IR Test on 12v Downlighters

[Guitarist]

hello telectrix, if the linking L and N together and then testing to earth is an acceptable method of IR testing, why do you say that ideally the IR testing should be done before the transformers are connected?

similarly, guitarist said " disconnect them all and test the cable properly"

i'm struggling with how a test which is acceptable is also not proper or not ideal

The "limited" test is available where full testing is completely impracticle. For example, to test a warehouse full of hi-bay lighting which would take not only a very long time, but would be very costly to hire in specialist equipment and disconnect every unit, would be considered impracticle. Spending a couple of hours in a domestic situation would really just be part of the job imo. If you, as the tester, can justify why you didn't carry out full testing, then that's up to you.
We can only advise as we see the situation, and we do so free of charge. If you want definitive answers, and for us to take responsibility for your work, then we can always put down our paypal account numbers and you guys can pay us a nice consultation fee

 

[telectrix]

cheques made payable to Consultation And Specialist Help. or just use the initials ......C.A.S.H.

 

[tank]

The "limited" test is available where full testing is completely impracticle. For example, to test a warehouse full of hi-bay lighting which would take not only a very long time, but would be very costly to hire in specialist equipment and disconnect every unit, would be considered impracticle. Spending a couple of hours in a domestic situation would really just be part of the job imo. If you, as the tester, can justify why you didn't carry out full testing, then that's up to you.
We can only advise as we see the situation, and we do so free of charge. If you want definitive answers, and for us to take responsibility for your work, then we can always put down our paypal account numbers and you guys can pay us a nice consultation fee

i asked my question straight down the line because i didn't know the answer and for no other reason. i'm still learning. i had hoped you and telectrix could help me by sharing some of your knowledge and experience without me having to pay a consultation fee.

 

[nickblake]

One of the problems with sensitive equipment is IR testing if you have first fixed and nothing else then link all the loops together and test the cables out , if the transformers are in circuit then you stand a chance of damaging them as you are aware im sure , so if you reduce the voltage to 250 volts so not to damage the transformer, when you carry out the IR test across the L and N it will fail due to the electronics in the transformer , so realistically IR should be done before the transformers have been fitted , if they are fitted as tel has said tes with the L and N linked the across them to earth , or L to earth Then N to Earth but never N to L at 500 volts with sensitive equipment in circuit , but always note which way you have carried out the tests on the certificate IE. IR testing carried out L and N linked to earth due to sensitive electronic equipment being in circuit. or some thing like that

 

[EddieB]

So me get this straight, you take the inspector to this installation, he then asks you to IR test this particular circuit, you then go upstairs to the main bedroom(assuming these lights are in the lounge/dinning room) move the all furniture, lift the carpet, lift the floorboards, isolate the transformers (all of them) carry out the test with him in attendance, he gives you the nod you go back upstairs and put everything back. I dont think so do you?

 

[Guitarist]

i asked my question straight down the line because i didn't know the answer and for no other reason. i'm still learning. i had hoped you and telectrix could help me by sharing some of your knowledge and experience without me having to pay a consultation fee.

We are always happy to help mate, I think you know that. What we are all getting a bit fed up with on the forum (not talking about you now) are the rude idiots who come on here demanding that we tell them how to do something very simple, then when we either don't tell them what they want to hear, or we try to have some friendly banter, they get all arsey with us and have a rant about how sarcastic we all are.
I'll tell you something for nought now, a hell of a lot of these so-called electricians who have learned the trade on a test bench wouldn't last five minutes on a proper apprenticeship!
Btw, the quote you gave of me answered your question quite well I thought.

 

[phawk]

Just saying thanks to those who gave me helpful answers, plenty of useful info for the future. I swapped the 12v ones for 240v today. Will make life much easier.

Btw, wasn't expecting it to kick off on my thread, deep breaths aaaaaaaaand relax lol.

 

[trev]

Deleted

 

[trev]

i asked my question straight down the line because i didn't know the answer and for no other reason. i'm still learning. i had hoped you and telectrix could help me by sharing some of your knowledge and experience without me having to pay a consultation fee.

Well you're wrong, send us all your money then we'll help you

 

[telectrix]

So me get this straight, you take the inspector to this installation, he then asks you to IR test this particular circuit, you then go upstairs to the main bedroom(assuming these lights are in the lounge/dinning room) move the all furniture, lift the carpet, lift the floorboards, isolate the transformers (all of them) carry out the test with him in attendance, he gives you the nod you go back upstairs and put everything back. I dont think so do you?

transformers are accessible through the ceiling holes for the downlights. no need to strip out the room above.

- - - Updated - - -

So me get this straight, you take the inspector to this installation, he then asks you to IR test this particular circuit, you then go upstairs to the main bedroom(assuming these lights are in the lounge/dinning room) move the all furniture, lift the carpet, lift the floorboards, isolate the transformers (all of them) carry out the test with him in attendance, he gives you the nod you go back upstairs and put everything back. I dont think so do you?

transformers are accessible through the ceiling holes for the downlights. no need to strip out the room above.

 

[telectrix]

i asked my question straight down the line because i didn't know the answer and for no other reason. i'm still learning. i had hoped you and telectrix could help me by sharing some of your knowledge and experience without me having to pay a consultation fee.

i thought we had given you the best solution/s. either dis ' all the trannies and teat all cables, or do the limited test with them connected.