Continuity measurement

down2earth · Dec 7, 2009

Hi all,

I asked the wrong question this morning (it was early) so will try again, If you a have a circuit where you can't easily measure r1 + r2 continuity, such as a circuit to a hob ignition system (no obvious points to probe), is it ok to determine by calculation this measurement using table G1 of the electricians guide to good electrical practice, and then use this figure in the schedule of test results.

Go easy on me if this is still a silly question

Regards

Down2earth

roukel01 · Dec 7, 2009

if the point isn't accessible, it should fail on that anyway when doing a PIR

down2earth · Dec 7, 2009

Thanks for the reply but not sure I understand, my problem is I have done a CU change for my first Elecsa assessment in a couple of weeks, in the previous CU someone had just wired the hob ignition system into a 16amp breaker that was being used for something else (Central heating I think), so I have put the hob ignition on its own circuit, but I'm a bit stumped how to measure r1+r2, its not like going to a light switch or socket outlet where you can probe the right bits, its all sealed away underneath and right at the back of the gas hob.

Thanks in advance

Down2earth

roukel01 · Dec 7, 2009

Sounds like the circuit could do with improvement, it should have some kind of accessible local point of isolation, othwerwise your ELECSA assesor will probably point out that the circuit shouldn't have been connected and energised.

Guest123 · Dec 7, 2009

Hi.

I agree with roukel01, there should be a local, accessible point for isolation, within 2m is the norm.

Edit.....As you didn't carry out the original work then maybe this could simply be noted on the cert with advice to remedy, provided you can obtain a reading for the EIC.

Des 56 · Dec 7, 2009

I take it the circuit was installed previously and you have decided to improve the system by putting it on its own mcb and have now to enter a reading that is awkward to obtain

Accessability could be construed that with a screwdriver and a bit of lifting and pulling the reading can be obtained and an inspection made that would satisfy your obligations for changing a consumer unit

If you dont wish to do the buisness and test and inspect this circuit,then it may be better to reconnect it at the consumer unit to a local ring main as a spur
There would be no requirement to record the gas hob reading as an individual circuit and your assessor would probably be non the wiser with regard to its existence

That however does not make for doing the job as it should be done
When changing a consumer unit,all circuits reconnected should be safe to do so
For the sake of a liitle effort it would be worthwhile obtaining a test result and making a comment about the accessability on your certificate where it asks for observations on existing installation
You would also then be satisfied in your own mind that you have reconnected nothing dangerous,which it could be,who knows?