Electrical Testing Tool Accessories

Top Electrical Testing Tool Accessories and Where to Buy Them in the UK

Introduction: Why the right electrical testing tool accessories matter

If you’ve ever wrestled with a tangle of cables under a kitchen cabinet or paused before swapping a downlight, you know that the small bits and bobs — link leads, under‑cabinet cables, mains leads and test kits — make or break a job. Electrical testing tool accessories keep work tidy, safe and fast, and they’re what separate a neat, professional install from a patchy DIY job. In this guide I’ll walk you through the most useful accessories, the brands you can trust (think Ansell Matrix, Forum Legare, Kewtech, Collingwood and more), and the best UK places to buy them. Expect practical tips, quick conversions to imperial sizes, and advice to help you pick the right piece for the task.

Understanding the essentials

Before you buy, it helps to know what each accessory actually does. Some parts are tiny — link leads only a few inches long — while others, like mains leads, are central to safety and performance. Let’s unpack the most common items and why tradespeople and serious DIYers keep them in the van.

Link leads: the hidden workhorses

Link leads are short interconnect cables used to daisy‑chain Downlights, emergency packs or drivers. Typical lengths you’ll find include about 39 3/8 inches, 19 11/16 inches and 9 13/16 inches — handy sizes when you’re bridging short gaps or keeping a run neat. They’re cheap, quick to swap, and often sold in white or black to blend with fixtures. Choosing the right length saves you from improvising with scotch tape and cable ties.

Under‑cabinet cables: small but critical

Under‑cabinet lighting often relies on thin, flexible link cables that sit out of sight. Popular lengths hover around 19 11/16 inches and 39 3/8 inches — perfect for connecting puck lights or LED strips without visible joins. The right cable makes future replacements straightforward and keeps the installation clean, so you don’t have to open cabinets next season to fix a loose connection.

Mains leads and connectors

Mains leads are the heavy lifters — they carry power where it’s needed. A common mains lead for testing gear includes connectors roughly the size of 1/8 inch by 5/32 inch, ideal for safe, firm connections. Look for robust insulation and secure connectors; poor quality here can lead to unreliable tests or, worse, hazards during live testing.

Detector expanders and emergency test kits

Detector expander cards let you scale alarm and detection systems without a full board swap, while emergency plug‑in test kits make testing emergency lighting easy. If you handle commercial installs or periodic testing, these accessories save time and help you comply with regulations. For example, a manual test plug‑in kit for emergency downlights can let you simulate faults and verify battery operation quickly.

Trusted brands to look for

Brand matters in electrical accessories: reliable connectors, correct insulation and consistent dimensions are the difference between a job that works for a year and one that fails in a month. Here are some names that appear frequently in professional kits.

Ansell Matrix

Ansell Matrix produces a range of link leads that are used to chain LED downlights and drivers. Their leads come in the typical lengths noted earlier and are known for consistent connectors and finishes that suit both tradespeople and serious DIYers. If you want simple, reliable links that fit most modern downlight drivers, these are worth considering.

Forum Legare

Forum Legare makes under‑cabinet link cables and accessories commonly used with kitchen lighting and integrated fittings. Their cables are flexible, discreet and designed to work with common driver sizes, helping to keep installs neat and compliant with the manufacturer’s expectations.

Kewtech

Kewtech is synonymous with professional testing tools and sturdy mains leads. If you need a mains lead with secure multi‑pin connectors for test rigs or portable appliances, Kewtech’s options are robust and built for frequent use. Tradespeople who rely on regular testing tend to trust Kewtech for longevity and performance.

Collingwood

Collingwood is a name you’ll see with downlight emergency test kits and modular lighting components. Their emergency plug‑in kits are popular for manual testing scenarios, letting electricians simulate emergency conditions safely and quickly — a big help when time is tight or access is awkward.

Linian and ESP

Smaller suppliers like Linian (coaxial cable clips) and ESP (detector expander cards) provide vital niche items. Linian’s cable clips, for instance, keep runs tidy and prevent strain on connectors, while ESP’s expander cards make alarm systems scalable without expensive board swaps. Don’t overlook these specialists; the right small part can save hours of rework.

Where to buy these accessories in the UK

Now that you know what to look for, where should you shop? The UK has a mix of national chains and specialist electrical suppliers that stock the brands above. Here’s a practical roundup so you can shop with confidence.

Screwfix

Screwfix is a go‑to for tradespeople and DIYers alike. They stock a wide range of link leads, under‑cabinet cables and basic emergency kits. If you need something fast, most local branches have shelves of common lengths and connectors, and online ordering is straightforward if you prefer delivery.

Toolstation

Toolstation is another fast supplier with a strong electrical range. They often carry bulk packs — useful when you’re fitting multiple downlights or doing several kitchens — and competitive pricing on small accessories like clips and connectors. Their shops are typically close to major routes, making it easy to pop in between jobs.

City Electrical Factors (CEF)

CEF is a specialist electrical wholesaler with a broad professional range. If you’re after higher‑spec mains leads, specific connector types or branded emergency test kits, CEF tends to have professional‑grade stock and staff who can advise. They’re a solid choice for contractors and electricians working on commercial projects.

RS Components and Cromwell

For niche items and specialised connectors, RS Components and Cromwell are excellent. They cater to trade and industry and usually carry hard‑to‑find parts like specific expander cards or unusual connector sizes. Expect reliable stock and detailed product specs that help you match components precisely.

B&Q, Wickes and Travis Perkins

If you’re a DIYer looking to freshen up a kitchen or swap a few downlights, high‑street DIY chains like B&Q and Wickes can often supply under‑cabinet cables and basic link leads. Travis Perkins is also a good option for builders and tradespeople who prefer consolidated purchases for larger jobs.

Online marketplaces and specialist shops

Amazon UK, eBay and specialist lighting shops can offer competitive prices and a wide selection, including brands like Forum Legare and Collingwood. Be cautious on marketplaces: double‑check seller ratings and product specs to avoid mismatched connectors or non‑rated wiring.

How to choose the right accessory for your project

Picking the right accessory is not just about length or colour; it’s about compatibility, safety and future maintenance. Here are practical selection criteria to guide your purchase.

Match lengths and connector types

Measure the actual space before buying. For under‑cabinet runs, a cable around 19 11/16 inches or 39 3/8 inches will often do the job, but always account for routing behind fittings. For link leads, ensure the connector pitch and locking method match the driver or downlight. When in doubt, take a photo of the connector or the part number to the supplier.

Look for safety certifications and ratings

Safety marks and certifications matter. Products used in mains circuits should be CE/UKCA marked or carry equivalent safety ratings, and emergency kits should comply with local testing standards. Using uncertified accessories on live systems is a risk you don’t want to take.

Check build quality and warranty

Sturdy insulation, strain reliefs and consistent connector finishes signal quality. A short‑term warranty from a recognised brand often reflects better manufacturing controls. For professional work where reliability matters, spend a little more for proven components.

Installation tips and best practices

Even the best accessory can fail if installed poorly. These tips will help you make a tidy, long‑lasting installation that’s easy to service later.

Plan cable routes before you cut

Sketch where the cables will run and where drivers will sit. Think about access for future maintenance and avoid sharp bends that can stress conductors. A measured plan prevents scrambling for extra cable mid‑job.

Use the right clips and strain relief

Small cable clips prevent movement and reduce fatigue at connectors. If a cable has to exit a housing, use strain relief or grommets to protect the conductor and keep connections tight. It’s a small detail that pays off down the line.

Test everything as you go

Do a basic continuity and insulation test after making connections and before finalizing the install. If you’re fitting emergency lighting, use a manual test kit to simulate failure conditions and verify correct switching. Testing early catches mistakes while they’re easy to fix.

Common mistakes to avoid

Even experienced installers slip up sometimes. Here are errors I see often and how to avoid them.

Mismatched connectors

Don’t assume connector size is universal. A plug that looks right can have a different pitch or locking tab, leading to loose connections. Match part numbers or take the old connector to the shop.

Overlooking polarity and orientation

LED drivers and emergency packs can be polarity sensitive. A reversed connector might still fit but won’t work. Check markings and wire colours when assembling link leads or hooking up a driver.

Neglecting future access

Hiding everything behind a wall without leaving a service hatch is a short‑term tidy fix and a long‑term headache. Plan access for testing and replacement so you aren’t forced to demolish finishes to service equipment later.

Upgrading lighting and testing: practical scenarios

Here are a couple of real‑world scenarios showing how the right accessory choice makes a difference.

Retrofitting an LED under‑cabinet system

Say you’re swapping old halogen strips for LED puck lights. Using pre‑cut under‑cabinet cables of about 19 11/16 inches keeps runs tidy and consistent. Pair those with matching link leads and discreet clips to avoid visible runs. The result: cleaner finishes and faster future swaps.

Complying with emergency lighting tests

If you manage a commercial property, emergency downlights require routine testing. A manual test plug‑in kit makes this quick and reduces ladder time. Combine that with robust link leads and a spare mains lead to keep downtime to a minimum during scheduled tests.

Cost vs value: where to spend and where to save

Accessories range from a few pence to tens of pounds. Spend on safety‑critical bits — mains leads, certified connectors and emergency testing kits — and save on cosmetic items like cable ties or standard clips. Bulk packs from suppliers like Toolstation or Screwfix can reduce per‑unit cost for repetitive jobs, while specialist buys from RS or CEF ensure compatibility for tricky installs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right electrical testing tool accessories is about matching function with quality. Brands like Ansell Matrix, Forum Legare, Kewtech and Collingwood offer dependable components, while UK suppliers from Screwfix to RS Components provide access to both everyday and specialist parts. Measure twice, pick certified items for mains circuits, use proper clips and strain relief, and test thoroughly — follow those simple rules and you’ll save time, avoid call‑backs, and keep installations robust for years.