Supporting safe EV charger installation with the right test equipment

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common on UK roads, the demand for reliable and safe charging solutions continues to grow. That means the need for properly installed and tested EV charging infrastructure has never been greater.

Significant expansion of both commercial and residential EV charging networks is now underway, and many homes already have suitable parking or driveways that could accommodate chargers. This growth brings new opportunities but also a responsibility to ensure installations meet the latest standards for electrical safety.

EV charge point installations fall under the requirements of BS7671, so all associated electrical work and testing must be carried out by a qualified electrician or competent person. Crucially, this includes having the appropriate tools to carry out those tests safely and efficiently.

Choosing the Right Tools for EVSE Testing

Specialist Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) test tools are essential for both new installations and ongoing inspection. While some test equipment is already widely used for this purpose, the increasing variety of EV chargers means there’s now a need for even more flexible and user-friendly tools—especially for quick and accurate safety verification.

Multifunction Installation Testers (MFTs) are at the heart of the toolkit, offering the essential test capabilities for EV charge point installation and periodic checks. These include earth loop impedance testing, RCD testing, and phase sequence tests for three-phase systems.

In response to this growing need, Martindale has introduced EV-ready solutions such as the ET6500 and ET6300 testers. The ET6500 comes fully equipped, including a Type-2 adapter, and is ready to test straight from the box. For those who may not yet need EVSE testing but want the flexibility for the future, the ET6300 offers a scalable option, with the ability to add the EV adapter as required.

Adapter Solutions for EV Chargers

A growing range of adapter tools is also available, supporting testing across various EVSE connector types. These adapters can simulate connected vehicle states and provide interfaces between the charge point and standard test instrumentation.

The TL326-EV’s CP mode slider allows users to simulate typical vehicle states: disconnected, connected but not ready, and connected and ready to charge. There’s also a built-in error state to simulate CP signal failure, ensuring the charger appropriately inhibits charging under fault conditions.

Fast Checks for Charge Points

Not every check requires a full multifunction tester. For fast go no-go checks, a simpler solution is often more practical. That’s where dedicated EV socket testers come into play.

The Martindale BZ820-EV is designed for quick, effective first-line testing of Type-2 EV charge points. Though the unit does not test RCD’s or measure earth loop impedance it can detect a wide range of wiring faults—up to 28 conditions—and provides visual and audible indicators for correct polarity and voltage levels.

Three green LEDs and a continuous tone confirm correct wiring and supply; red LEDs highlight wiring or earth faults. Like the TL326-EV, the BZ820-EV includes a vehicle simulation feature and an error setting to simulate control signal failure, verifying the EVSE response to fault conditions.

Ready for the EV Future

As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, driven by government initiatives and increasing public adoption, the need for safe, accurate, and compliant charger installation will only become more critical. Tools like those offered by Martindale help ensure installations meet the necessary standards—now and in the future.

Explore Martindale’s range of EV testing solutions