Calibration Checkboxes

[Former Sponsor TM]

Hi Guys,

I'd like to raise a quick discussion thread regarding calibration checkboxes.

As a test equipment provider, it's sometimes really useful to know how many of you would use one, and what it's worth is to you as a tradesman.

There are a range of different calibration checkboxes available. The lower cost checkboxes on the market will allow you to test both insulation resistance and continuity only, whereas if you look at spending roughly twice as much, you could have a checkbox that additionally checks the loop and RCD test ranges on a meter, too. Is this something that you think is worth spending the extra money on?

Finally, we've also had feedback that (depending on your NICEIC/NAPIT/ELECSA etc) assessor/inspector, some registration bodies will actually accept a comprehensive record of self kept checks on a meter, rather than an up to date calibration certificate for the meter in question. Have any of you experienced this? And if so, is the assessor happy to see a record of only insulation resistance and continuity tests, or would he/she like to see a full record that tests all of the functions of your multifunction tester?

A lot of questions, but would be great to hear some feedback and opinions!

Thanks

 

[stef]

I build my own. Bought some 0.1% resistors form Farnell and a couple of 4mm banana sockets. I am eventually extend it with a voltage proving circuit.

 

[ruston]

I have a Seaward one , had it for years now so probably not a consumable item to stock large quantities of from your point of view.

 

[Richard Burns]

I would be looking for one as cheap as possible since they are only a check and the components are very cheap. If the equipment also measured EFLI and RCDs then it may well need its own calibration and defeat the point.

I think the approach by schemes is that the calibration period could be extended say to 2/3 years when using a check box and not eliminated, so the cost saving is reduced, but I am not certain of all the schemes policies.

Testing EFLI from a dedicated labelled socket is cheaper than having a specific unit to do this.

Overall would not pay extra for extra functions, would still have MFT calibrated anyway even if less often, but do think check boxes have definite uses.

 

[robsparky1975]

I use a calcard and keep a record on there own printed record sheets every month,on my elecsa annual visit the assessor was happy enough with it,some schemes may vary but we can get testers calibrated every 3 years,i did look into getting a checkbox but like amny things they seemed overpriced at £60-80,where as a calcard was <£20.

 

[grantr37]

Theres a small multimeter check card for about £30.00 and theres a company on ebay selling them-fits into your wallet, other than that the best thing to do is send off for calibration for all important equipment, nobody accepts DIY calibration that I have met, they want a UKAS approved print out etc....the general response seems to be "but what if your own checkbox is duff" councils want a proper approved certificate and for PAT testing machines the councils and banks want a proper calibration certificate.....some even want a 6 month calibration certificate stipulating insurance requirement (these are usually the same ones that don't want you testing 3 Phase equipment) its the same for multifunction testers, need a printout from a certified testing company....

 

[grantr37]

thats the one, calcard

 

[Druncanduncan]

Having recently finished last of college iv started buying equipment. Made my own checkbox for ir and continuity. Bought all bits from maplins. Cheap enough. Use dedicated socket at home then for rcd and zs. Keep a record on a sheet iv knocked up in word. Niceic apparantly happy enough with this arrangement to have callibration every 3 years. Not 100% on this but its what ive heard recently regarding the checkbox/callibration debate!

 

[kenny james]

useful website for printing off the relevant record sheets for self calibrating recording Instructions for using TestCal CalCard; Calibration Resistance Checkbox

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Having recently finished last of college iv started buying equipment. Made my own checkbox for ir and continuity. Bought all bits from maplins. Cheap enough. Use dedicated socket at home then for rcd and zs. Keep a record on a sheet iv knocked up in word. Niceic apparantly happy enough with this arrangement to have callibration every 3 years. Not 100% on this but its what ive heard recently regarding the checkbox/callibration debate!

When Tony Cable (NICEIC Senior Marketing and Events Engineer, formerly NICEIC Senior Help-line Engineer and the featured expert in their inspection and testing videos) was asked about the NICEIC approach to test gear accuracy at ELEX 2010, he said:

“What a lot of contractors misunderstand is that the NICEIC inspector does not always look at the annual calibration certificate but focuses on the checks made on the instrument using a checkbox or another method, that the records are kept and consistent. This does not mean that the NICEIC don't expect the tester to be annually calibrated that should be taken as read. I always tell the contractors that calibration is a requirement, which apart from the obvious, it could also make any manufacturer guarantee invalid, and should always be carried out by the due date.”

As a result of a number of forum members questioning this view in the light of their assessments, I asked Tony, at the public forum at ELEX 2011 and again at an NICEIC road-show in 2012 if this was still the view of the NICEIC and he said: "Yes absolutely, nothing has changed in NICEIC policy and since you brought this issue to my attention last year I have been making our assessors and other staff aware of this."

 

[Former Sponsor TM]

Some interesting replies - thank you very much. I know the Calcard seems to be very popular due to the low cost outlay and obviously how small it is.

We have heard that some electricians install a dedicated one socket outlet radial next to a consumer unit that they can use for all the relevant tests that their MFT carries out, which seems to be a great idea.

Thanks again for the valued feedback