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Earth Continuity Test and Polarity Test following when replacing low voltage single phase fixed electrical equipment

Rob Bain
Hi all,

Would appreciate your thoughts on the need to undertake Earth Continuity tests and Polarity tests following replacement of single phase low voltage fixed electrical equipment such as tea boilers / heating pumps / immersion heaters etc, that are supplied either from a switched and/or fused connection unit or an isolator. The existing electrical supply cable is going to be re-used as the equipment being replaced will be like for like, so there is no increase in load, no requirement to undertake a design.

This enquiry has been put forward as it is anticipated that (some) engineers, who have a mechanical background but with limited electrical knowledge (safe isolation), would be able to carry out the replacement of certain items of plant once they have completed some competency training followed by assessment and sign off by the company's NIC EIC QS. 


Thanks in advance.

Rob
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    Zoomup:

    Also, simple things that we do automatically others may miss. Electricians try to "fill" terminals with the copper conductor by either doubling over the solid copper wire or twisting and doubling over strands of flex before inserting into electrical terminals. I have seen others just push wire flex strands into terminals parallel, some strands just find themselves not securely gripped by the screw as they are positioned either side of it, others break off and serve no purpose. The terminal can then run hot. Simple fails often cause trouble for the partially experienced.




    Back in the day (1980s) it probably was considered good practice to twist the ends of a ring together (and the whole CPC in one sheath). I distinctly remember raising this point during my training and the response was that twisting the ends (particularly with a pair of pliers) could fracture them.


    I can see the sense of that, but I have also experienced CPCs failing to be gripped by an accessory (or at least a poor quality one). The solution, if that is the householder's choice, is IMHO to make a lazy twist.


    Personally, at home, I'd stick with the known reputable brands.

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  • 0

    Zoomup:

    Also, simple things that we do automatically others may miss. Electricians try to "fill" terminals with the copper conductor by either doubling over the solid copper wire or twisting and doubling over strands of flex before inserting into electrical terminals. I have seen others just push wire flex strands into terminals parallel, some strands just find themselves not securely gripped by the screw as they are positioned either side of it, others break off and serve no purpose. The terminal can then run hot. Simple fails often cause trouble for the partially experienced.




    Back in the day (1980s) it probably was considered good practice to twist the ends of a ring together (and the whole CPC in one sheath). I distinctly remember raising this point during my training and the response was that twisting the ends (particularly with a pair of pliers) could fracture them.


    I can see the sense of that, but I have also experienced CPCs failing to be gripped by an accessory (or at least a poor quality one). The solution, if that is the householder's choice, is IMHO to make a lazy twist.


    Personally, at home, I'd stick with the known reputable brands.

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