In this review we will be taking a look at the Fluke SocketMaster Advanced Professional Socket Tester (SM300). The SM300 is a device which checks the wiring in your electrical outlets to ensure things are the way they are supposed to be (according to UK BS 1363 13 A).

Before plugging anything into electrical sockets, particularly expensive technology equipment, it is worthwhile conducting a quick electrical wiring check. This is additionally important if the socket has not been used for some time.

The Fluke SM300 performs a number of verification checks including polarity check, earth voltage test, and an additional RCD test (it performs the RCD test using a touchpad on the surface of the device and the test verifies that an RCD rated at 30mA will trip within 300ms when a nominal 30mA earth fault current is applied).

The Earth Voltage Test also uses a touchpad to detect earth voltages greater than 50V ac, relative to the tester, which would require further investigation.

Tests are performed by simply plugging the device into a socket and if all is well the device will display three green lights and a confirmation buzz will be sounded. If anything other than this happens then there is a potential issue which should be investigated further.

Faults are reported through the three lights which show a number of faults including a missing neutral connection, missing earth, live fault, and live/earth reverse. The documentation with the device states that the SM300 complies with BS EN 61010 – “Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use. General requirements.”

The SM300 is a simple yet effective device contained within a handy format and at just £33 (price checked 8th February 2012) the SM300 Tester is a useful addition to any technology toolkit. For more information head over to Farnell and check out the Fluke SM300 Tester.

Disclosure: This item was provided for review by Premier Farnell – Europe and was not required to be returned post review however the views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.0