This discussion is locked.
You cannot post a reply to this discussion. If you have a question start a new discussion

Zs, to test or calculate?

A large contractor working on our site have told me yesterday that it is their policy not to live test final circuits where they cannot use a plug? In order to reduce risk, they will now only calculate Zs, on circuits where they would have to open an enclosure, such as FCU's and light fittings.
The control measures we insist are in place, are IP2X equipment, GS38 leads, two man rule with second man having resus training, among others. So I feel the risk has been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable. An d my instinct tells me that a measured Zs reading must be more accurate than a calculated one, since it will include all parallel paths under test.
The contractor is happy to live test distribution circuits, so it seems they want to pick and choose.
They also state that this is how things are now, and have worked at many different sites, Cross Rail, Heathrow, various MOD sites etc, and that they al accept this as common practice.

I like some opinions to find out what's going on out there on other sites. 
Parents
  • I am not at all sure that this policy is in any way satisfactory. If a qualified electrician cannot safely test any part of a live circuit he is inadequately qualified for the testing job. This is simply a time saving idea, which may well deteriorate to no testing at all, because it is quicker. The proper completely safe procedure is as follows:


    Isolate the circuit. Connect your loop tester using suitable connectors clips or insert the leads into the connector, accessory or whatever live terminal and the other to earth. Energise the circuit. Test Zs and note the reading. Reverse the procedure to disconnect. If anyone can see how this is unsafe I should love to hear.


    You will never find faults by calculation. It is faults we are looking for, loose connections to earth conductors where the sleeving is trapped under the screw etc. One never knows the quality of the workmanship and such are common faults in new installations! Why calculate (presumably that is already done in the design) when a proper test is much better and will find real faults. Multiple paths cover up these faults and ARE NOT SAFE.




Reply
  • I am not at all sure that this policy is in any way satisfactory. If a qualified electrician cannot safely test any part of a live circuit he is inadequately qualified for the testing job. This is simply a time saving idea, which may well deteriorate to no testing at all, because it is quicker. The proper completely safe procedure is as follows:


    Isolate the circuit. Connect your loop tester using suitable connectors clips or insert the leads into the connector, accessory or whatever live terminal and the other to earth. Energise the circuit. Test Zs and note the reading. Reverse the procedure to disconnect. If anyone can see how this is unsafe I should love to hear.


    You will never find faults by calculation. It is faults we are looking for, loose connections to earth conductors where the sleeving is trapped under the screw etc. One never knows the quality of the workmanship and such are common faults in new installations! Why calculate (presumably that is already done in the design) when a proper test is much better and will find real faults. Multiple paths cover up these faults and ARE NOT SAFE.




Children
No Data