Eicr's

[Newbyspark]

Evening all,
I'm reading up for 2395, when doing EICR'S and IR tests, when removing neons, lamps and sensitive equipment are things like electric showers, water heaters ect classed as sensitive. Do most people remove all these items or prefer to connect L+N together and test to earth at 250V.
Thanks.

 

[telectrix]

so many appliances now contain electronics, i always link L to N and IR from there to E. i only would IR L-N if certain that nothing was in circuit or on new installs.

 

[Badged01]

so many appliances now contain electronics, i always link L to N and IR from there to E. i only would IR L-N if certain that nothing was in circuit or on new installs.

Nah, give it a quick blip at 1,000V first, fry everything then full up with the 500V test for the cert -- reading are always then spot on!

Just make sure you get your cash and are out of the house before the customer starts using any appliances ......

 

[Newbyspark]

Thanks,
Also, what readings would you expect when testing at 250V. Would it be the same as 500V. Sorry if this is basic.

 

[telectrix]

readings should be the same. a 250V test might not show up a potential problem as well as at 500V though.

 

[Badged01]

what readings would you expect when testing at 250V. Would it be the same as 500V.

Should be exactly the same in a health circuit. At 500V though you are giving it a bit more 'umph' which if there is a weakness in the insulation will start to show it ...

 

[Newbyspark]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

 

[Badged01]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

The only difference you might find is on the actual meter reading itself. On my Kewtech a healthy IR reading at 250V shows >200Mohms but at 500V the same circuit shows >2000Mohms.

 

[Pete999]

Sorry if I'm being a a numpty (picked that up from the forum) but why test LN to E at 250v and not 500v??? I'm old school so be gentle

 

[HandySparks]

Sorry if I'm being a a numpty (picked that up from the forum) but why test LN to E at 250v and not 500v??? I'm old school so be gentle

My default IR test on EICRs is 500V from L+N to E. Most equipment, with the exception of surge suppression components to earth, will cope with this without damage. I've not killed anything yet this way (as far as I know).

 

[Dic Penderyn]

L-N to E 250V seems like a sensable start! If the reading shows Ok then procede to 500V! Saves frying any electonic component.

I don't know the scientific answer, it might just be an Urban myth!:sultan:

 

[Dean Williams]

if i test using the L-N to E method, i write on the limitations "Insulation resistance testing has been carried out to regulation 612.3.3 where it was impractical to disconnect load(s).

 

[Newbyspark]

if i test using the L-N to E method, i write on the limitations "Insulation resistance testing has been carried out to regulation 612.3.3 where it was impractical to disconnect load(s).

Thanks for all the advice. All very helpful.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

if i test using the L-N to E method, i write on the limitations "Insulation resistance testing has been carried out to regulation 612.3.3 where it was impractical to disconnect load(s).

You shouldn't be writing anything in the limitations box like that, this is for limitation of testing, e,g you cannot isolate a part of the installation. When you test correctly like you have, then don't put it in the limitations. It doesn't matter which IR test method you use, they are both acceptable, so you don't need to explain your reasons why.

Cheers…………….Howard

 

[Dean Williams]

ok thanks. i'll stop doing it from now on