Martindale Electric, a manufacturer of electrical test equipment, has unveiled what it describes as a “first-of-its-kind” EV socket tester. The BZ820-EV performs functional electrical checks on electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) charge points with Type-2 connectors.
The single phase BZ820-EV detects 28 wiring fault conditions as well as checking and indicating the voltage supply level as high or low.
Correct polarity is indicated by three flashing green LEDs and a continuous audible tone, while fault conditions are indicated by three red LEDs and an intermittent warning buzzer. Meanwhile, socket polarity and earth wiring faults are identified by a combination of red LEDs. A look up chart on the tester provides basic fault diagnosis.
While the BZ820-EV connects directly to an EVSE charging point using the Type-2 connector, the integral CP mode four-position slider switch allows vehicle states to be simulated: no vehicle connected is (A), vehicle connected but not ready to charge is (B), vehicle connected and ready to charge is (test mode C), and the additional “E” (error) setting simulates failure of the CP signal, which causes the charger to inhibit charging.
Additionally, LEDs on the integral Type-2 plug show the status of the CP signal and whether the voltage supply is present (L1). There’s also testing for the correct wiring of L, N, and PE in a three-wire cable.
The company says the product is suitable for indoor and outdoor use, but in dry conditions only. It is designed, as with other socket testers, to be used as a first line tester, not as an alternative to a full installation test.
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