got a 1553 today

[oldtimer]

Hi
Took the plunge and got a Megger 1553 today so I would like some clarification on the earthing to the water and gas. So if I quote for a new DB do I need to upgrade the earth cable from 6 to 10mm or is there a test I can do that would confirm or not I can leave it. My thinking is upgrading the earth is an extra cost the customer may not want and also I changed a CU recently in a block of flats where the mains cables were 10mm for L&N and 6mm main earth (run in conduit) with 25mm DI cable from meter to CU.

I fitted the CU put a MET in and wired the gas and water in 10mm with a 16mm earth to CU so was I right to do this ? ie house up to current standard so no comebacks if they upgrade the mains at a later dater.

 

[Sintra]

Additions & AlterationsThere is no regulation in BS7671 that requires an existing installation to be upgraded to the current standard. However the requirements for carrying out an addition or alteration must be met. p4

Before an addition or alteration can be made to an existing installation it must be ascertained that the earthing and bonding arrangements comply with the current version of BS7671 and any existing electrical equipment including the incoming supply is adequate for the proposed addition or alteration. 131.8


Main Earthing Conductor

The minimum csa of the main earthing conductor must be determined by the adibiatic equation or selected from Table 54.7 543.1.1.
If the adibiatic equation is used, the minimum csa of the main earthing conductor must be 6mm 544.1.1.
Table 54.7 suggests a 16mm main earthing conductor for phase conductors with a csa of up to 35mm.
The csa of the main earthing conductor where PME conditions apply should be not less than that for a main protective bonding conductor (10mm) for the same installation 544.1.1.
Invariably the electricity supplier will provide a 16mm main earthing conductor for a PME supply in a domestic property.

Main Protective Bonding Conductors

All extraneous conductive parts in an installation must be connected to the main earthing terminal by main protective bonding conductors. This applies to the metallic sheath of a telecommunications cable where permission from the owner of the cable must be obtained. 411.3.1.2
For TN-S or TT systems the csa of main protective bonding conductors must be a minimum of 6mm and not be less than half the csa of the main earthing conductor. 544.1.1
For a PME system the csa of the main bonding conductors must not be less than that given in Table 54.8 ie a 10mm protective bonding conductor for a neutral conductor of 35mm or less. 544.1.1

 

[acat]

Thinking of one of them myself let us know how you get on with it downloading the info please.


Chris

 

[oldtimer]

Chris to be honest I was going to buy the 1553 with the powersuite software but I had to make a decission with regards to cost as I am trying to start up a small business part time that I can build up so I can be independant of s*&%4 employers so I took the decission that I may want to use the software in the future and got the 1553 with this option in mind.

Other than that I am putting it through its paces and so far I am impressed.

 

[acat]

OK mate I hear where you are coming from and dont blame you we all need money coming in before we start paying out


Chris

 

[RexT]

Hi Oldtimer,

If possible it would be very interesting if you could say how you get on with tis tester. I have heard some good things said about Meggers and I wish I bought one. I did buy the fluke 1653B and sadly I have to say that it has gone back into the supplier for repair under warranty after only a few months. Hopefullly it will be back as good as new. Well working actually and able to give me good time results on RCD testing.

I have to watch the money like you and its a pain to have to wait for it to return.

Best wishes

Rex

 

[oldtimer]

Hi Rext
The reason I bought the Megger was due to the feedback on this forum with regards to some Flukes having to be sent back for repair.

First of all I do not want to upset anybody but Fluke appears to have a name foe quality and reliability but me thinks they could be playing on their name as the seem to be getting highlighted more on this forum than Megger for problems. I should know as I have 2 Fluke multi-meters

Dont get me wrong time will tell if I made the right move but my ethos has always been (as I have ran a business part time before) these things have to pay for themselves so my logic is if it does not work out for me then I have no doubt that one of you chaps will take it of my hands for a hefty discount.

So far the only comparison is that the Fluke has a better carry case than the Meggerand I am surprised they have not copied Flukes design as it is practical with regards to storing leads with the Megger I am having to make sure they are tucked in either that anybody know were to buy a Fluke carry case from.

 

[oldtimer]

Also I have made a quick checksheet as I am aware that the certificates do not filled in on site so I have attached a copy for your perusal and comments if you want a word copy then mail me.

 

[acat]

RexT the megger 1552/1553 is a good solid piece of kit not sure on the 1553 at the moment as there seems to be problems downloading the information into powersuite to print out the certificates. Im not sure if that is a technical problem with the 1553 and the software or user error.

I for one am hoping for some feedback before upgrading.


Chris

 

[RexT]

Hi Oldtimer and acat,

Thanks for the replies. I have been hearing some good things about the Megger and I wish I had done some real research before I leaped. We use flukes at the college where I work part time and to be honest they have been as good as gold. I am naturally really careful with test equipment and I was surprised when mine decided to stop giving me sensible readings on RCD test times. The guys using Meggers swear by them and what I have seen of the ones they bring in are impressive. I like a lot of the features on them and I guess when I can afford it I will get one. The downloading sounds really good and the 1653 B has this but I confess I havent used it. I still use pen and paper so I am probably a bit old fashioned but do like the memory recall features so you can go back over the results.

I hope to go into testing more as a profession and need the right equipment. I am thinking about getting a calibration unit as it sems to be the more economical way of doing checks on your tester rather than sending it off or relying on monthly self checks whcih I guess could be called into question. I did get caught out using the fluke as it had gone wrong on the RCD testing bit and this showed on a check. You tend to trust the meter and I changed an RCD which was showing as being too slow when it wasnt! Whoops thats another story...

Interesting comments guys and thanks again.

Best wishes,

Rex

 

[GT1]

hi guys..
I am a 1553 user and have been for about 16 months.
Its nice and simple to use and has been reliable so far.
The powersuite software isnt particularly intuitive to use. But eventualy you get the hang of it.
Havent used the bluetooth function yet to be honest, as I havent been arsed to sit down and work it out, and I find pencil and paper just as effective,.!
However the printed certs of the software look very professional when printed in colour, so no complaints there.
And my meter passed its re-calibration no problems.

 

[Sintra]

The use of the bluetooth function really depends on the size of the installations being tested.

If i am testing a domestic installation with 8 - 10 circuits i would write out results and then put onto powersuite after.

If i am testing a large installation then bluetooth comes into play just bounce results straight onto laptop or pda saves alot time.