We consider the solution, using boundary elements (BE), of the surface integral equation system arising in electromagnetic testing of conducting bodies, with emphasis on situations such that $o(1) \leq \sqrt{\omega\varepsilon_{0}/\sigma} \leq O(1)$, $L \sqrt{\omega\sigma\mu_{0}} =O(1)$ which includes in particular the case of eddy current testing) and assuming $L\omega\sqrt{\varepsilon_0 \mu_{0}}\leq 2\pi$, i.e. low-frequency conditions ($L$: diameter of conducting body). Earlier approaches for dielectric objects at low frequencies are not applicable in the present context. After showing that a simple normalization of the BE system significantly improves its conditioning, we propose a multi-step solution method based on block SOR iterations, which facilitates the use of direct solvers and converges within a few iterations for the considered range of physical parameters. This novel, albeit simple, treatment allows to perform eddy current-type analyses using standard Maxwell SIE formulations, avoiding the adverse consequences of ill-conditioning for low frequencies and high conductivities. Its performance and limitations are studied on three numerical examples involfing low frequencies and high conductivities.