PIR testing

[Markey]

Is anyone able to detail what tests are performed in a PIR, or have a link to some more info?

eg earth loop impedance testing

Thanks

 

[securespark]

Why?

 

[GaryMo]

Guidance Notes 3

 

[Markey]

Why?

Because i am interested in the subject and would like to learn more.

thanks for the link GaryMo

 

[sparkiedave]

It would be hell of a post to cover everything, so, a very quick run through, Ze, PSSC, PFC at the consumer unit, R1+R2 of each circuit, insulation resistance of either each circuit individually or the whole installation in one go, ring circuit continuity for any ring circuits, then max Zs for each circuit, plus of course checking for main bonding, labelling, correct protective devices, testing of any RCDs (7 tests for each), these aren't in the right order, think that's about it though!

 

[Spark123]

Thats is the testing! Don't forget the inspection first

 

[sparkiedave]

that's the checking for labelling, correct protective devices bonding etc bit though, far too big a subject to cover in a post, and of course, PAT testing of the kettle is a must, including functional testing!!

 

[Spark123]

It the bit where you gasp and suck air in through your teeth and say that isn't right! Those live cables shouldn't be poking out of the wall, there shouldn't be holes in those accessories, cables are meant to go inside the conduit, that looks rusty, normal sockets aren't suitable for outdoors, you are meant to have fuse wire in fuse holders etc etc etc.

Had one today trying to figure out why part of an industrial site was without power, looks like the birds nest on top of the fused isolator had gotten in, bird poop and water got into the isolator and it exploded into flames, took out the 315A fuses in the switchroom upstream. Nice mess for someone to sort on monday - not me though

 

[sparkiedave]

my usuall one is "which dopey t##t did this?, only to find it was the customer
Which part of Cumbria are you from?
I'm at Ulverston

 

[Pensdown]

It would be hell of a post to cover everything, so, a very quick run through, Ze, PSSC, PFC at the consumer unit, R1+R2 of each circuit, insulation resistance of either each circuit individually or the whole installation in one go, ring circuit continuity for any ring circuits, then max Zs for each circuit, plus of course checking for main bonding, labelling, correct protective devices, testing of any RCDs (7 tests for each), these aren't in the right order, think that's about it though!

I would love to know how you carry out some of the above tests without dismantling the installation - which you should not do when carrying out a Periodic Inspection and Report.

 

[Spark123]

my usuall one is "which dopey t##t did this?, only to find it was the customer
Which part of Cumbria are you from?
I'm at Ulverston

Are you in denial - everyone from Ulverston says it is in Lancashire
I'm from Millom but don't work for myself thankfully!
I love saying that too - which muppet is responsible for that!

 

[Taylortwocities]

ESC has a handy plain person's guide to PIRing

http://www.esc.org.uk/pdfs/business-and-community/electrical-industry/BPG4_08.pdf

But for the pro then Guidance Note 3 is the kiddie.

Mind you (and IMHO) anyone doing PIRs should have a very well-thumbed copy of GN3 on the bedside table.

 

[GaryMo]

Mind you (and IMHO) anyone doing PIRs should have a very well-thumbed copy of GN3 on the bedside table.

Along with Professional Indemnity Insurance.

 

[securespark]

It would be hell of a post to cover everything

That's why I asked why!!

I was trying to pin down what you wanted in order to formulate a more succinct answer...

 

[Markey]

thanks for the replies guys, i will go and grab a copy of GN3 by the looks of it