Assessment questions & Test Procedure

revolt3k · Mar 27, 2009

HI
I have my first Assessment Coming up and thought i would ask you guys a few questions about it.

First of all i know my main tester (Metrel Easi Test) needs to have its anual check and certificate done, how quick can these be obtained by the way. But does my proving unit and volt tester also have to have a cert?

Im hoping to have at least 3 jobs for him to choose from. Will they want me to select one or do they?

If showing him somting like a new circuit for outside lights would the following procedure be about right

Isolate the supply (main swith) by means of lock and key

Place warning notice in the location og isolation (would above the c.u be ok as attaching this to the lock may interfeer with working on the boad its self. What do others do with the notice?

Prove test equiptment for correct working

Test between L - N > L - E > N - E

Prove test equiptment for correct working after to make sure the equiptment was working

At this point i would add the cover back to the C.U and take out all lamps and tubes on the outside lights. Is this correct?

Dead Tests

I would test for continuity of protective conductors (R1+R2) link out the 1.5mm live and earth at the end of the circuit (last light) with a block, then null my machine and test. and record the result.

Would a test of L - N be required?

I would then test insulations reisitance. Remove the link and seperate the conductors at both ends.
Test IR between L - N > L - E > N - E and record the results.

At this point Polarity would be check and by doing R1+R2 i should have confirmed the correct polarity

Live Tests

I would first test for Ze at the C.U. With all conductors connected into the terminals and lamps and covers installed.
I would remove the main 16mm earth and connect the eath clamp from the easi tester and then test before the main switch as to not make the installation live with no earth pressent. I would record the 2 readings ohms is my Ze and Amps is the PFC (reconnect earth)

Zs - As the lights are outside and half way up the wall i wouldnt do a live test for Zs at the lights as this doesnt really confirm with H&S EAW regs and so i would calculate the Zs by means of Zs = Ze + R1+R2
and record this.

RCD Test.
This circuit is protected by a 6A - 30Ma RCBO to make sure the circuit is 17th edition ect

What would be the best way to test this without going up ladders in the rain and attaching leads etc.

Once the tests were complete and results checked & logged. I would make sure all conductors and accessories are back in place and remove the isolation.

Any advice and criticism welcomed as i would like to make sure im doing things as should be

Dave

revolt3k · Apr 1, 2009

kung said:
Hi Revolt3k
You shouldnt need to test lead for RCD testing as if the RCD opperates in required times then you know the leads fine as well and if not a quick continuity test using a multimeter will still prove lead is ok. But if you mean in refferance to your question about the testing at the isolator a live RCD test it will contravine reg 14 of EAW regs so only perform RCD tests at socket outlets mate.
Regards
Kung.

Ok i see what your saying but the RCBO is for a lighting circuit so no socket outlet.

kung · Apr 1, 2009

Hi
You can do the test at isolator cpc crock to cpc n-n and L-L or you can do it at CU cpc crock to cpc bar N to N bar or rcbo and L-L output on rcbo less far to walk to reset rcbo ! Also remember to check test button on rcbo.
Regards
Kung.

revolt3k · Apr 1, 2009

kung said:
Hi
You can do the test at isolator cpc crock to cpc n-n and L-L or you can do it at CU cpc crock to cpc bar N to N bar or rcbo and L-L output on rcbo less far to walk to reset rcbo ! Also remember to check test button on rcbo.
Regards
Kung.

yeah i was thinking the C.U way but wanted others ideas. Many Thanks again

kung · Apr 1, 2009

No worries Revolt3k
Good luck with assessment !
Regards
Kung.

TPES · Apr 3, 2009

At this moment in time this topic is the most useful to me, I am in the same position as you revolt3k, (I even have the same tester as you) and in the process of arranging my jobs for my NIC assessment.

The test procedure you wrote at the start of the topic I was very impressed with.

I’ve been told by others that the assessor may only ask for some of the tests on the chosen circuit and not every test from beginning to end. Is this true or ******** ??

Spudnik · Apr 3, 2009

magic-sid said:
I’ve been told by others that the assessor may only ask for some of the tests on the chosen circuit and not every test from beginning to end. Is this true or ******** ??

Its true as he wont want to stay long as he will have others to assess or will want to get home.

P.S. Watch the language.

TPES · Apr 3, 2009

Ok J, Thanks, Ill watch my potty mouth in the future.

Cheers

TPES · Apr 5, 2009

revolt3k said:
ok, would a 20A double poll isolator work next to the cu maybe?

Hi

Would this have to be a double poll Isolator? Can you not use a standard 10ax light switch to isolate the lights?

revolt3k · Apr 5, 2009

magic-sid said:
At this moment in time this topic is the most useful to me, I am in the same position as you revolt3k, (I even have the same tester as you) and in the process of arranging my jobs for my NIC assessment.

The test procedure you wrote at the start of the topic I was very impressed with.

I’ve been told by others that the assessor may only ask for some of the tests on the chosen circuit and not every test from beginning to end. Is this true or ******** ??