Test and inspection of industrial premise

[gazroberts]

From the questions you are asking, it doesn't sound like you have any industrial experience-do you know anyone with industrial experience that can help you?

It's often the case on larger installations where the 'leg' from the DB will be a higher CSA before gradually reducing to allow for volt drop etc. as long as the protective device is rated to suit the lowest CSA then there is no code (why would there be?)

GN3:-

1.2 Required competence
The inspector carrying out the inspection and testing of any electrical
installation must, as appropriate to his or her function, have a sound
knowledge and experience relevant to the nature of the installation being
inspected and tested, and BS 7671 and other relevant technical standards.
The inspector must also be fully versed in the inspection and testing
procedures and employ suitable testing equipment during the inspection
and testing process.

Not 'having a go' but you are being paid for your expertise and experience.

I have only every done indusrial, from pat testing to panel building, plc programming or installation never house bashed. just been asked to a inspection on one of the 5 factories I look after and I wanted to make sure I am not being too harsh on some of the faults i am finding. most of them are codes 1, or 2's for example 30Amp fuse wire in a 15 amp carrier or 2 X 100A fuse wires in a 100Amp carrier or borrowed neutrals, box lids / trunking lids missing, just wanted to clear up one or 2 things.

 

[gazroberts]

never did the HNC just ONC. I would like to the HNC myself

 

[IQ Electrical]

I have only every done indusrial, from pat testing to panel building, plc programming or installation never house bashed. just been asked to a inspection on one of the 5 factories I look after and I wanted to make sure I am not being too harsh on some of the faults i am finding. most of them are codes 1, or 2's for example 30Amp fuse wire in a 15 amp carrier or 2 X 100A fuse wires in a 100Amp carrier or borrowed neutrals, box lids / trunking lids missing, just wanted to clear up one or 2 things.

Remember a code 1 is an immediate danger (think exposed live parts etc.)

 

[gazroberts]

C&G 1, 2 and C certificate and ONC in electrical engineering, 16th edition and 17th update, test and inspection 2391, pat testing, Compex Ex1 - 4 and a 50 meter swimming badge. I have only ever done industrial.

oh and HV switching

 

[gazroberts]

Remember a code 1 is an immediate danger (think exposed live parts etc.)

Like i said box lids missing

 

[johnboy6083]

A box lid missing would more than likely be a code 2 or 3. It's not a 1 as you could shove your fingers in there, and you would be in no particular danger. By having no box lid on, there is an increased danger that the installation could be damaged, and become a code 1.

 

[gazroberts]

A box lid missing would more than likely be a code 2 or 3. It's not a 1 as you could shove your fingers in there, and you would be in no particular danger. By having no box lid on, there is an increased danger that the installation could be damaged, and become a code 1.

you definitely would be in danger as they are at waist height with 400V in choc blocks and no lid.

 

[johnboy6083]

Is that dangerous, or do choc blocks meet the definition of ip2x? I don't think the British standard test finger would light up.
this is my opinion, but I'd probably give it a code 2, rather than 1. I would replace the lid whilst I was on site too.

 

[gazroberts]

old imperial conduit and the screws are BA so gonna pick some up tomorrow, that has to be a code 1

 

[Deleted member 72666]

Just out of interest, how are you managing to do all this with all that asbestos lying around in the dist. boards?

 

[Deleted member 72666]

old imperial conduit and the screws are BA so gonna pick some up tomorrow, that has to be a code 1

Failing that you could always run a M5 tap down them and use metric screws(M5).

 

[gazroberts]

Just out of interest, how are you managing to do all this with all that asbestos lying around in the dist. boards?

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a33.pdf or hold your breath when you pull them out

 

[Deleted member 72666]

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a33.pdf or hold your breath when you pull them out

Well in that case you'll be 'cutting out' all the affected boards and replacing with new and that will involve a complete rewire to current BS7671! Somehow I don't think it'll happen as it's such a major change. Just be careful and take a look at the bigger picture because doing what you are doing not only puts you in danger but others too from the 'disturbed' asbestos.

 

[gazroberts]

Well in that case you'll be 'cutting out' all the affected boards and replacing with new and that will involve a complete rewire to current BS7671! Somehow I don't think it'll happen as it's such a major change. Just be careful and take a look at the bigger picture because doing what you are doing not only puts you in danger but others too from the 'disturbed' asbestos.

im not saying that i am doing like this, i thought you wanted some info for your self. how would you go about the asbestos issue, refuse to test or dust mask/paper suite and dispose of the correctly? 3 of factories i work at are old and have all these type fuses so i deal with them on a daily weekly basis and 2 are new (10 year old factories so all mcbs. My boss who is the maintenance manager is trying to push for a complete rewire, which is what i want as well as its me that works on / maintains them. This is why i asked some of the question i have asked, the asbestos issue could help our case even more. the company are doing quite well at the moment and seem to be spending a bit of money, so now is a good time to bring it up with higher management.

 

[Deleted member 72666]

im not saying that i am doing like this, i thought you wanted some info for your self. how would you go about the asbestos issue, refuse to test or dust mask/paper suite and dispose of the correctly? 3 of factories i work at are old and have all these type fuses so i deal with them on a daily weekly basis and 2 are new (10 year old factories so all mcbs. My boss who is the maintenance manager is trying to push for a complete rewire, which is what i want as well as its me that works on / maintains them. This is why i asked some of the question i have asked, the asbestos issue could help our case even more. the company are doing quite well at the moment and seem to be spending a bit of money, so now is a good time to bring it up with higher management.

Sorry! It does read back like I'm telling you what to do when in fact I was trying to bring the subject to the fore as I face the exact same problems. I am also an electrical engineer who is responsible for the electrical maintenance of production machinery and fixed wiring. We too have a few of these old boards on site and although like you have been on an Asbestos awareness course I'm still a little confused as what to do when it comes to testing and indeed what to do when a fuse blows due to say overload conditions, do we just repair the fuse (kitted out in the correct disposables and masks...which is the method I currently use) or do we replace the dist. board which will require every cct. on that board to comply with the current version of BS7671? I know the correct thing to do would be to go down the refurb route but it would be very impractical to do so.
I will have to inspect and test these eventually but have been saving them until last but I've managed to keep the insurance peeps happy for the time being by having a thermo graphics survey done, but just like in your case I think these old installations will fall at the IR tests.

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im not saying that i am doing like this, i thought you wanted some info for your self. how would you go about the asbestos issue, refuse to test or dust mask/paper suite and dispose of the correctly? 3 of factories i work at are old and have all these type fuses so i deal with them on a daily weekly basis and 2 are new (10 year old factories so all mcbs. My boss who is the maintenance manager is trying to push for a complete rewire, which is what i want as well as its me that works on / maintains them. This is why i asked some of the question i have asked, the asbestos issue could help our case even more. the company are doing quite well at the moment and seem to be spending a bit of money, so now is a good time to bring it up with higher management.

Sorry! It does read back like I'm telling you what to do when in fact I was trying to bring the subject to the fore as I face the exact same problems. I am also an electrical engineer who is responsible for the electrical maintenance of production machinery and fixed wiring. We too have a few of these old boards on site and although like you have been on an Asbestos awareness course I'm still a little confused as what to do when it comes to testing and indeed what to do when a fuse blows due to say overload conditions, do we just repair the fuse (kitted out in the correct disposables and masks...which is the method I currently use) or do we replace the dist. board which will require every cct. on that board to comply with the current version of BS7671? I know the correct thing to do would be to go down the refurb route but it would be very impractical to do so.
I will have to inspect and test these eventually but have been saving them until last but I've managed to keep the insurance peeps happy for the time being by having a thermo graphics survey done, but just like in your case I think these old installations will fall at the IR tests.