Insulation resistance test help

[Sintra]

Yeah get what your saying all I wanted to know was could I incorporate the IR test to prove my light switches work both ways and all I get is flipping hassle

Not so much hassle more like proper guidance. If you are on a college course you can apply for access to the trainee forum here. Apply to Gain Access to Trainee-Only Forum - http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/forums/apply-to-gain-access-to-trainee-only-forum.60/

 

[Kate]

Always always ask questions. It's the only way to learn. Get on the trainee section, the guys here are brilliant. They will take the time to explain things. Try not to use the word "shortcut" next time

 

[Bradley6969]

Always always ask questions. It's the only way to learn. Get on the trainee section, the guys here are brilliant. They will take the time to explain things. Try not to use the word "shortcut" next time

Yeah thanks again I'm still getting to know teacher but will defiantly ask questions just don't wanna look like a fool

 

[Pete999]

Hi I want to test the whole board at once with an insulation test so turn off main isolator and breakers turn tester to 500v? And is the best thing to do, the incoming tails L+N put in a link between them and connect your probes to the link and other to earth also can you still operate light switches on and off to confirm that they work cheers

Why are you turning off the breakers? won't be much of a test with all the breakers off, more to the point, and I'm not having a dig at you, your profile says no electrical quals, that says to me that you aren't an electrician, what about safe isolation,do you think you are competent to do these tests?

 

[Bradley6969]

Why are you turning off the breakers? won't be much of a test with all the breakers off, more to the point, and I'm not having a dig at you, your profile says no electrical quals, that says to me that you aren't an electrician, what about safe isolation,do you think you are competent to do these tests?

If you read the whole post I've said countless times I'm in my third week of my college course which is full time and I've just started testing so you would know I'm not an electrician...

 

[Pete999]

If you read the whole post I've said countless times I'm in my third week of my college course which is full time and I've just started testing so you would know I'm not an electrician...

Sorry mate missed that bit, bit of a skim reader am I,

 

[Pete999]

Yeah thanks again I'm still getting to know teacher but will defiantly ask questions just don't wanna look like a fool

Never worry about asking question, it's a fool who doesn't

 

[Pete999]

Have a look at this vid

 

[Pete999]

Another one

 

[Risteard]

Another one

I have noticed one error in that video:

When conducting the insulation test between live conductors and earth he has only tested to the cpc. The cpc must be terminated into the earth bar so that it is connected to the means of earthing for the installation before conducting the test.

 

[hightower]

Hi mate, get yourself trainee access on the forum

Yeah get what your saying all I wanted to know was could I incorporate the IR test to prove my light switches work both ways and all I get is flipping hassle

As for this quote above, IR testing doesn't prove continuity. Let's take a perfect circuit that max the IR reading out:

Switch 1 on, switch 2 off: reading >1000
Switch 1 on, switch 2 on: reading >1000
Switch 1 off, switch 2 on: reading >1000
Switch 1 off, switch 2 off: reading >1000

As you can see, you've proven the IR on each cable run but it doesn't prove any form of continuity. If there was a break in a strapper you'd still potentially get the same IR results. To prove continuity, you need to do a continuity test - there's no shortcut.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

The point of the 'global' insulation resistance test, is just a check to see if there are any issues that would require further investigation.
It will not prove continuity or polarity of lighting switches and wiring.

 

[Bradley6969]

Thanks for your help,
So basically I'm gonna test the whole consumer unit, Main switch off, all breakers on, I'm gonna put a link in the outgoing side between L+N, the 2 way lighting circuit will have both light switches turned on, then once this is done I'm going to test between link and Earth Whilst also test while flicking both 2 way light switches on and off this will prove the insulation resistance in my light circuit?
Cheers