Checking Earth is actually earthed!
- Thread starter DarrenSL
- Start date
The only proper way to test it is to take a reading with an earth fault loop impedance tester.
A volt meter would give a crude idea, but you can get a reading of 230V between live and a wall or floor. I wouldn't rely on them to clear a fault.
A volt meter would give a crude idea, but you can get a reading of 230V between live and a wall or floor. I wouldn't rely on them to clear a fault.
An EFLI test will verify if there's a path to earth, not necessarily by the cpc, for example, parallel earth paths via water or gas bonds though supplementary bonding and cpc's connected together in 2 gang switches for upstairs and downstairs lighting.
The only way to check you have a continuous cpc would be to perform a R1+R2 test correctly.
The only way to check you have a continuous cpc would be to perform a R1+R2 test correctly.
And a Ze in isolation
To prove an incoming earth, absolutely.
I assumed the OP was talking about a CPC, was he actually talking about an incoming earth to the property?
Doing an R1+R2 would prove continuity, but wouldn't prove it is actually earthed, unless you tested Ze in isolation.
Not entirely clear what the OP is trying to acheive, but I reckon R1+R2 and Zs for each circuit, and Ze should cover it.
Not entirely clear what the OP is trying to acheive, but I reckon R1+R2 and Zs for each circuit, and Ze should cover it.
Well guys, you've complete lost me there 
Reason for the question is that I live in the house that jack built and it seems every time I do a job I find something more to worry me. I've just found out that I don't appear to have continuity in the ring circuit (i.e. only one side live). That's wrong innit? The house is about 30yo.
Other things I have come across are diagonally laid wiring in the walls, copper wire for a lighting fuse and random earth wires burried in the plaster (no idea where they lead to!).
The reason for the earth check is purely for my piece of mind rather than a thorough investigation but if your saying that's what I need then I'll get someone in to check it over.
Thanks again.
Reason for the question is that I live in the house that jack built and it seems every time I do a job I find something more to worry me. I've just found out that I don't appear to have continuity in the ring circuit (i.e. only one side live). That's wrong innit? The house is about 30yo.
Other things I have come across are diagonally laid wiring in the walls, copper wire for a lighting fuse and random earth wires burried in the plaster (no idea where they lead to!).
The reason for the earth check is purely for my piece of mind rather than a thorough investigation but if your saying that's what I need then I'll get someone in to check it over.
Thanks again.
Darren, it would be an idea to get a competent electrician to carry out a PIR (Periodic Inspection Report). This will (or should) highlight the current state of your installation and any repairs that are needed.
That could depend on a few things. A company may just put a day against the testing and creating the report meaning anywhere from £120 to £200 and upwards
Others may charge per circuit.
Others may charge per circuit.
K
kai
Is your earth connected to the right hand side of the mains service fuse block? (that big black thing next to the meter, containing a large fuse between 60-100 amps for a house).
Or is it connected to the outer covering of the mains service cable, through a thin wire lead?
Or is it connected to the outer covering of the mains service cable, through a thin wire lead?
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