Always checking for live metalwork is essential, says Martindale

  Posted by: electime      11th November 2026

Checking the touch voltage on metalwork is an essential safety action before work commences, yet far too many injuries still occur by coming into contact with unpredictably live metal parts

A recent survey* conducted by Martindale Electric indicates that approximately 40% of electrical workers have experienced metalwork which was unexpectedly live. This includes metal casings on equipment, pipework, plumbing and other types of metal parts which should be earthed. The survey also revealed that many electrical workers do not regularly use a tester to check touch voltage on metalwork.

There are many types of faults which can cause this potentially dangerous issue including: incorrect or hazardous wiring, trapped cables and Protective Earth Neutral (PEN) faults to name a few.

The simplest and easiest way to check for live metal is to use a single-pole contact voltage detector like the Martindale VT7, which is GS38 compliant and provides a fast and efficient solution for touch testing on exposed metalwork.

Detecting AC voltages of 50V to 600V with audible and bright LED indication, the durable ergonomic design makes it suitable for domestic, industrial and utility applications. The unit has a self-test function and is IP54-rated for indoor and outdoor use and can also be used when wearing protective gloves and gauntlets, ensuring safe working practices can be adhered to at all times.

“Non-contact voltage detectors are often used in this application but should always be used with caution as they can be, and often are, sensitive to other signals such as static electricity,” explains Martindale Electric MD, Steve Dunning. “The lower detection threshold for the VT7 helps ensure that unsafe voltages can actually be detected, because non-contact detectors can have a much higher threshold.”

Single-pole contact indicators are the most reliable solution for the detection of touch voltages and are a simple low-cost addition to an electrical workers toolkit to help identify potential issues and stay safe.

For further information visit:  https://martindale-electric.co.uk/product-category/safe-isolation/#voltage-indication

* The Martindale Electrical Safety in the Workplace Survey 2026 was conducted between June and July 2026 to gather original insight from professionals who work with or around electricity. More than 100,000 electrical professionals were invited to participate in the survey.