Regular Calibration

[rob121]

Just browsing through my NIC application pack and came across a leaflet regarding instrument accuracy. It taks about having to have the meter formally calibrated preferably by a UKAS accredited company etc, but also goes on to say that they must have more frequent checks by designated socket outlet, check box etc.

I only had my tester calibrated in June, so does that mean I have to go and buy a check box or is this just referring to using a check box and having it formally calibrated every 2 years?

It also says about checking the efl on a designated socket in the contractors office. Well if your on a TT system surely this is going to change according to time of year (ground being wet/dry) or if your on a TN system surely the readings change over time?

Anyway just thought I would check seen as my assessment will be coming up shortly. Seen as it only says FREQUENTLY and not a specific amount of time I might just tell him im doing it quarterly using a friends checkbox.

Cheers

Rob

 

[yellowvanman]

Whatever you do keep a record.

I made my own check box up using resistors across a range to test continuity readings and insulation. Test ELFI on same socket in the garage. Try and do it monthly.

I know one highly respected guy who deliberately uses loose resistors, making some jkind of point to someone!

 

[Engineer54]

Why would you pay upto a 1000 quid for a good MFT and then not bother checking it's ongoing accuracy?? I'm all for knowing that my test equipment is giving me accurate results when i'm testing. It's a pretty pointless exercise, undertaking any form of testing, if your not sure in your own mind, that the results your achieving may or may not be accurate!!! Get your self a decent check box for your own peace of mind, let alone the official test report sheets that your putting/signing your name too...

 

[Goody]

Just browsing through my NIC application pack and came across a leaflet regarding instrument accuracy. It taks about having to have the meter formally calibrated preferably by a UKAS accredited company etc, but also goes on to say that they must have more frequent checks by designated socket outlet, check box etc.

I only had my tester calibrated in June, so does that mean I have to go and buy a check box or is this just referring to using a check box and having it formally calibrated every 2 years?

It also says about checking the efl on a designated socket in the contractors office. Well if your on a TT system surely this is going to change according to time of year (ground being wet/dry) or if your on a TN system surely the readings change over time?

Anyway just thought I would check seen as my assessment will be coming up shortly. Seen as it only says FREQUENTLY and not a specific amount of time I might just tell him im doing it quarterly using a friends checkbox.

Cheers

Rob

I have bought a "Resistance Check Box" from ebay and kept a record of the readings for the previous three months and the assessor had a look at it and seemed well pleased, in fact he didn't even ask me for the calibration certificate. Best of luck!

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Hi rob, you may like to read the earlier thread for additional information, particularly my post #6.
DIY meter calibration

 

[rob121]

Why would you pay upto a 1000 quid for a good MFT and then not bother checking it's ongoing accuracy?? I'm all for knowing that my test equipment is giving me accurate results when i'm testing. It's a pretty pointless exercise, undertaking any form of testing, if your not sure in your own mind, that the results your achieving may or may not be accurate!!! Get your self a decent check box for your own peace of mind, let alone the official test report sheets that your putting/signing your name too...

For that exact reason, I have just spent a lot of money on a testers-building notices-NIC fee and everything else. Yes I will definately get one when im up and running and hopefully getting some money coming back in but my concern was that the assessor will want to see one straight away. Think I will order that checkbox from test4less. Atleast then it shows im making an effort to ensure its accuracy.

Thanks for the responses!

Rob

 

[MarkieSparkie]

The best test box currently is the Megger MTB7671 which actively measures the output of the tester and confirms if it is within the limits prescribed by BS7671 and BS EN61557, as well checking the readings. Testing the output voltage and current of the tester is so important because if it's low the circuit under test will not be stressed sufficiently and any readings obtained will be unreliable.

 

[Goody]

For that exact reason, I have just spent a lot of money on a testers-building notices-NIC fee and everything else. Yes I will definately get one when im up and running and hopefully getting some money coming back in but my concern was that the assessor will want to see one straight away. Think I will order that checkbox from test4less. Atleast then it shows im making an effort to ensure its accuracy.

Thanks for the responses!

Rob

I would rather spend a few hundred quids now on one of these, Fluke 1653 17th edition installation tester | eBay rather than having to re-take the assessment.

Edited: may be I didn't read your post properly! :drool5: