IR for new consumer unit

[Peter Woodford]

when changing a consumer unit when carrying out the ir test on the lighting circuits can i do this by connecting L/N then earth and put on cert as both circuits of lights have quiet a few 12v 50w lamps and would be a pain to disconnect every transformer.

thanks in advance

 

[kung]

Yes then in IR section as you said write L/N + CPC > 200Mohm etc you could also drop to 250v test & write in remarks 250v IR test !

 

[zupos40]

when changing a consumer unit when carrying out the ir test on the lighting circuits can i do this by connecting L/N then earth and put on cert as both circuits of lights have quiet a few 12v 50w lamps and would be a pain to disconnect every transformer.

thanks in advance

I do the same, but first I visually inspect the lighting to ensure they are all working, check switches etc generally dimmers on GLS lighting, then I connect L/N together, then first L/N to earth on 250V +200 M ohms, then repeat on 500V.

I know dimmer and lamps are shorted out, but mate have had problem, when after testing they do not work and client swears blind they were, so a though visual eliminates all this.

I have on a few occasion gone into void properties and found lighting fuses blown an signs if happened more then once, then it may be dismantling time and full test.

 

[claire_r]

i always do l/n to earth and do it on a 250v test....as long as you note it on the limitations you are fine =0)

 

[chocolate]

So on the BS7671 EIC, if you joined L & N together and tested across E, what would you write on the EIC for the test between L & N - which is required ?????? Why can't you test it ???? What limitation ?????

 

[TPES]

So on the BS7671 EIC, if you joined L & N together and tested across E, what would you write on the EIC for the test between L & N - which is required ?????? Why can't you test it ???? What limitation ?????

If you test an Extra Low Voltage circuit and sling 500v down L + N there is a high risk of damaging the transformer, This is why you can test L,N + CPC without the risk of damage, Or as others have said you can lower the IR setting to 250v, Just note it on your test cert with reason.

 

[claire_r]

if its new wiring you have to note down ln ir tests, easy to do as test before wiring up to spurs / neons etc , if its a consumer unit change you can lim that part and just put your reading in the l/e column as far as i know!

 

[Spudnik]

All electrical installations up to and including 500V should be tested at 500V, not 250V.

However, you are permitted to test between live conductors and earth, but, at 500V.

Having said that, on a PIR, i test at 250 to confirm that circuits are clear and then at 500.

With new installations there is no excuse not to test at 500V.