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Tools & Installation Supplies

Tools and installation supplies cover the kit an electrical or security installer reaches for on a typical job. This page takes in voltage testers, socket testers and multimeters, bi-metal holesaws and arbors, network and coax crimping and cable test tools, soldering irons and lead-free solder, insulation, self amalgamating and gaffa tape, lubricants, contact cleaners and aerosols, and socket screws and screw cap covers.

Choosing Tools & Installation Supplies

Start with test equipment, then add the cutting, termination and consumable items the job calls for.

Testing

A two-pole tester such as the Knightsbridge TE1 measures 12-690V AC/DC, is IP64 rated and self-proving, and is certified to EN 61243-3. The TE4B is a CAT III non-contact tester for 80-1000V AC with light and sound indication, and the TE3 plugs into a BS 1363 socket to check it for common wiring faults. The Mercury 600.100UK multimeter has 32 ranges and 8 functions, and the 600.113UK clamp multimeter measures mains current through its clamp with true RMS. The 505.993UK tests network, telephone, USB and coaxial cables for continuity and pin faults.

Cutting and termination

Knightsbridge bi-metal holesaws such as the HS32MM have 4/6 TPI teeth and a 38mm cutting depth for steel, hardwood floors and plastics. The HSARBORL arbor with its 6.3mm pilot drill fits the HS32MM to HS90MM sizes, and the HSARBORS fits the HS20MM and HS25MM. For data work, the Mercury 710.263UK ratchet pliers crimp 6P and 8P modular plugs, and the 710.289UK punch-down tool terminates wires into patch panels and sockets and trims the excess with its spring-loaded blade.

NeedExampleDetail
Voltage testTE12-pole, 12-690V AC/DC, IP64
Socket checkTE3BS 1363, mains powered
Mains current600.113UKClamp meter, true RMS
Hole for a box or fittingHS32MM32mm, 38mm cutting depth
Insulating joints710.311UK19mm x 20m, BS3924, flame retardant

Soldering, tapes and chemicals

The Mercury 700.744UK is a 30W mains soldering iron supplied with a stand, and the 703.450UK lead-free solder is 99.3% tin and 0.7% copper with a 227°C melting point. The Ultra Tape 710.311UK insulation tape is approved to BS3924, BS3887 and IEC 60454, and the 710.322UK self amalgamating tape suits sealing, splicing and cable repair. Kontakt Super 10 (701.227UK) cleans switches and contacts and leaves a protective conductive lubricating film. Knightsbridge, Mercury and Ultra Tape make most of the range.

Related categories

Browse by type in hand tools, hole saws and arbors, multimeters and test equipment, lubricants and cleaning supplies, adhesives and sealants, fixings and fasteners, electrical tapes and installation consumables. See also Saws & Cutting Tools, Crimping & Punch-Down Tools and Soldering Irons & Solder.

Brands we stock in Tools & Installation Supplies

3-IN-ONE, ACT Meters, Action Can, All-Rack, Altron, Axis Communications, Comelit PAC, Connectix Cabling Systems, Genie, GJD, Haydon, Knightsbridge, Kontakt Chemie, LYYT, Mercury, Metro, Optex, Opus Technologies, Safety Technology International, Takex, TRENDnet, Ultra Tape, Vanco, Vimpex, WD-40 and Xtralis by Honeywell.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a two-pole and a non-contact voltage tester?

A two-pole tester touches the conductors with two probes and reads the voltage, while a non-contact tester senses voltage near a cable without touching it. The Knightsbridge TE1 two-pole tester reads 12-690V AC/DC on an LED and LCD display and is self-proving. The TE4B non-contact tester covers 80-1000V AC, is rated CAT III and signals with light and sound.

How can I check that a socket is wired correctly?

Use a plug-in socket tester, which plugs into the socket and shows whether it has common wiring faults. The Knightsbridge TE3 is a BS 1363 socket tester that is mains powered, so it runs from the socket being tested, with a clear fault display and an easy-to-read diagnosis. It is made for testing sockets after fitting and is certified to EN 61326 and EN 61000.

Which holesaw arbor do I need?

Pick an arbor that matches the holesaw size, since smaller holesaws take a smaller arbor and larger ones a larger arbor with a bigger hex shank. Knightsbridge's HSARBORL has an 11mm hex shank and a 6.3mm pilot drill and fits its HS32MM to HS90MM holesaws. The HSARBORS has a 9.5mm hex shank and fits the HS20MM and HS25MM.

What should I use to clean electrical contacts?

Use a contact cleaner made for electrics, which removes contamination and then evaporates or leaves a protective film. Kontakt Super 10 (701.227UK) removes grease, tarnish and oxidisation and leaves a conductive lubricating film. The Action Can EC-90 (701.443UK) evaporates without residue, and the Kontakt IPA (701.228UK) is 99.7% isopropanol for electronics, fine mechanics and optics.

What is self amalgamating tape used for?

Self amalgamating tape is an elastic tape used for insulation, termination, sealing, splicing and cable repair. The Ultra Tape 710.322UK is 19mm x 10m, black, approved to BT specification M128 and has strong elastic qualities. For everyday insulation, the 710.311UK insulation tape is flame retardant and approved to BS3924, BS3887 and IEC 60454.

What is a clamp meter used for?

A clamp meter measures high power mains current through its clamp, alongside the usual meter functions. The Mercury 600.103UK is designed for safe measurement of high power mains and conforms to EN61010-1:2010. The 600.113UK adds true RMS and smart functions that detect whether the input is current, voltage, resistance, capacitance or continuity.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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