Prior to Testing

Discussion in 'Electricians' Talk' started by jonnyb, May 24, 2004.

  1. jonnyb

    jonnyb New Member

    OK.

    Will soon be in a position to get a spark in to test my complete rewire (grand prix delayed me a little yesterday). How should I leave the new system? (i.e. all connection up to MCB's meter tails at the ready, with all face plates connected and secured?).

    Also are there any tests I can perform myself prior to getting the spark out? I take it i can perform continuity tests using my meter...
     
  2. Fused

    Fused New Member

    Regarding your preliminary no-power testing:

    A moving-coil meter is preferable, but not essential for this testing. Using resistance you can test the ring loop resistance just to check its in the right region, typically below 2ohms (if your meter will measure this). Checking continuity also enables you do deduce you have the L, N & E wires going to the correct socket terminals (a sort of polarity test).

    Similarly you could make some basic continuity checks to various light fittings, and check the switches operate the right way up etc.

    Personally I think simply double checking you have the correct idendification labels on the various MCB's is important, that's the sort of silly error that could waste extra time for an elevtrician.
     
  3. The Trician

    The Trician New Member

    Unless you know what you are doing, you'll just be wasting time. The sparks has to put HIS name on the cert, so he'll have to test everything himself in any case. He won't take your word that you've already tested this or that and its ok.

    Nothing wrong with testing for any silly mistakes before hand but don't be under the impression that you'll be saving time and money by testing yourself.

    TT
     
  4. sparky Si-Fi

    sparky Si-Fi Screwfix Select

    Hello J

    I should go along with TT's advice,but it would not hurt to do a visual check again of all your work (the sparks will do this before he starts testing)some of the commonn things picked up on a PiT are,

    1.No grommets on your metal back boxes,
    2.No CPC fly lead to the terminal in the back box.
    3.Adequate markings on your switch wires (red Sleeving)
    4.Sheathing of your cables INSIDE your back boxes
    5.All circuits labelled on Consumer unit.
    6.No loose connections/pinched insulation at terminals....

    The list is quite exhaustive........

    Anyone else up for any more?

    SF
     
  5. Lectrician

    Lectrician Screwfix Select

    Could list loads, I think the list is NOT exahustive :)
     
  6. sparky Si-Fi

    sparky Si-Fi Screwfix Select

    Perhaps Exhaustive was a little OTT.
     
  7. Lectrician

    Lectrician Screwfix Select

    sorry sifi, Exhaustive means it will run out!

    I mean the list will not run out...Not Exhaustive :)

    I am always amazed, but never surprised at what you can find during a PIR report
     
  8. plugwash

    plugwash New Member

    if it were me i wouldn't bother getting it tested unless i was planning to sell

    but thats just me ;)
     
  9. sparky Si-Fi

    sparky Si-Fi Screwfix Select

    sorry sifi, Exhaustive means it will run out!

    I mean the list will not run out...Not Exhaustive
    :)

    I am always amazed, but never surprised at what you
    can find during a PIR report

    Nah no worries Lec,thats me getting confused! couldnt find my head this morning,shouldnt have had that bottle red wine last night especcially on a school night.
     
  10. Lectrician

    Lectrician Screwfix Select

    No props, its usually me with the grammer..bottle of red wine......i think i have a glass and a bit to go until the bottles empty :(
     
  11. sparky Si-Fi

    sparky Si-Fi Screwfix Select

    Just a quickie Lec,

    Now its become evident your (sshh ) NIC I have just completed my pre-assesment and was wondering when the BIG assesment gets about is there much to do on the day?

    Please dont tell RR I have done this,as I now how much he likes the master race.......LOL

    SF (jlp1968@hotmail.com)
     
  12. Lectrician

    Lectrician Screwfix Select

    I joined the company when it was already registered. When i became supervisor at our company, i had a half day of my work being looked at, and many technical questions asked.

    They are generally ok, they will always pull you for something minor, but thats their job :)

    Good luck with your assessment.
     
  13. sparky Si-Fi

    sparky Si-Fi Screwfix Select

    Thanks Lec for the Info,

    Its appreciated.

    My pre-assesment was ok,got asked a couple of nasty questions like,

    Whats the Max continuity resistance reading for main bonding..you should have seen my face,wish I had me polaroid!

    Sf

    Does anyone know how I can get a piccy put on here,maybe its one for the IT boys?
     
  14. sparky01

    sparky01 New Member

    If you connect the mains before carring out insulation resistance, R1 + R2, you have failed a test cert.

    SORRY.........
     
  15. ChubbyPhaseWire

    ChubbyPhaseWire New Member

    Thanks Lec for the Info,



    My pre-assesment was ok,got asked a couple of nasty
    questions like,

    Whats the Max continuity resistance reading for main
    bonding..you should have seen my face,wish I had me
    polaroid!

    HI SI

    Take a look at page 79 GN3 (should be in the ORDER of...)


    si keep the 17/18 of JUNE free
    wot was the other Q
     
  16. sparky Si-Fi

    sparky Si-Fi Screwfix Select

    Hi chubs,

    I was told of the answer .05 ohms (which I have and will not forget)

    Whats happening 17th 18th June?

    S

    jlp1968@hotmail.com
     
  17. ChubbyPhaseWire

    ChubbyPhaseWire New Member

    Hello J

    I should go along with TT's advice,but it would not
    hurt to do a visual check again of all your work (the
    sparks will do this before he starts testing)some of
    the commonn things picked up on a PiT are,

    1.No grommets on your metal back boxes,
    2.No CPC fly lead to the terminal in the back box.
    3.Adequate markings on your switch wires (red
    Sleeving)
    4.Sheathing of your cables INSIDE your back boxes
    5.All circuits labelled on Consumer unit.
    6.No loose connections/pinched insulation at
    terminals....

    The list is quite exhaustive........

    Anyone else up for any more?

    513-01-01 Accessible for operation, inspection and maintenance.
     
  18. ChubbyPhaseWire

    ChubbyPhaseWire New Member

    it would not hurt to do a visual check again of all your work some of the commonn things picked up on a PiT are,

    1.No grommets on your metal back boxes,
    2.No CPC fly lead to the terminal in the back box.
    3.Adequate markings on your switch wires (red
    Sleeving)
    4.Sheathing of your cables INSIDE your back boxes
    5.All circuits labelled on Consumer unit.
    6.No loose connections/pinched insulation at
    terminals....

    The list is quite exhaustive........

    Anyone else up for any more? ONE OR 2 SI

    513-01-01 Accessible for operation, inspection and
    maintenance.
    522-08 No sharp edges on cable entries,screw heads, etc which could damage to cables.
     
  19. ChubbyPhaseWire

    ChubbyPhaseWire New Member

    it would not hurt to do a visual check again of all
    your work some of the commonn things picked up on a
    PiT are,

    1.No grommets on your metal back boxes,
    2.No CPC fly lead to the terminal in the back
    box.
    3.Adequate markings on your switch wires (red
    Sleeving)
    4.Sheathing of your cables INSIDE your back
    boxes
    5.All circuits labelled on Consumer unit.
    6.No loose connections/pinched insulation at
    terminals....

    The list is quite exhaustive........

    Anyone else up for any more? ONE OR 2 SI

    513-01-01 Accessible for operation, inspection and
    maintenance.
    522-08 No sharp edges on cable entries,screw heads,
    , etc which could damage to cables.
    526-04 Joints accessible for inspection.
     
  20. ChubbyPhaseWire

    ChubbyPhaseWire New Member

    it would not hurt to do a visual check again of
    all
    your work some of the commonn things picked up on
    a
    PiT are,

    1.No grommets on your metal back boxes,
    2.No CPC fly lead to the terminal in the back
    box.
    3.Adequate markings on your switch wires (red
    Sleeving)
    4.Sheathing of your cables INSIDE your back
    boxes
    5.All circuits labelled on Consumer unit.
    6.No loose connections/pinched insulation at
    terminals....

    The list is quite exhaustive........

    Anyone else up for any more? ONE OR 2 SI

    513-01-01 Accessible for operation, inspection and
    maintenance.

    522-08 No sharp edges on cable entries,screw heads,
    etc which could cause damage to cables.

    526-04 Joints accessible for inspection.

    527-02-01 Holes in ceiling above rose made good to prevent spread of fire.
     

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