Re: Insulation Resistence Testing

Re: Insulation Resistance Testing

This may seem like a stupid question, one that is probably abundantly clear, but it's baffling me. 

In a circuit where there is two way switching, the IR test requires that the switches need to be 'toggled. Therefore, the requirement to repeat the test.. Similarly with a circuit with intermediate switching, there is a requirement to operate the switches. 

What is confusing me, (and I have drawn out the wiring diagrams by hand and the various combinations) trying to understand,as to how the switches should be operated and tested. 

i.e with two way switching - IR test, alternate switch on one switch and test, and alternate the 2nd switch and test....or IR toggle both switches and test. 

 i am assuming that on the first test uncertainty exists and there is no way of knowing whether  the circuit is off/on.

Does it matter if the circuit is connected via 3 core system - common in domestic setting where there is a single strapper and permanent line (PL) and switched line (SL) are via l1 and l2 or if it connected via 2 strapper system with PL from switch A  com and Sl from Switch B  Com. 

From my wiring diagrams and tracing it - it seems that with the single strapper system and the two way strapper system - switching works differently and the electrical flow is different. 

How would it be done, combinations with the intermediate switching?

sorry for the   long question..but want to be clear  as to the process. 

Parents
  • I understand the rationale for the requirement to test prior and after load is connected. Very sensible, but it doesn’t square with current installation practice and I doubt if the practice will change to suit. 
    Some of you will know that I assess on the experienced worker scheme. I have been with candidates all over Ireland and occasionally on mainland UK. One Unit requires evidence of I and T. At a large industrial site south of London, which was extending production and storage space, the installation was at an advanced stage with all types of load and control systems connected, some even energised. I ask the candidate about the extent of inspection and testing he has been involved in, ‘oh, nothing to do with me, no testing done yet, the testing squad got held up on another job!” 

    That is typical of the larger contract. The one-man band seems to get closer to the specified IR requirements, but I have never come across any outfit following the procedure as detailed in 643.3.

    I don’t have any evidence that would quantify the consequences of ignoring parts of 643.3 that are logistically difficult, but I don’t like the idea of downright lies being embedded in certification or reporting documentation as almost accepted practice. Apart from anything else, the veracity of other parts of such documentation might  also be called into question. 

  • I don’t have any evidence that would quantify the consequences of ignoring parts of 643.3 that are logistically difficult, but I don’t like the idea of downright lies being embedded in certification or reporting documentation as almost accepted practice. Apart from anything else, the veracity of other parts of such documentation might  also be called into question. 

    100 %

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  • I don’t have any evidence that would quantify the consequences of ignoring parts of 643.3 that are logistically difficult, but I don’t like the idea of downright lies being embedded in certification or reporting documentation as almost accepted practice. Apart from anything else, the veracity of other parts of such documentation might  also be called into question. 

    100 %

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