Am I being asked for a Ze reading before any work?

[Rick Ellmore]

Hi Guys and Gals, currently I am finishing off my NVQ & i'm being asked the question on One file "Check the safety of electrical systems prior to the commencement of inspection, testing and commissioning".... Is this just fancy wording to say check Ze before you do anything else?
Any advice with this would be great... Cheers me lovers!

 

[Richard Burns]

I would expect that this is referring to the requirements to ensure that that the existing installation is adequate for the addition or alteration you are installing (132.16) and so would require the information and details covered in 132.2 to 132.5.
However as they are stating that this is required before inspection testing and commissioning, but do not state it is required before design and installation I am somewhat at a loss as the assessment of supply characteristics should be done prior to design or you cannot plan the installation.

 

[Dillb]

You are looking at not only the Ze but also is the correct bonding installed, will your new circuit not exceed the maximum demand the install will allow.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

This is not to do with additions or alterations.
This is to do with initial verification.

 

[Rick Ellmore]

Thanks Guys, you have provided some clarification on this. I have looked at 132.2 to 132.5 & 132.16.
So as I understand a visual inspection of the supply to ascertain its characteristics (TN-S, TN-C-S, TT) along with a Ze to confirm presence of DNO's earth and test the bonding (once disconnected as to remove parallel paths) with a wondering lead.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I would think that to ensure safety before inspection, first off would be to verify the installation or part of the installation being inspected is de-energised.
Second would be to verify continuity of earth conductors and the presence of earthing.

 

[telectrix]

I would think that to ensure safety before inspection, first off would be to verify the installation or part of the installation being inspected is de-energised.
Second would be to verify continuity of earth conductors and the presence of earthing.

and bonding.

 

[plugsandsparks]

My taking is that it is simply asking to make sure its dead using the proper procedure

 

[uksrevivor]

Agree with the above post as if you read the OPs post it states Check the safety of electrical systems prior to the commencement of inspection, testing and commissioning"... The commissioning being energising a circuit or circuits.

 

[Rick Ellmore]

Thank you all for your help on this, i'm sure its not just me but the wording in the BS8671 can be a little baffling at times.