Quick Test Block, Black

I quite often want to just test a piece of mains electrical equipment without the bother of fitting a plug and this will be very handy for that.Much better than poking wires into a mains socket with matchsticks.Up to now I have used a quick connect 13A plug, which just clamps the connections, but these plugs no longer seem to be available and this is much better.The Quick Test Block I got from Pottsshop was red, not black as described, but it doesn't matter to me and will make it easier to find.It would seem to be well made and easy to use. When the lid is opened, both live and neutral are disconnected.It didn't come with either a lead or a plug, but I have plenty of those in the spare bin. Fitting a lead and plug is not likely to be a problem to those who will be using these and you can make the lead what length you want. Connecting the input cable is not the easiest, particularly with a thicker 13A lead, but just took a few minutes.My one has an orange indicator light, seemingly neon, but perhaps LED, to show when the mains is applied to the input.For what it is, at nearly £30 it is quite expensive, but a lot less than others are asking for the same thing, although they may have a lead and plug fitted. It is only likely to be of interest to professionals or serious personal users with a strong electrical background, like myself.A useful peace of equipment to have and I am pleased I got it.

When I opened the box there I found that the block was only patially assembled. There is no cover on the underside and there are untrimmed soldered wires whicn could very easily cause a major electric shock. I attach a picture showing the mains connection compartment.Such an item should NEVER be sent out to customers.

First of all, this product is over-priced in my opinion (hence three stars) but it works well. It is safe and is of a fairly sturdy construction. I would have liked it to have a neon light to show connection but that is just a finishing touch.It is a very useful product. I use it to test my transformers and also for repair.I do like it. It is good for professionals and hobbyists alike.

Item was sent with a manual that said it included a neon light when the device was connected to mains, the unit I was sent did not include a neon light.Second complaint, you unscrew the bottom and there are 3 contacts for L/E/N. Think of a UK plug, it is a very safe device. The screws that hold your cable in place are of very poor quality in this. To the point where I could use a cheap screwdriver set (which cost me £6) and actually push down with a relative amount of force onto the screws and make an indentation on the screw head. Consequently, when tightening the screw you really ruin the head on them. And the live contact is in such a position that if the cable connecting the live were to come free it would very likely come into contact with the earth.I shall search for another product like this from another manufacturer and be returning this.Outside construction is absolutely fine, above average quality, the spring terminals for placing your cable in are firm and you can get a decent sized cable in them and still have a lot of force pressed down against them ensuring a strong contact.For serious use look elsewhere.

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