DIY testing without spending a fortune?

[NewOrder]

I have recently replaced a couple of sockets and added a couple to my workshop bench wired in as an extension lead (using 1.5mm flex).

While they work fine what is the best way to test these? I've double check the wiring is all correct etc but I would be happier knowing they are completely safe.

I have a portable Oscilloscope/multimeter (one of the http://www.rapidonline.com/buy/products/43361-uni-t-ut81b-series-scope-digital-multimeter.htm ) which cost around £200 but I use for testing computer equipment.

Is there any way I can do things like check the quality of the earth loop with this?

I have a very basic socket tester but all that does is tell me its wired up correctly.

 

[echoes]

Something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/robin-dig..._Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item3f0ebccd25

...would allow you to test Insulation resistance at 500V, and loop impedances easily. By no means top of the range, but good for occasional DIY use.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

You need to splash out on an MFT.
They are not cheap but you can get lucky on ebay.
or go for separates
worth a watch

 

[Geps]

Are you talking about a one off? If so just hire the kit....I think the price ranges from about £25-50 per week.

 

[NewOrder]

Hiring the kit will be the best option, still working on the workshop a I think the mains stuff is all done now but will double check tomorrow and then hire it.

Do I get it from HSS type places?

Also how complicated is this equipment to use? I am thinking I would need to post the results on here.

I am not in anyway a spark but seen plenty of pictures on here and I never want to be the person that makes one of those mistakes.

I am thinking if I hired it I would test the entire ring main and get a spark in if any of the results are bad.

I tend to do the odd bit of electrical work every couple of years, but its usually nothing more than replacing a switch or light fitting. I don't touch anything in the consumer unit etc.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

This may help?
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/8.1.1.htm
As far as hiring the equipment, do a bit of online searching and see if you can find somewhere local.
Where do you live JoyD?
If you don't mind me asking?

 

[NewOrder]

I am in Manchester.

How much of a learning curve is it? I don't mind spending a few hours learning it but there is no point on spending weeks learning it as it would be cheaper to get a proper PIR done .

It is not really to test any new circuits but just to test sockets and the ring main which has not been tested since 1980.

The testing won't comply by the book either, for example I already know there are cables buried in the wall with no RCD protection, but that was done over 30 years ago. It will need RCD at some point, but we know it is there and it is safe in that regard.

What I don't know is safe is in the ring main (is it still even a ring?) or have any idea of the quality of the earth these are the sort of things I want to test as well as stuff like leakage.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

It's easier testing new circuits, you will find with older circuits, that they have been messed about with and altered that much that all sorts of problems will be found.
Not done PIR on job yet were something has not cropped up.
Testing is not that simple if you don't know what you are testing for and the results to expect from the tests.
It may be a good idea all things considered having the PIR done by an electrician, it's going to take your time and the expense of hiring the equipment. You'll need to be fully versed on the form filling to.
Testing is not that easy, if you were a few miles closer over the Pennines, I would have given you a crash course.

 

[NewOrder]

As far as I am aware it should all be original but some circuits have been bodged/messed about with.

1980:-
1 ring main
2 light circuits
1 immersion heater circuit
1 electric cooker circuit

When we had the heating put in in the early 80's the the immersion heater circuit was dead. The electric cooker was circuit is from the 1970's (wasn't rewired) and now powers 1 double socket and the central heating time via FCU. I suspect this circuit could through up lots of problems.

The ring main is completely original with no spurs added, I have converted all the singles on it to doubles though.

The alarm power is powered from the downstairs lighting circuit but not sure where it gets its power from, I know only that as the alarm goes off if I remove the downstairs lights fuse - this could through up issues.

Of course the earth is likely to be of poor quality. All I really wanted to is test the sockets I have put in, but from there it got me thinking what if the original ring main is faulty?

 

[Geps]

I have to ask....as it seems that you've so many other safety issues with your house electrics I don't see why you're so keen to test the new sockets so thoroughly

 

[NewOrder]

I have to ask....as it seems that you've so many other safety issues with your house electrics I don't see why you're so keen to test the new sockets so thoroughly

No issues at all of what I am aware off, just keen do things at a high standard, but it seems this is the major limit of DIY, it doesn't matter how good quality the wiring is, we can't do proper testing without major understanding or expense.

Just a big interest of mine . My first word I ever said was apparently "light".

The sockets I put in today are actually just extension leads, I need the socket to power laptops as it got too messy with all the trailers everywhere. The sockets are mounted to a back board on a workshop next I made.

Replaced all the original 1980 sockets as they didn't have switches on them and a few of them were cracking. Also converted single for doubles.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

You must have a good understanding of test procedures, if you really are considering testing circuits in your property.
Are you aware that an IR test can be harmful to vulnerable equipment on your circuits if the equipment is not either disconnected or linked out and also things such as neon indicators on circuits can throw up false readings.

 

[NewOrder]

You must have a good understanding of test procedures, if you really are considering testing circuits in your property.
Are you aware that an IR test can be harmful to vulnerable equipment on your circuits if the equipment is not either disconnected or linked out and also things such as neon indicators on circuits can throw up false readings.

Been reading some of the link you posted out of interest Wasn't aware but I am now.

I used to be a hobbyist (low voltage electrical circuits) when I was a teenager and before I discovered punk music and night clubs and now an IT technician but that is my limits to testing, it is all DC and very difficult to mains electric.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I tend to do the odd bit of electrical work every couple of years, but its usually nothing more than replacing a switch or light fitting. I don't touch anything in the consumer unit etc.

Are you sure that will never change over the rest of your life?