Behind every heating and plumbing system lies a web of equipment, from pipework to electrical wiring, most of which is often hidden from view. When it comes to keeping yourself and your customers safe and ensuring that systems are running as efficiently as possible, it is vitally important that an engineer has high quality test and measurement equipment on hand.
As part of their responsibilities, Gas Safe engineers must undertake appropriate checks before commencing any work or leaving an installation operational. This includes ensuring that the appliance is safe to touch and/or electrically dead, in line with completing Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations (GSIUR) Regulation 26(9) checks. Test equipment therefore has to be a key part of any engineer’s toolkit.
“From electrical test equipment to pressure test pumps and digital thermometers, we want installers to stay safe and keep heating systems compliant with the regulations,” says Lee Parsons, CEO of Arctic Hayes. “Test equipment can act as your first line of defence against the danger of electrocution, or when you are checking for gas leaks. Look out for high quality, reliable equipment that meets your needs, is simple to use and makes working more efficient.”
To help the trade, Arctic Hayes has put together a guide to four key types of test and measurement kit:
1. Electrical Test Equipment
For heating and plumbing engineers, ensuring the safety of electrical systems is paramount. Voltage indicators and voltage detectors serve as the first line of defence. Voltage indicators play a crucial role in verifying the presence of voltage in a circuit, while voltage detectors provide real-time alerts, ensuring that engineers are aware of potential electrical hazards before commencing work.
Another indispensable tool is the clamp meter, allowing engineers to measure current without interrupting the circuit. Multimeters, on the other hand allow measurement of voltage, current and resistance. Together, these tools help heating and plumbing engineers to assess electrical systems thoroughly, ensuring they meet the stringent industry safety standards.
2. Gas Test Equipment
Gas heating systems come with inherent risks. Detecting combustible gas leaks is crucial to prevent hazardous situations. Gas test equipment, including advanced combustible gas leak detectors, is instrumental in identifying leaks with precision.
Engineers rely on these detectors to identify leaks swiftly and accurately, allowing them to take immediate corrective actions. This not only ensures the safety of occupants but also prevents potential damage to property.
3. Pressure Test Pumps
The integrity of plumbing systems hinges on their ability to withstand pressure. Pressure test pumps play a vital role in evaluating the robustness of installations, identifying leaks and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
These pumps enable professionals to conduct thorough pressure tests on pipes, valves, and other components, ensuring that systems operate at optimal efficiency. By identifying and rectifying leaks in the early stages, engineers can prevent potential water damage and uphold the longevity of plumbing installations.
4. Digital Thermometers
Temperature control is central to the functionality of heating systems, making digital thermometers indispensable tools for heating and plumbing engineers. Stem thermometers are particularly valuable for their precision in measuring temperatures in liquids and gases. This precision makes them indispensable for evaluating heating system performance and pinpointing potential issues.
Similarly, infra-red thermometers offer the significant advantage of non-contact temperature measurement. This feature is especially beneficial for gauging temperatures in areas that are difficult to access or potentially hazardous, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Differential thermometers play a crucial role by measuring temperature differences between two points. This capability is essential for engineers to detect irregularities within a system, enabling them to optimise its efficiency.
Air and liquid thermometers, as their names suggest, are specialised in measuring the temperature of air or liquids. Their role is critical in ensuring the balance and effectiveness of heating systems. Clamp thermometers allow for the temperature measurement of pipes and other surfaces without the need for direct contact, providing both convenience and accuracy.
For more information about Arctic Hayes please visit www.arctic-hayes.com.
