Testing Festoon lighting

[billygoat]

Hi Everyone.

I posted this in inspecting and testing but thought it would be better here

I'm a bit puzzled, I've been asked to install some temporary festoon lighting as part of a Christmas display in a public area. 31 separate displays of 30x25w lamps, 30M long 2 core with supplies from street furniture, they are going to be up from Dec 1st-early Jan

What certificate should I use when testing? I'm sure minor works doesn't cover this.

Thanks for your help as I'm sure one of you will know

Bill

Edit: I was going to delete the other thread but don't seem able to...sorry for the multiple posting

 

[patricklondon]

these would count as portable appliances

 

[Guest123]

I would say PAT also.

 

[billygoat]

Thanks for your replies
I would of thought that as it's a temporary electrical installation which is effectively a lighting circuit, if testing it as a portable appliance I will not have provision to record the operation times of the RCD's protecting each circuit, the cable is fixed outdoors rather than swinging freely, each circuit is 230V and protected by a 30mA RCD.

 

[patricklondon]

might come under the new special locations section in the regs for events then

 

[Phil Mumford]

You are supplying a double insulated appliance, effectively.

Why are you testing it?

Install a socket outlet and test that, then plug in and walk away. Maybe an RCD or even IP66 one ?

 

[japate]

Hi, Billygoat & Phil,

Thyese festoon lights fall into the portable appliances class and therefore they should be PAT tested and have a pass label attached - if they fali then they cannot be used.


Regarding RCD's - This is from the PAT testers forum:-

The new Code of Practice (IEE CoP for in-servie Inspection & Testng of Electrical Equipment) states

RCD Trip Time for Adapters and extension leads
This is a big change ! The new Code of Practice now recommends that if you have an extension lead with an RCD fitted or a standalone RCD adapter (the type that you use with the lawnmower) these should be tested to ensure that they trip within the time specified There are two types of check:

Basic RCD Check
The RCD should be checked for correct operation by plugging it in and switching it on and pressing the inbuilt test button.

Testing the RCD
In ADDITION to the basic check, it is RECOMMENDED that an RCD be tested with an RCD test instrument. This device must operate within the test times specified for for a residual operating test current of 30 milliamps.

What this means !
Basically in your arsenal of tools you should have an RCD tester check that if the RCD is to BS4293 it trips within 200ms. If the RCD is to BS EN 61008 it trips within 300ms.
Be Careful ! - if you check the RCD there is the potential to trip out the whole circuit if that too is protected by an RCD !
p.s the Primetest 200, 210, 220, 300 and 350 already have the RCD test built in.

Hope this helps,
Regards,
japate

 

[patricklondon]

hello japate, getting right stuck in on the first post i see. good stuff

 

[japate]

Thanks Patrick. Good knowledge is like manure - it has to spread about )

Regards
japate