakers and surge protection – these are your first line of defence against electrical faults, overloads and external threats like lightning strikes. Compromising here isn’t just bad practice; it’s dangerous. Reputable brands and SANS- compliant products should be the norm, not the exception. And of course, none of this comes together without the right tools. From torque screwdrivers and multimeters to cable strippers and knockout punches, a well-stocked toolbox separates the pros from the rest. The right tool doesn’t just make the job easier; it ensures accuracy, safety and pride in the final result. In the end, while technology continues to reshape
our industry, the basics still matter. High-quality components and reliable tools remain the foundation of every great installation. As any seasoned sparkie will tell you, it’s those details that clients remember long after the power’s on.
Enquiries: www.voltex.co.za
New multifunction installation tester saves time C omtest, the local representative of Fluke, has launched the new Fluke 1670 Series multifunction
Introducing the MT329: Major Tech’s new handheld electrical installation multifunction tester Major Tech has introduced the MT329
and wireless data transfer to iOS and Android devices via the Major Tech app, electricians can easily store, review, and share test results on the go. This functionality is ideal for producing compliance reports and streamlining workflow in both residential and commercial settings. The large backlit multi-LCD display provides clear, simultaneous readings, even in low-light environments, enhancing user convenience and reducing the chance of error. Whether you’re performing installation checks, preventative maintenance, or troubleshooting, the Major Tech MT329 is the multifunction tester that delivers. Compact, powerful, and built with the electrician in mind – this is the tester you’ve been waiting for.
installation tester, which can reduce the time electricians and maintenance technicians spend producing reports by up to 50%. Designed by Fluke to represent the future of installation testing and become “the most important tool in an electrician’s toolbelt”, the innovative multifunction installation tester also enables tests to be carried out up to 30% faster. Available in three models – ideally suited to the needs of residential, commercial, and industrial applications – the tools boost productivity through a user- programmable AutoTest function that enables electricians to run an entire automatic installation test sequence at the touch of a button. Measurement data and metadata from the field are quickly stored, managed and shared using Fluke Connect software, while Fluke’s TruTest software simplifies the process of generating documentation. A single click enables inspection reports to be previewed in the field and certificates generated while on-site. Even inspection invoices can be created at the same time. This ability to set up, test, upload and report in an easy, single operation is unique to the Fluke 1670 Series. Eliminating data double-entry Whether working in residential, commercial, or industrial installation commissioning, electricians will welcome the ability to eliminate time- consuming data entry. Results will no longer need to be recorded during testing and then entered manually into a computer, a method that is prone to errors and delays. Wireless Bluetooth connectivity on the Fluke 1670 Series solves this problem by automatically linking test results to the circuit or point under test.
handheld electrical installation multifunction tester, the ultimate solution for electricians looking for versatility, accuracy, and mobility in one compact device. Designed for professional electrical installations, compliance testing, and maintenance, the MT329 packs a wide range of essential test functions into a rugged, easy-to-use handheld instrument. The MT329 combines insulation resistance, continuity, loop impedance, RCD, voltage, resistance, and phase sequence testing into one tool, eliminating the need to carry multiple devices on site. With CAT IV 300 V safety rating, it’s built for the demands of modern electrical environments, offering both safety and peace of mind. One of the standout features of the MT329 is its loop impedance testing. This includes a high-current test up to 18.3 A and a ZL- PE RCD-safe method, ensuring RCDs rated above 30 mA do not trip during testing, which is critical for safety and accurate loop measurements. The device also provides Prospective Fault Current (PFC) and Prospective Earth Fault Current (PEFC) readings to assist in fault diagnosis. RCD testing is another area where the MT329 shines. It supports testing for Type-A, Type-AC, and Type-B RCDs, with trip time tests at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, and 5x nominal current. The auto RCD test function simplifies repetitive testing, while the RCD Trip Level Test verifies precise tripping thresholds. A built-in auto- discharge feature ensures safe voltage release after insulation tests, a vital safety component for daily use. The insulation resistance test operates at 250 V, 500 V, and 1,000 V, and can measure insulation values up to 4,000 MΩ, making it suitable for both low- and high-voltage applications. In addition to insulation and voltage measurements (AC and DC up to 500 V), the MT329 features AC+DC auto-mode, low-ohm resistance, data hold, and auto power off to conserve battery life. What truly sets the MT329 apart is its Bluetooth connectivity. With built-in memory
Electricians will also save time by not having to return to a site because key measurements have not been taken or results are found to be incorrect. The error-proof Fluke 1670 Series multifunction installation tester shows the operator instantly on-site if any tests have been missed. At the same time, automatic measurement validation compares installation test results to an integrated standards reference, delivering an immediate visual indication of pass or fail on the device’s integrated full-colour touchscreen. The clear display includes a full keyboard, eliminating the need for an additional device or laptop to enter notes or edit details. Jit Patel, Fluke product manager for installation testers, states, “Electricians can spend a minimum of 25% of their time processing data and creating reports, and the Fluke 1670 Series multifunction installation tester simply takes this headache away. As a best-in- class electrical installation inspection solution, this device represents a genuine evolution in documenting. Because it simplifies inspection results and reporting, boosts productivity and increases testing accuracy, we expect the Fluke 1670 Series to become the most important tool in an electrician’s toolbelt.”
Enquiries: sales@major-tech.com
Enquiries: www.comtest.co.za
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
DECEMBER 2025
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