l3 304-04 Handout Testing 2018

SmartScreen
Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures) Unit 304 Handout 4
304: Electrical Installations: inspection, testing and commissioning

Handout 4: Testing
Learning outcome
The learner will:
4. Understand the requirements for the safe testing and commissioning of electrical
installations.
Assessment criteria
The learner can:
4.1 state the tests to be carried out on an electrical installation in accordance with the
BS 7671:2018 and IET Guidance Note 3
4.2 identify the appropriate instrument for each test to be carried out in terms of:
a) The instrument is fit for purpose,
b) Identifying the correct scale or setting.
4.3 specify the requirements for the safe use of instruments to be used for testing and
commissioning, to include:
a) Checks required to prove that test instruments are safe and functioning correctly
b) The requirements for test leads and probes must comply with HSE Guidance GS38
c) The need for instruments to be regularly checked and calibrated.
Testing
Why carry out testing
Testing is carried out to confirm the observations made during the inspection process and forms
part of the initial verification and the periodic inspection processes.
New installations have to be proved to be safe to use and fit for purpose. There is no requirement
for purely domestic premises to be periodically inspected and tested. However, any premises that
are considered to be a workplace must be maintained in a safe condition and this involves regular
periodic inspection and testing (Electricity at Work Regulations).
The correct sequence of testing, to reduce the possibility of accidents to the minimum, is shown
below.
Before the supply is connected:
a) Continuity of conductors (643.2.1 - page 232)
i. Protective conductors, protective bonding conductors and
ii. In the case of ring final circuits, live conductors
b) Insulation resistance (643.3 - page 232)
c) Polarity (643.6 - page 233)
d) Earth electrode resistance (if applicable) (643.7.2 - page 235).
With supply connected:
e) Polarity of supply (643.6 - page 233)
f) Protection by automatic disconnection of the supply (643.7 - page 233)
g) Earth fault loop impedance (643.7.3 - page 235)
h) Prospective fault current measurement (643.7.3.201 - page 235)
i) Additional protection (643.8 – page 235)
j) Check of phase sequence (643.9 - page 235)
k) Functional testing, including AFDD’s, RCDs and switchgear (643.10 - page 235)
l) Verification of voltage drop (643.11 - page 235).
© 2018 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved Page 1 of 3
SmartScreen
Preparing for testing
When preparing to carry out testing, whether as part of initial verification or a periodic inspection, it
is important to follow a set procedure. This should include the following:
 risk assess safe system of work.
 precautions to be taken when carrying out tests.
 safe isolation.
 instrumentation fit for purpose.
 communication with clients.
 range and limitations.
 implications to others.
These can be summarised as follows:
1. Make sure that all safety precautions are observed.
2. Have a clear understanding of the installation, how it is designed and how it has been
installed.
3. Make sure that the instruments to be used for the tests are to the necessary standards
(BS EN 61557) and have been recently calibrated to ensure their accuracy.
4. Check that the test leads to be used are in good order, with no cracked or broken insulation
or connectors, and are fused where necessary to comply with the Health and Safety
Executive Guidance Note GS38.
5. Be aware of the dangers associated with the use of high voltages for insulation testing. For
example, cables or capacitors connected in a circuit that has been insulation tested may
have become charged to a high potential, and may hold the charge for a significant time.
Test instruments
Test Instrument Scale
Continuity Low resistance ohmmeter 0.2Ω to 2Ω with a resolution of
0.01Ω (digital). No-load voltage of
4V to 24V (ac or dc). Short circuit
current not less than 200mA.
Insulation resistance Insulation resistance tester Most meters have three ranges:
20MΩ, 200MΩ and 2000MΩ. Should
generate required test voltage (eg
500V for a 230V circuit).
Polarity (dead) Usually achieved during the This is a ‘Go’ or ‘NO GO’ test so no
continuity test. reading taken.
Earth electrode Earth electrode resistance Typical ranges 20Ω, 200Ω and
resistance 2000Ω
Earth fault loop Earth fault loop impedance tester Typical range 20Ω at 6A for 20ms
impedance
Prospective fault Prospective fault current tester Typical range1000A, 10kA and
current usually incorporated into earth 50kA.
fault loop impedance tester
Phase sequance Phase rotation tester Light or disc indication of direction of
rotation.
Functional test RCD tester 10mA, 20mA, 30mA, 100mA,
(RCD) 300mA and 500mA. 0.5 x IΔn, 1 x IΔn
and 5 x IΔn.
Voltage drop/ Approved voltage tester Typical range 12V - 690V
Polarity (live)
SmartScreen

l3 304-04 Handout Testing 2018

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

l3 304-04 Handout Testing 2018

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

l3 304-04 Handout Testing 2018

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

SmartScreen

304: Electrical Installations: inspection, testing and commissioning

You might also like