Ex Greeny

[Ex Greeny]

I served my time as an electrical engineer in the Royal Navy, and earth bonding inspections and continuity checks were mandatory 3 and 6 monthy respectively. Now working in industry, no inspections are being carried out. All circuits are RCD protected, does this negate the need for earth bonding continuity and inspections. If not can anyone point me to where the rules governing these checks be found. I have researhed the internet, and although I find many rules to what must be bonded, I have been unable to turn up anything relating to periodic maintenance inspections/testing.

Any help greatly appreciated

 

[timbobelfast]

Hi, RCDs are primarliy for 'additional protection', therefore the need for Earthing is still required in order to automatically disconnect the supply (ADS)

Not sure about inside the wire, but outside we go by BS7671 regulations. Have a quick search on the forum.

Have you finished your service?

 

[Ex Greeny]

Been out ten years now, but have only returned to electrical duties in the last couple of years where I am setting up a planned maintenabce database to cover both mechanical and electrical items, lifting equipment etc.
I am trying to set it up using old Navy rules and regs, and where necessary clarifying with local/national legislation. Through your response I have now found the IEEE regulation stating it must be done every 3 years. (Better hurry up then)
Thanks again for youir advice.
Ex Greeny

 

[Deleted member 26818]

As far as I'm aware, there is no particular requirement in BS7671, for inspecting and testing bonding conductors separately to the rest of an installation.
The IEEE, was not an organisation which dealt with electrical wiring, they were more to do with electronics and radio?
Unless you are referring to the American IEEE?

 

[AndyOz]

Within an industrial environment the overriding statute is the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASWA). Under this act are several other regulations. You mention lifting equipment, this is covered by LOLER. Other more general work equipment is covered by PUWER.
Both regulations require maintenance, both electrical and mechanical. What is involved in this maintenance sounds like will be down to the responsible person on site. This sounds like you ExGreenie
All the best.