Help needed to understanding testing equipment regulations

[shipped]

Dear fellow electricians,

I am new to the electrical trade and even after several courses am having a very difficult time in understanding what I am allowed/required to buy and what I am not in regards to testing equipment.


I am told that to test circuits I need to comply with GS38 although not statutory it seems to be statutory as if you don't follow it they can still say you're at fault.

I know for my test equipment I need at least a class II for domestic, and a class III for commercial. I am currently only doing Domestic, however, was thinking of getting a Class III multimeter which would give me very good voltage detection and measurement, plus current, resistance and even capacitance. But I was told on my courses it is recommended not to use a multimeter for some reason or another... not an important one either way and more of the instructor's personal opinion (he also had a large selection of electrical testing devices for sale at a premium cost included with fancy brand names).



I am wanting to know (minus the personal opinions) if I am legally allowed to use a class III multi-meter for voltage detection, etc. without a calibration certificate? if so where does this magical piece of legislation exist/not exist and is there any other tid bits that I should know before spending my money on a piece of equipment? I am already very familiar with the requirements of the test leads conforming to GS38 so any responses that can be directed solely at the test equipment itself would be highly appreciated.


Thank you for your help.

 

[ezzzekiel]

to test circuits a 17th compliant set or multifunction will be required, favourites are megger 1552 or 53 fluke 165x range, also proving unit voltage indicator and poss a clamp meter should meet your needs.

a multimeter wont carry out the testing you are required to do:
loop tests
rcd testing
ins/ res
etc.......

 

[Mark_Burgess]

With using a multimeter you may one day just not have it on the voltage setting and read the display as no voltage present. You may not see another day if that were ever the case.

With a voltage indicator like this will tell you if there is voltage and what voltage is present.

 

[SirKit Breaker]

As eeezekiel states, that is the kit you require. By design it will meet whatever rules and regs are currently in place for test gear. A voltage tester in my opinion is also a must, the reason behind this is you cannot select the wrong range or mode as you could do with a multimeter. We are not idiots (allegedly) but we do make mistakes, this device takes that chance away. I use the Fluke T100, but you pay your money and takes your chance.

Mark beat me to it.

Cheers.........Howard

 

[shipped]

Thank you for the prompt responses, it is greatly appreciated.

I understand it should be up to current standards such as 17th edition complaint, however, what does this mean in real terms? if I purchase some test equipment brand new surely it will always be 17th edition complaint... will it not? also does the piece of equipment also need a calibration certificate to go with it? or are manufactures quoted calibration uncertainties for the piece of equipment good enough (e.g. +/- 1.2%)?

Thank you for all your time it's good to see knowledgeable people are able to give me some good advice.

 

[ezzzekiel]

most new meter will be 17th compliant but you can still buy testers that dont carry out full range of testing just ensure its stated as 17th and from reputable seller. Cheaper models can be picked up new for around £250 but expect upto £700 for bigger name brands like megger, some decent second hand units are often found on ebay.

you may or may not get a cal cert (some charge extra for it)

Under domestic work you will require calibrated test equipment (also partp) however most schemes now allow you to keep a record of meter readings and as long as they stay about the same then there is no need for yearly calibration.

No need for cal certs for your voltage tester it either works or it dont (a proving unit is designed for this purpose or alternatively check it against a known supply)

 

[shipped]

Thank you ezzzekiel, your advice has been much apprecaited as that is exactly as I was wanting to know.

Thank you also to the others who have replied.

I shall go out now and buy some kit.

Cheers.