Pat testing 415 welding sets

[Robotstar5]

I agree with the above post, any extension leads I make at work will carry the full design current as you never know what they will be used for in the future.

 

[grantr37]

Earth bonding test and then insulation resistance on the cable, treat as extension lead.....check the earth continuity on the unit(metalwork) with the power lead connected into the extension after this using a multi function tester set on a 500vDC test, then check for loose bolts, screws etc and look at the state of the cables and sockets (commando sockets/plugs- the ones that are on the extension lead) make sure that the cable is not damaged or split or left out where a forklift etc might drive over it or get a sheet of metal dropped onto it from a magnetic crane etc...

 

[Megahertz]

Hi,

The choice of cable for extension leads is slightly different than choosing cable for installations - as the poster above correctly states, the cable should be matched to the connectors- although you only intend to use if for an item drawing 19A now, somebody will use it for something heavier in the future.

I'm afraid you need to go back to the Code of Practice. In there it states than 2.5mm cable is suitable for extension leads up to 20A (I think, from memory) so for 32A you really would need 4mm or even 6mm.

If you haven't got a copy of the up-to-date Code of Practice it's worth a read..

PAT Testing Books it's usually cheaper to buy it from Amazon (via this link) than direct from the IEE/IET.

 

[stoneworld]

I agree that an extension lead should be made using the right size cable for it's maximum capacity even if it's not going to be used at that limit. 32A extensions in my cable bag are either 4 or 6mm depending on how long they are and consideration should be given to the maximum length used before needing an RCD.

 

[KAMAG]

I would like to thank you all or your replies, there has been a few new ones since i was last here. Would any of you know if there is a pat tester capable of testing 6mm cable, the one i use has a max size of 4mm which it says is 25 amp. I can do a manual test of earth bond with it, but i need to know the resistance of the cable at various lengths (110 volt 32amp extensions, arctic yellow). I have browsed bits of the IEE 16 Edition wiring regs and its way above me, i don't even know which section to look in and i think if i read the whole thing i am not going to get it.