Testing circuits for certs/PIR

[Blue Fox]

Hello all,

When doing a job like a c/u change when you test all the circuits do you remove all the plug socket faces and check behind them or do you just test from the front? The reason I ask is I've been removing every socket and lightswitch and ceiling rose cover and testing but the time this takes me is far longer than other people have quoted for jobs that I've seen mentioned on here before. I've been doing this for every job for example fitted a new socket in a kitchen and went round removing ecery socket cover. Am I doing a bit of over kill here or am I just slow?? Also if this isn't done on an EIC or minor works is it done on a periodic normally?

Thanks

 

[binky]

Wow that's far too keen, if you won't to earn 50p an hour carry on

PIRs are done on a sample basis (sample size increases if defects are found), but if you are doing a simp-le job like adding a socket, then I wouldn't go beyond R1+R2 / IR at CU, double check at new socket (looking for a difference to indicate if spur of spur) and Zs when finished. The only downside of testing through sockets is readings can be thrown off slightly and you quite often get a reading of 95ohm, to which the answer is jiggle test socket in and out a few times and do same to switch to get clean contacts.

 

[green-hornet]

I have to agree just do a sample, unless you discover faults.

I did a test today after fitting a new cu, end to end continuity was ok for the sockets, then I tested each socket in turn "every socket" and found one socket with no continuity, removing the socket the earth cables were unconnected, reconnected and got a r1+r2 of 0.35, job done customer happy I dicovered a fault and put it right.

 

[Tarpole]

When doing a CU change, you are adopting the circuits . You need to ensure they are electrically sound by testing the circuits for frc continuity, insulation res, then hot tests loop and rcd. A visual inspection for damage etc should be made and we dismantle 10%.

As it was pre energised there is no real point in R1 R2 testing. If on removing a couple of sockets there are real issues (no sleeving, gromits, loose cables) tell the customer they all need referbing and make a few quid more.

 

[Blue Fox]

Thanks for the replies guys, I've been doing R1+R2 at every socket and removing every socket face and checking for sleeving, grommits etc and tightness of the connections in the sockets!! No wonder testing takes me so long!! Think I'll start with removing 20% of faces and if I find faults increase it from there.

It all comes from a factory I used to work in where when we did panel maintenance we used to check the tightness of every single terminal in the panel which if its for a large machine then that could be quite a lot.

 

[elvis]

It is covered in the 'Extent and Limitations of the Inspection' section on your PIR certificate and is to be agreed with the client. I know this is a personal call but I was told when doing my inspection and testing that 10% was acceptable (unless the client specifically asked for more) and have always stuck to this.

Obviously if you find something that worries you during your visual inspection then you would need to rethink the amount of accessories that you wanted to inspect.

 

[green-hornet]

R1+R2 at each socket is a good working practice, this proves a continual link to earth.

Remember cables that are twisted together (like we used to do) still show an end to end continuity, however if they have come out of the socket earth lug that socket is no longer earthed! The most important part of any PIR in my view is the initial visual, you can learn so much from this, broken sockets, burning around outlets, bare wires the list goes on. Often overlooked in my opinion.

 

[ElectekAir]

maybe i am being stupid but if you change a C/U then you should do a EIC and not a periodic

 

[batty]

maybe i am being stupid but if you change a C/U then you should do a EIC and not a periodic

You only need to test earth fault loop at end or furthest point to ensure the device you are fitting will break circuit if there is a fault as you are changing tripping characteristics.

Batty

 

[Andy™]

maybe i am being stupid but if you change a C/U then you should do a EIC and not a periodic

your right, EIC for CU change. PIR before is optional

 

[green-hornet]

Some local authorities cover their asses here and request an eic for the cu change and a pir for the existing wiring. Mainly because they are ignorant.