Is testing of mobile catering vans any different to domestic/commercial

[The Ghost]

I have been offered to do testing on mobile catering vans. Is this any different to ordinary testing in domestic or commercial? I have said no on the basis I don't have any experience of this area. However the person offering is gas safe and done 2330 previously and is questioning me as to what is the difference. Some are connected to gennys and some to fixed wiring on sites. Any thoughts?

 

[westward10]

Nothing too much out of the ordinary but see Section 717 which you are. Carry out dead tests and ensure continuity to the inlet point and you will need a source to test the rcds either that or take them out and test them at home
Earthing system and Ze list as N/A.

 

[Pete999]

Sec 717 mobile or transportable units, rather than section 721 (caravans) seems more appropriate.

Thinking about your question Vorti, been looking at various things, come to the conclusion, that maybe ISITEE CoP the old PATesting may be your best way out of this dilema, what are peoples thought on my idea?

 

[The Ghost]

new bugger king

Errrr...I hope you didn't quite mean that, don't tell me if you do.

 

[buzzlightyear]

If it plugs into a genny or a 16A hookup, then treat it as a portable appliance

how can you pat test a catering unit when it will have its own c/u e.g. light, sockets . for the genny. some local authority's request a test cert .

 

[The Ghost]

how can you pat test a catering unit

I think that was a bit tongue in cheek when stated. Technically you could say it is (joke), but as you say how could it be, it can't. I have dug up CiTO training which I am not about to do. It is clear mobile catering units come under BS7671. CiTO is more to do with the caravan industry though. I think dead tests make the most sense. And as for live tests I cannot see how they would be relevant as the different hook ups cannot be predicted.

 

[westward10]

You need to verify rcd operation as these are likely to be providing fault protection.

 

[The Ghost]

This is what I found on;
Electrical certification for caravan and motorhome installations - JB Caravan & Trailer Services - https://jbcaravanandtrailerservices.co.uk/news/electrical-certification-caravan-motorhome-installations/
But it is for caravans which I imagine always hook up to mains. So a cert would need to be in force to visit a site and hook up I guess.

We are pleased to announce, on top of our industry sector training qualifications, we are now qualified to CITO electrical test and inspection level.

Your caravan or motorhome will have an electrical installation certificate which should have been issued from the factory when it was built. This certification expires after three years. The industry is now striving to ensure these electrical certificates are renewed accordingly. Insurance companies are also requiring certificate renewal in the same way that it is a requirement for an annual service, particularly if you are insured on a new for old policy. We can offer periodic inspection reports that last three years and satisfy this criteria.

The test and inspection involves

• Earth bond
• RCD test
• Continuity test
• Full inspection of the entire electrical installation
  

 

[MDJ]

when testing catering just do dead testing only .by the why I have a bucket of pop corn ready .

I find that hard to believe, how are you going to eat it with that helmet on?

 

[littlespark]

Of course my post was a joke. Didn't the the face give it away?

 

[Adam W]

You need to verify rcd operation as these are likely to be providing fault protection.

I would have said it's more likely to be providing additional protection.
It should still be tested though, as you would an RCD extension lead.

 

[Richard Burns]

The inspection should proceed pretty much as normal, with considerations for mobile units, wiring types and methods of protection, it would be expected in most cases to be able to connect to a supply for testing purposes only.
Because the unit may be used on various supplies it should be designed to be compliant immaterial of the type of supply to which it is connected. Obviously values obtained in testing with the external supply cannot be valid for the unit itself on an ongoing basis.
Consider the possible supplies that could be connected and make allowance for them. Generally RCD protection covers most values of Ze that may be relevant.

 

[westward10]

Not knowing the earthing system then fault protection is the primary function, additional protection is naturally provided if it or they are 30ma.

 

[Strima]

EICR completed as normal referencing section 7. Ze/PFC recorded on cert but annotated that only valid at time of test due to this being a transportable unit.

I've done quite a few similar units in the past, trailer mounted mobile phone sites for large events that run off a genny. Nothing too untoward, main one being flexible cables should be used and not solid etc. as terminations can vibrate loose when the vehicle is moving around.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Of course my post was a joke. Didn't the the face give it away?

 

[Pete999]

Thinking about your question Vorti, been looking at various things, come to the conclusion, that maybe ISITEE CoP the old PATesting may be your best way out of this dilema, what are peoples thought on my idea?

If you check in the CoP you may find that your trailer comes under a "transportable or Mobile item" get hold of a copy and check