Testing in working offices.

[BigSi]

Hi all.

I’ve been asked to carry out an inspection & test on an office building (possibly more later). I must admit I do most of my testing on new installations and EICR where circuits can be isolated or de-energized to begin with, so I’m a little unsure of how to go about it.

Because it’s a working office circuits can’t be isolated and disconnected (computers, network hubs, lighting, etc), so that limits the amount of test’s that can be performed safely on the circuits (Ze, IR, etc).

I was hoping that somebody who tests in these situations might be able to give me a few pointers as I don’t want to fill the test sheets up with LIM’s!

Many thanks.

 

[Paul.M]

Looks like night shifts or weekend when they are shut down, just charge accordingly.

 

[BigSi]

Unfortunately the work has to be done during the day.

 

[Engineer54]

Unfortunately the work has to be done during the day.

Then it's going to be a pretty worthless and therefore pointless EICR!!

 

[Paultrim123321]

We do a fair bit of EICR testing on active installations. A lot of pre planning and logistics are required prior to isolation of circuits for example break times/lunch times etc when DB''s could be isolated, early mornings or late afternoons if things are quieter. It's very much subjective as to how and when and each site we go to is very different. As far as tests we aim for 100% IR where possible, often at 250V where sensitive equipment etc cannot be removed or poor circuit identifications. 100% RCDs 100% ELIP were accessible, R2 and verifying bonding where accessible, Ring tests on all ring final ccts (excl R2 ring).

If your unable to isolate/test anything then make sure you document everything and the reasons and also take names of persons who refuse you permission to access or isolate DB's etc so you have come back.

We actually find our clients are very understanding as we have been carrying out inspections for them for over 20 years and understand the challenges.

Be willing to explain your reasons for demands in a rational and polite way and you'l be surprised how far you will get.

 

[SPARTYKUS]

LIM city here you come. You can only do what you can do!! Some jobs are "LIMITED", sounds like one of them.

as E54 says the EICR Will be of limited use but thats not your problem as long as you are up front with this detail.

 

[Dizzy_Maskell]

If it needs to be done then it needs to be done,
Either they want you test it or not ultimately turn it off simulate a power cut technically

 

[7029 dave]

Lotta lim then it will be, waste of time.

 

[Silly Sausage]

Lots of Zed esses though!

 

[markc123]

If its anything to do with a bank - flip the main switch and fk the computers.

The bonuses will cover the losses.

 

[plugsandsparks]

Would not even attempt it, what with poorly labelled DBs and the like, one way or another you are going to get stressed making sure you isolate the "right" cct. its an out of hours job, with servers backed up and IT bod on standby, other wise whats the point ?

 

[Badged01]

Sounds like a good little money earner!

The customer wont let you turn anything off so you go "Lim" mad, do next to no testing, write the cert up in 5 mins ('satisfactory' of course within "Lims") and charge your £500 commercial EICR fee.

Reckon you could get atleast 5 of them in a day if you dont have to drive too far between offices. Any inspection/testing jobs going for sub-contractors?

 

[BigSi]

Thanks guys for all the great help. I kind of knew the answer, but just wanted to get another opinion on the situation.

I won’t know the exact details until I turn up on the day, you never know, they might have a plan of isolation.......but I doubt it!

 

[ian.settle1]

When their insurance company asks for the test documents and they are shown the test documents and are asked why are the so many Lims and are told the answer their insurance premiums will not reduce more likely to go up.

 

[Badged01]

When their insurance company asks for the test documents and they are shown the test documents and are asked why are the so many Lims and are told the answer their insurance premiums will not reduce more likely to go up.

And should they have to make a claim due to any 'electrical' problems/issues there will be some downward cost settlement negotiations to be had!