Proving Units

A proving unit is a portable device designed as a two-pole tester, verifying the safe operation and accuracy of voltage testers such as multimeters and clamp meters. It helps confirm what kind of voltage is present, from AC to DC instruments.

Used by electricians, safety inspectors, and industrial maintenance staff, this electrical proving unit ensures accuracy is maintained between calibration intervals. It reduces the risk of shock or arc flash by validating testing equipment, providing confidence before any voltage proof test.

How Do Proving Units Work?

A proving unit acts as a portable, self-contained electrical proving unit, generating a known voltage to safely test voltage detectors. It offers ample, informative explanation on its ability to supply both AC and DC voltages, ensuring comprehensive testing across various electrical instruments. This reduces the risk of shock or arc flash by validating testing equipment.

These devices can supply a range of voltages to the two-pole voltage testers to ensure a thorough voltage proof test at the applied levels. An LED light typically indicates the voltage tester is functioning correctly, allowing you to proceed confidently with your electrical work.

Beyond basic validation, proving units are built with essential safety features and status indicators. They provide clear visual cues, often via LEDs, to confirm successful testing, protecting users from inaccuracies that can arise from damaged voltage testers or meters susceptible to environmental factors like dust or water.

Proving Unit Types

Voltage Tester Proving Unit

A voltage tester proving unit is specifically designed to work in conjunction with two-pole voltage testers or voltage indicators. It provides a reliable voltage source, ensuring that your primary voltage tester and proving unit combination is operating safely and accurately before live work begins.

Proving Unit Compatible with Multimeters

For professionals relying on precision, a multimeter proving unit offers a verified voltage source to check the accuracy of multimeters. These proving units ensure that your meter proving unit is giving correct readings across its ranges, a crucial step for accurate diagnostics in complex electrical systems.

High Voltage (HV) Proving Unit

An HV proving unit, or high voltage proving unit, caters to environments where testing involves significantly higher voltages. These robust proving devices are capable of testing voltage testers that operate up to 700V or more, such as the Martindale PD690 kit. They are indispensable for industrial maintenance staff and electricians working with high-power systems, ensuring safety and precision in critical high-voltage applications.

Low Voltage Proving Unit

Designed for everyday electrical verification, a low voltage proving unit focuses on common residential and commercial voltage ranges. For example, low voltage proving units such as the Martindale PD240 can test voltages up to 240V, making them ideal for verifying voltage testers used on household appliances or standard circuit checks before conducting any voltage proof test.

Industrial Applications of Proving Unit

Proving units play a critical role in ensuring electrical safety across a multitude of industrial environments. These essential devices confirm the accuracy and reliability of voltage testers, safeguarding personnel and equipment in various sectors.

Electrical Contracting and Installation

Electricians and installers routinely use a voltage proving unit or voltage tester and proving unit to verify their testing equipment before working on circuits. This critical step ensures accurate readings, allowing them to confidently confirm de-energisation, thereby significantly reducing the risk of electric shock during installation or repair work.

Industrial Maintenance and Manufacturing

In industrial maintenance and manufacturing settings, meter proving units are vital for routine checks on machinery and control panels. Often, high voltage proving units are employed to validate testers used on industrial equipment. This practice helps to prevent inaccuracies that could lead to unexpected downtime or safety hazards on the factory floor.

Utilities and Power Distribution

For utilities and power distribution companies, HV proving units are indispensable. They are specifically used to test the accuracy of voltage indicators and testers before personnel work on high-voltage equipment or substations. This rigorous pre-testing ensures the highest level of safety for technicians dealing with powerful electrical systems.

Mining and Heavy Industry

Mining and heavy industry rely on robust electrical proving units to confirm tester accuracy in harsh, demanding environments. The durability of these proving devices is crucial. Ensuring accurate voltage verification of equipment used on heavy machinery helps protect workers from arc flash and electric shock risks in challenging operational conditions.

Maintaining Accuracy & Calibration of Proving Unit

Like most precision devices, proving units are susceptible to dust, water, and general knocks, which can affect accuracy. That’s why it’s important to maintain a regular testing schedule for your voltage testers with a proving meter. Yearly recalibration cycles are strongly recommended to ensure consistent accuracy and reliability, thereby maintaining peak safety standards and extending the lifespan of your equipment.

As these aspects can affect the accuracy of voltage testers and if inaccuracies aren’t noticed then this is when safety is in doubt. RS offers an in-house calibration service (RSCAL) prior to delivery, but also offers a yearly service for these products.

On hand advice from our technical experts to aid your decisions and our inhouse calibration service. See more about our calibration services here.

Proving Unit Manufacturer, Supplier & Distributor in Australia

RS is a trusted proving unit manufacturer, supplier, and distributor in Australia, offering a wide selection of proving units from leading brands like Fluke, Martindale, Black Star, and Megger—as well as other electrical test and measurement components. Whether you need a clamp meter , insulation tester , or a multimeter proving unit, find a reliable device to ensure electrical safety and maintain tester accuracy.

Buy Proving Unit Online from RS

Ordering your proving unit online from RS is quick and easy. Simply browse our extensive online catalogue, add your chosen proving unit to the cart, and complete your purchase securely. Whether you need to buy proving unit accessories like a voltage tester and proving unit kit, or individual voltage proving unit and meter proving unit options, our platform simplifies the process.

For locally stocked items, we offer next working day delivery for orders placed before 5:00 pm AEST, Monday to Friday. Standard delivery across Australia typically takes 5 to 10 working days, with regional areas subject to longer lead times. For more details on our delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery page.