IR testing an individual circuit within con/unit

[driverman]

Hi,
When carrying out an IR test on a circuit within a consumer unit, can it be carried out safely with all the other circuits on?
Can the circuit under test be isolated by switching off protective device (MCB)? Under 2395 exam would MCB have to be locked off also?
Or would it be better to isolate the whole installation and lock off at main switch. Thanks

 

[netblindpaul]

davethesparky,
It is not quite, strictly true that economic reasons are not allowed to be considered for live working, there are cases where this is an acceptable justification as is inconvenience.
It just depends on "who" is doing the work their procedures & competence.

 

[telectrix]

next you'll be telling plumbers that they can't work with the water turned on in case they drown (what a lovely thought). the real world is not a text book, nor is an installation stuck on a board in a workshop. how do you think we used to change CUs pre-deregulation, when it was taboo to cut seals?

 

[Guitarist]

OK sorry but just to recap..This is a domestic consumer unit. No DNO double pole isolator fitted. So....the only switch available to isolate the supply to the consumer unit is the 100amp DP switch in the con/unit. Therefore, does that switch require locking off before cover removed?

I don't see how that can be expected, as many lockout devices would be too bulky to remove the lid after fitting. Remember, locking off is a system of preventing anyone else from actuating a device when not under YOUR supervision. As long as you have isolated, you would not be expected to lock-off unless you were leaving the device unattended.

Edit : Just read post 26. Beat me to it

 

[davethsparky]

davethesparky,
It is not quite, strictly true that economic reasons are not allowed to be considered for live working, there are cases where this is an acceptable justification as is inconvenience.
It just depends on "who" is doing the work their procedures & competence.

Fair enough but the correct procedure will involve risk assessment to be carried out and I would have thought a quantity of PPE and any other controls to minimise the risk.

 

[netblindpaul]

Yes dave you are correct, but, it can be done, can it be done by a "part p" domestic installer working alone on a domestic, I doubt whether that would stand up in court.
Can a live joint be done on an LV supply by a DNO team, suitably trained & equipped, etc., to avoid turning off half an industrial estate or a housing estate, I suspect so.

 

[davethsparky]

My point has never been that it is not possible or that it doesn't happen, just that it is ill advised to advertise the fact on the web where anyone could be looking.

 

[Guitarist]

My point has never been that it is not possible or that it doesn't happen, just that it is ill advised to advertise the fact on the web where anyone could be looking.

Least said, soonest mended...

 

[Geordie Spark]

I guess I am one of those not sensible persons lol

I'm saying nowt!! :38:

 

[Des 56]

I'm saying nowt!! :38:

I sure am glad of that :clap:

Even a Geordie wouldn't hit a man when he's down .or would he? :6: :yes:

 

[Geordie Spark]

I sure am glad of that :clap:

Even a Geordie wouldn't hit a man when he's down .or would he? :6: :yes:

It's the best time to do it .. there's less chance of getting hit back !!! (Geordie logic there)