eicr

[Toneyz]

It is as the name surgests a report on the condition fully or in part of the electrical installation at that time and can be used to see if the installation has deteriated since the last .

 

[HandySparks]

Replies to date just go to show how this is interpreted. GN3 guide for me.

But I suspect that a considerable amount of testers don't do full dead tests as part of the eicr.

GN3 specifically states that, on an EICR, a Zs test can be used instead of R1+R2 to prove that the earth fault path is OK.

 

[Pete999]

That is for testing a new install covered under 2394 not 2395 which is periodic there are diferent requierments, it is down to the tester what test needs to be carried out and agreed with the customer and clearly stated on the cert

Just trying to show the OP the correct procedure for testing RFC

 

[hightower]

For all those saying a Zs can be used to prove an earth fault path exists, fair enough. However, there's more issues at play with a RFC as I've been taught. The three I can think of are:

• Must be a complete ring
• Must have no interconnections (so no rings within rings)
• Must have no daisy chains of spurs without additional protection

So, Zs proves earth continuity. However, it doesn't prove any of the above. Only the 3-stage RFC testing procedure can, hence why we do it in the first place. An EICR is carried out to prove how safe the installation is, but what would you code each of the three items above if there were issues - I'd reckon a C2 in each case? So there exists some unique situations for RFCs that can be dangerous, and we're not going to test for them at an EICR? If that's the case, why bother testing for them at installation either?

Anyway, to answer the OP - full RFC testing procedure for me every time. Okay, that means disconnecting a few cables at the board (minimal dismantling, I get that) but the pros of a full test far outweigh the cons of disconnecting a few cables momentarily.

You'll commonly hear it said, the less writing an EICR has on it (as in test results, limitations etc), the less that bit of paperwork is worth.

 

[westward10]

You should at least do an end to end test and a figure of eight, this should give a rough indication of the Zs.

 

[hightower]

You should at least do an end to end test and a figure of eight, this should give a rough indication of the Zs.

If you do the figure of 8, you have your R1+R2 value....

 

[1983]

Spoke to the nic he said no two places are the same it's about your feel on the installation if you find there as been alteration then do it if you feel it looks good readings good end to end then it's ok all bout your professional judgement I think I'll carry on doing it the way I have been all test that's involved just bit shocked what some colleges are teaching

 

[westward10]

Spoke to the nic he said no two places are the same it's about your feel on the installation if you find there as been alteration then do it if you feel it looks good readings good end to end then it's ok all bout your professional judgement I think I'll carry on doing it the way I have been all test that's involved just bit shocked what some colleges are teaching

That fence they sit on must be well worn.

 

[Risteard]

However, it doesn't prove any of the above. Only the 3-stage RFC testing procedure can, hence why we do it in the first place.

Again I would point you to the guidance in Guidance Note 3 which suggests that a full continuity of ring final circuit conductors test may not be warranted or necessary where records exist for existing ring final circuits and where no alterations to that circuit have been made. Again, like I said, end-to-end tests on the circuit conductors would seem to be reasonable in these circumstances. Obviously the Zs of all socket outlets should also be verified.

 

[1983]

Thank you guys for all the feed back

 

[Des 56]

It seems to boil down to what tickles your fancy
Are you person 1 or person 2 ?

Person 1
Carry out an eicr to get numbers to fill up the many optional little boxes on a multi purpose test sheet
(You'll commonly hear it said, the less writing an EICR has on it (as in test results), the less that bit of paperwork is worth.)

Person 2
Carry out an eicr with minimal disruption and dismantling whilst verifying the safety of the installation
( Guidance Note 3 which suggests that a full continuity of ring final circuit conductors test may not be warranted or necessary where records exist for existing ring final circuits and where no alterations to that circuit have been made)


I personally find tiresome ticks leads one to tend to lose the plot

(The altered quotes used above have served the purpose of my post only,they are not a reflection on the content agreed or otherwise of the posts they originated from)

 

[hightower]

Carry out an eicr with minimal disruption and dismantling whilst verifying the safety of the installation
( Guidance Note 3 which suggests that a full continuity of ring final circuit conductors test may not be warranted or necessary where records exist for existing ring final circuits and where no alterations to that circuit have been made)

How many domestic eicrs have you done where this paperwork was available AND no alterations were made. Fair enough, I'm new to the game, but I reckon it's not all that often anyway

 

[Des 56]

How many domestic eicrs have you done where this paperwork was available AND no alterations were made. Fair enough, I'm new to the game, but I reckon it's not all that often anyway

Just trying to see if there are enough fingers on my one hand to give an accurate figure
Ok finished counting and Yes there were ample fingers to answer truthfully
You have a very valid point,I have tested for councils/housing associations and never been given previous results to compare,however,If they are available and depending on your assessment of any alteration or potching etc,the point stands

 

[westward10]

Just because something on the surface appears not to been have altered, never assume it has not.

 

[Robert Turnbull]

An EICR is a "snap shot" of a installation this is NICEIC's view, i spend about 5 full working days a year on site with them and constant review of jobs and certificates.

The less you take apart the better, you more likely to cause a fault. A good tester should be able to use there skill and judgment on just how much needs opening up. The numbers and readings are just a small part of a EICR.