Stroma Certification Scheme Stroma assessment coming up.

[Sean McD]

Morning all. Got my initial Stroma assessment coming up in a week or so. I’m guessing I’ll be verifying chosen circuits with dead & live tests. I’m tying myself up regarding my lighting circuit. The reason being, I’ve done all my loop in loop out etc at switch; this also includes extractor fan. When testing lights, would I need to take fan out of the wiring. I know it might seem a ‘thick as mince’ question, just after some tips, TIA.

 

[H]

Are they new installed circuits or existing?

 

[Midwest]

Can you not isolate it?

 

[westward10]

If you isolate it you are not testing the entire circuit. I doubt they will expect you to disconnect equipment unless they judge it to be susceptible to damage from the test which a fan should not be. Connect the line and neutral together at the board and test to earth.

 

[Sean McD]

Hi, it’s new install, and fan has isolator, I think I was just getting Uber muddled in my head.

 

[westward10]

What they want to see is that you can use test instruments in a safe manner and know how to interpret readings. They will not expect you to start pulling things apart to ditch equipment so line/neutral IR readings can be done you can ask the question if this is required but just say you are connecting line and neutral together at the board to prevent any possible damage to equipment. They will pick up pretty quickly if you know your testing and instruments, good luck.

 

[Sean McD]

Westward10, many thanks for that. Looking forward to getting it done; another marker achieved.

 

[FatAlan]

Elecsa had me open up a fan isolator to check the correct sleeving. Had to run through safe isolation, RFC tests and IR test on cooker radial as it is easy to isolate the cooker. Also had to do Ze at dB and Pfc Psc test. Checked PL PI insurance, health and safety / risk assessment recording, complaints procedure as well as wanting to see a copy of the EAWR. Templates for most of the documentation they require were pinged to me when I applied. Be interesting to see how this compares to Stroma?

 

[Midwest]

If you isolate it you are not testing the entire circuit. I doubt they will expect you to disconnect equipment unless they judge it to be susceptible to damage from the test which a fan should not be. Connect the line and neutral together at the board and test to earth.

Fair point.

Whenever I’ve tested my own wiring in such an install, the wiring to the fan etc would be tested, before connecting devices. That’s what I would be explaining to my assessor.

In my experiences being assessed that’s what they would do, ask you how you would carry out the tests. As to actually observe you carry out tests, they would normally do that for simpler radial or ring final circuits. Hence why I would always have an appropriate circuit ready for assessments, or a CU change. Makes life a bit easier for all concerned.

 

[Sean McD]

Midwest, yep agree. The planned circuits I have is an upstairs lighting one and upstairs radial at 32A on 4mm cable, all clipped direct and run through joists. Just seem to be doing that last minute ‘have I got it right?’. But greatly and I mean greatly appreciate all of your info and guidance.

 

[westward10]

The 4mm isn't contained in trunking is it?

 

[Sean McD]

No, not in trunking.

 

[Ian1981]

The 4mm isn't contained in trunking is it?

Rated maximum 30 amps is it not reference method B?

 

[Sean McD]

You’ve got me thinking now. Not got books to hand - reference method B would be.

 

[Midwest]

Midwest, yep agree. The planned circuits I have is an upstairs lighting one and upstairs radial at 32A on 4mm cable, all clipped direct and run through joists. Just seem to be doing that last minute ‘have I got it right?’. But greatly and I mean greatly appreciate all of your info and guidance.

You'll be asked to demonstrate tests on the radial. They aren't there to make life hard for anyone, and in a domestic situation, they also don't want to cause additional disruption to the property owner.