testing zs - EAWR

[electrifix]

on an eicr is it right or wrong to test for zs or is it putting us at unneccassary risk of shock ?? If the regs say we CAN calculate using Ze+(R1+R2)measurements taken during dead testing then SHOULD we?? ! anyone any clear cut answer on this 1??

 

[Des 56]

The way things are developing,the best way for electricians to avoid that nasty electric stuff, is to pack it all in and get a job with the H+S industry
They can then tell the rest of the practicing electricians how nasty that electric can be, and instruct you,don't you dare work with it

 

[Guest55]

Depends who is at risk in carrying out a Zs test.
Who's "us" ?

 

[Octopus]

Are you intending using your fingers or your tester to do the Zs?

 

[TPES]

I've always been told to measure R1+R2 and never calculate it, My assessor has said there's no problem in calculating Zs. Alot of people calculate R1+R2 especially on ring finals as its quicker.. But continuity of CPC is always Guaranteed with R1+R2

 

[Silly Sausage]

From EAWR...

Work on or near live conductors
14. No person shall be engaged in any work activity on or so near any live conductor (other than
one suitably covered with insulating material so as to prevent danger) that danger may arise unless–
(a) it is unreasonable in all the circumstances for it to be dead; and
(b) it is reasonable in all the circumstances for him to be at work on or near it while it is live;
and
(c) suitable precautions (including where necessary the provision of suitable protective
equipment) are taken to prevent injury.

and you follow GS38 for your test gear, I haven't got the slightest problem with Live testing.
Besides, how on earth can anyone be an electrician/tech/engineer without be able to Live test, utter nonsense.

 

[Strima]

I think this is a wind up from the Screwfix forum.

 

[trev]

There seems to be a bit of confusion coming through about testing and the correct procedures. If you follow the instructions given by your apprenticeship mentor/on the course you took to get into the industry/GN3 and use your head a little bit you can't go too far wrong.
So OK to ease everyone's mind, let's get rid of the whole idea of live testing. No more IR, Ze, live polarity etc etc then where does that leave us?
By virtue of our training we are supposed to be able to know how to handle electricity.

 

[Jimmy Boy]

I you use a Light Mate kit and not probes there is little risk,if you want to be ---- about it, turn the circuit off, connect the croc clip to the Earth point in the fitting and power the circuit up, power off to finish that eliminates the 'Live' bit lol

J

 

[stef]

on an eicr is it right or wrong to test for zs or is it putting us at unneccassary risk of shock ?? If the regs say we CAN calculate using Ze+(R1+R2)measurements taken during dead testing then SHOULD we?? ! anyone any clear cut answer on this 1??

I prefer measuring, more mistaks can be made by calculating it.
:furious3:

 

[Octopus]

on an eicr is it right or wrong to test for zs or is it putting us at unneccassary risk of shock ?? If the regs say we CAN calculate using Ze+(R1+R2)measurements taken during dead testing then SHOULD we?? ! anyone any clear cut answer on this 1??

I've seen aa couple of EICR's recently where the Ze + (R1+R2) is exactly the same as the Zs which suggests that the R1+R2 hasn't been dead tested at all.

 

[telectrix]

I you use a Light Mate kit and not probes there is little risk,if you want to be ---- about it, turn the circuit off, connect the croc clip to the Earth point in the fitting and power the circuit up, power off to finish that eliminates the 'Live' bit lol

J

and make sure to wear 1000V insulated gauntlets, full face protection, non-metallic steel toe-cap boots, fibreglass steps, have the paramedics standing by with a defibrillator, FFS. we're supposed to know the dangers and take reasonable steps to ensure our own safety. stick a finger in the hole.

 

[Jimmy Boy]

^ Tel I agree ! you know I hate all this dead testing bollox I was just trying to demonstrate that it can be done with almost zero risk

J

 

[hillbillie]

I've seen aa couple of EICR's recently where the Ze + (R1+R2) is exactly the same as the Zs which suggests that the R1+R2 hasn't been dead tested at all.

Or that the R1+R2 and Ze were measured and the Zs was calculated.

We are allowed to calculate Zs and we are also allowed to phone up the DNO to get a Ze. By calculating Zs you'll miss any parallel path influence on the result and phoning the DNO for a Ze will, most likely, get you a reading of 0.2 ohms for TN-C-S and 0.8 for TN-S, from the young lady in the call centre.

But the rules say we can do this.

 

[telectrix]

don't make me laugh. by phoning DNO, you will get some dolly bird filing her fingernails, her idea of earth is what she gets on her arse during a night of illicit sex with her baby sitter. if she can actually manage to presss the right button on the phone network to connect you to someone who speaks our language, after 40 minutesw of " hold" you get cut off.