Proving unit on assesment?

[swaley]

Hi guys just wondered how strict assessors are on the use of proving units. I'd rather save the £60 but if need be will purchase one. Anyone recently had assesment with stroma who didn't use one?? Thanks

 

[Pete999]

Not sure of the ruling on this one Mate, if I was an assessor I would say a "Proving unit" is a must, this may cause an argument with some members I'm sure, why do I say a PU is a must? because you will always have a known supply to prove your voltage indicator.
I'm sure people will say you can always use the incommerto do this, what you do after the assessment is down to you and your work ethics, but for anassessment you couldn't be faulted for having one, if you can borrow one for the assessment all well and good, but for thr price you quote, imo it's better to be safe than sorry, I'll post this and wait for the multitude of people saying I'm wrong. Good luck for your assessment.

 

[snowhead]

You can't rely on the incomer to prove, it may be dead.

 

[MDJ]

A proving unit is essential IMO, however I doubt you will need one to keep Stroma happy.

 

[The Ghost]

I do my assessment with Stroma. Never used a proving unit just use a known live source. More to the point you do have a locking off kit, labels etc?

 

[swaley]

I do my assessment with Stroma. Never used a proving unit just use a known live source. More to the point you do have a locking off kit, labels etc?

I've just gone ahead and bought one now. Yes I have lock off kit. Cheers

 

[pirate]

Not sure I'd want to run down 3 flights of stairs to the incomers before and after each test...

 

[andyb]

I've never been aked for one, 12 years with the NIC and the last 3 years with Napit. Had my asessment on Thursday, never asked for a proving unit or to see my lock off kit.

 

[Pete999]

I've never been aked for one, 12 years with the NIC and the last 3 years with Napit. Had my asessment on Thursday, never asked for a proving unit or to see my lock off kit.

Just goes to show,doesn't it?

 

[Cadgey123]

I bought a Fluke one last week for my assessment.

When you have one you actually get in the rhythm of using it. Just go for it, it’s an investment for your safety

 

[Deleted member 105166]

I've never understood why the Fluke one is double the price of the two pole tester! The T110 always seems good value but the PRV240 comparatively rather expensive, for what's in it.

 

[peterhyper]

On my stroma assessment I was told I could use the incoming to prove voltage, which I agree isn't correct.

 

[1Justin]

I scarcely ever get mine out, there's nearly always a live source.
It's a Martindale one, and every time I do get it out, I'm reminded that it's really only capable of "proving" it's own inadequate design. - It can push about 3 mA, hence manages just 60 Volts into my Dilog Voltage indicator which has 18K input impedance. - Some sort of proof I guess.

 

[Nobbin]

It's an odd world.
You see the authorities laying down the rules and saying you need to do this, you need that.
But then, those same governing bodies never test to see if the rules are being obeyed.
So it's no surprise to see that people who have other peoples lives in their hands also don't see if the rules are being obeyed.
It's an odd world.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I cant see anything wrong with using a known live source. Stroma have always been happy with that (or rather each of the different assessors who come out from Stroma as they all have different ideas).

However, I bought a proving unit simply because sometimes it's a pain to find a live source, which means you may be inclined just to use the tester without first checking on a live source if you are tired, stressed etc. This way I can always have a quick check easily. Plus, it can be a bit stressful with the assessor there, so its good to make things a simple as possible. I think they are worth the buy.