Anybody notice the changes to 643.7.1 and 643.8 when it comes to RCD testing. In the note it says that "Regardless of the RCD type, effectiveness is deemed to have been verified where an RCD disconnects with in the time stated below with an alternating current test rated at residual operating current I△n"
So the minimum requirement is to set your instrument to RCD type AC and carry out the test even if you have a Type A or Type B RCD.
Twenty years ago I was taught not to test RCDs rated at more than 30 mA at five times the test current, because it is not required and it would be at least half an amp (5 x 100 mA = half an amp) which too dangerous to put into the earthing system, I was also taught to do an earth loop impedance test before the RCD test to ensure the touch voltage would not be exceeded, particularly important in the days before test meters would abort the test if the touch voltage would be too high.
So, going back to the original post, to test Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment we need a testing adapter to mimic an EV under charge to activate the output, but we can use a twenty year old RCD tester to test the RCD and don't actually need the very latest all singing and dancing tester that injects DC current?
I wasn't sure if to put the question mark at the end of that paragraph, I think it is a statement rather than a question.
I think that is correct, assuming the EVSE adaptors from the likes of Metrel, Megger, Kewtech etc can be used with any MFT. My trusty Fluke 1653B may still have a few more years left.
Although I am sure the manufactures would rather we splashed out on a new "18th Edition" MFT and EVSE adapter as a set.
o, going back to the original post, to test Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment we need a testing adapter to mimic an EV under charge to activate the output, but we can use a twenty year old RCD tester to test the RCD and don't actually need the very latest all singing and dancing tester that injects DC current?
Correct, a test for the AC characteristics (1/2 x and 1x) is all that is recommended ... this is per BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 and clearly stated in the 9th Ed (2022) of GN3 ... and the test for 1x recorded ... this is clearly stated in 9th Ed (2022) of GN3.
BUT
Question ... test button before test, or afterwards?
o, going back to the original post, to test Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment we need a testing adapter to mimic an EV under charge to activate the output, but we can use a twenty year old RCD tester to test the RCD and don't actually need the very latest all singing and dancing tester that injects DC current?
Correct, a test for the AC characteristics (1/2 x and 1x) is all that is recommended ... this is per BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 and clearly stated in the 9th Ed (2022) of GN3 ... and the test for 1x recorded ... this is clearly stated in 9th Ed (2022) of GN3.
BUT
Question ... test button before test, or afterwards?
"Question ... test button before test, or afterwards?"
I would say afterwards, for the following reasons, it is functional test, functional tests are one of the last tests in BS7671. The tests are in that sequence for a reason.
Also on an ECIR an instrument test first would give you an indication if the occupant has been doing the 6 monthly tests.
"Question ... test button before test, or afterwards?"
I would say afterwards, for the following reasons, it is functional test, functional tests are one of the last tests in BS7671. The tests are in that sequence for a reason.
Also on an ECIR an instrument test first would give you an indication if the occupant has been doing the 6 monthly tests.
Only the tests in 643.2 to 643.6 (main dead tests). are to be carried out in order (643.1). The other tests are not necessarily in order (also see 643.1, as 643.7.2 Earth electrode Tests to be carried out before enerzation, i.e. where RCDs are used for ADS 643.7.1 must be carried out after earth electrode 643.7.2).
So it's clear the order of the other tests are not in order ... but GN3 recommend EFLI before RCD tests, which is 643.7.3
So, yes I agree that pushing the test button comes in 643.10, but I definitely don't agree that BS 7671 requires RCD tests to be done before pushing the test button.
The 8th Edition (2018) of GN3 didn't give an indication of whether the test button should be pressed before or after tripping time testing.
The 9th Edition (2022) of GN 3 does ... see response ebee's post below.
Hi, I thought the test button HAD to be operated afterwards on an EICR, as you are testing it as you initially found it, not after ‘repairs’. I.e resetting a sticky RCD. Just a note too, that OZEV wanted proof of my Metrel tester 18th edition, by photo, before they would enrol me. Thanks
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