DIY & Tools — Electrical Supplies (2026)

Pros

• Cheap way to confirm a socket or fitting is dead before working on it
• Slim pocket size for a tool bag or van door pocket
• Detects both live and neutral wires

Cons

• Neon indicator can be hard to see in bright daylight

Pros

• Trusted UK brand fitted as standard by many electricians
• Inherent antimicrobial properties on the faceplate
• Neat white moulded finish matches most existing sockets

Cons

• Must be fitted by, or notified to, a qualified electrician under Part P

Pros

• Combined breaker and RCD protection on a single circuit
• Compatible with Schneider Resi9 consumer units
• Reduces nuisance tripping compared with a shared RCD

Cons

• Installation must be carried out by a registered electrician

Pros

• 8m cable reaches from an indoor socket out to a shed, garage or garden power tools
• Surge protection with a neon indicator shields sensitive electronics
• BS 1363/A compliant with 13A rated sockets

Cons

• Long cable is bulky to coil away for storage

Pros

• Widely fitted UK brand with a resistant, hard-wearing moulded faceplate
• Round-edge design matches most standard existing sockets
• Screw cover caps give a neat, finished look

Cons

• Must be fitted by, or notified to, a qualified electrician under Part P

Pros

• 10-year sealed battery removes the hassle of annual battery changes
• Optical sensor responds fast to slow-burning, smouldering fires
• Test/silence button lets you quiet nuisance alarms for 8 hours

Cons

• Higher price than a basic 1-year battery smoke alarm
• Sealed battery means the whole unit is replaced at end of life

Pros

• Tests voltage, current, resistance, diodes, continuity and batteries in one tool
• Built to withstand a 2m drop for rough site use
• Test leads with safety caps included

Cons

• Manual ranging is slower to use than an auto-ranging meter

Pros

• Bulk 24-pack keeps testers, torches and smoke alarms stocked up
• Reliable alkaline power with a long shelf life for spares drawers
• Nylon top closure helps prevent leakage in storage

Cons

• Bulkier to store than a small 4-pack

Pros

• True RMS accuracy for reliable readings on modern electronics
• Compact, rugged design built for everyday electrician use
• Trusted industry-standard brand for UK trade professionals

Cons

• Higher price than a basic household multimeter

Pros

• Two USB ports charge phones and tablets without using a plug adaptor
• Trusted UK brand fitted as standard by many electricians
• Neat white moulded finish matches most existing sockets

Cons

• Must be fitted by, or notified to, a qualified electrician under Part P

Pros

• GS38-compliant fuseless design gives instant AC/DC voltage indication
• Four-stage LED display shows voltage bands from 50V to 400V
• Trusted by UK electricians for safe isolation checks

Cons

• Should be used with a proving unit to confirm it is working correctly

Pros

• 30m high-visibility cable reaches from the house to the far end of most gardens
• Thermal cut-out and power switch protect against overload
• Winding handle keeps the cable tidy for storage

Cons

• Bulky reel takes up more shed or garage space than a coiled lead

Pros

• Integrated USB-C and USB-A ports remove the need for separate plug adaptors
• Switched 13A sockets handle everyday appliances up to 3120W
• Slim faceplate fits standard 25mm twin back boxes

Cons

• Must be fitted by, or notified to, a qualified electrician under Part P

Pros

• Combined breaker and RCD protection on a single circuit
• Compatible with Hager consumer unit boards
• Reduces nuisance tripping compared with a single shared RCD

Cons

• Installation must be carried out by a registered electrician

Pros

• Large 24-pack keeps testers, torches and smoke alarms stocked
• Holds power for years in storage, handy for occasional-use tools
• Well-known reliable brand for household electricals

Cons

• Costs more per battery than own-brand multipacks

Pros

• Pack of 5 covers a full room refit or renovation in one buy
• Polished chrome finish suits modern kitchen and living room styling
• Standard 35mm back box fitting for straightforward replacement

Cons

• Must be fitted by, or notified to, a qualified electrician under Part P

Pros

• LED power indicator shows at a glance whether the spur is live
• Ideal for hardwiring extractor fans, boilers and outdoor sockets
• Widely fitted UK brand matches most existing Nexus 800 faceplates

Cons

• Must be fitted by, or notified to, a qualified electrician under Part P

Pros

• Double pole switching adds an extra layer of safety
• 3-pin shutter system blocks access unless a proper plug is inserted
• Antimicrobial thermosetting material for hygienic long-term use

Cons

• Single gang only, no USB charging ports

Pros

• 20m cable reaches sheds, garages and the far end of the garden
• Four recessed sockets keep plugs protected from knocks
• Thermal cut-out protects against overload on site or at home

Cons

• Heavier and bulkier than a basic extension lead

Pros

• Eight sockets spread across a home office or entertainment unit
• Surge protection with an indicator light shields sensitive electronics
• Thermal cut-out and shuttered sockets meet BS 1363-2 safety standards

Cons

• Compact rectangular design still needs a fair amount of wall or floor space

Pros

• Curved edge white finish matches most standard UK fittings
• Antimicrobial faceplate stays hygienic on frequently touched switches
• Compliant with UK wiring regulations for straightforward replacement

Cons

• Must be fitted by, or notified to, a qualified electrician under Part P

Pros

• Dual voltage range detects both low and standard household voltages
• Bright flashing LED and audible alarm confirm live wires at a glance
• Auto power-off extends battery life between jobs

Cons

• Non-contact testers should be checked against a known live source before relying on a reading

Pros

• Brushed stainless steel faceplate suits modern kitchens and hallways
• Slim, rounded profile matches British General accessory ranges
• Colour-matched fixing screws for a neat finish

Cons

• Must be fitted by, or notified to, a qualified electrician under Part P

Pros

• Plugs straight into any UK socket to check live, neutral and earth wiring
• Quick way to spot faulty wiring before buying or renting a home
• No batteries or setup needed

Cons

• Basic LED read-out only, no digital fault diagnosis

Pros

• 25m of high-visibility cable reaches the far end of the garden or garage
• Thermal cut-out and power switch protect against overload
• Four sockets run several tools or garden appliances at once

Cons

• Bulky reel takes up more storage space than a coiled lead

Pros

• IP54 weatherproof case suits outdoor and garden use
• Retractable wind-up mechanism avoids loose trailing cable
• Thermal cut-out guards against overheating under load

Cons

• Heavier to carry around than an open cable reel