industrial testing

[briwire]

This might be the wrong forum for this question, but I'm sure someone will know the answer.

I work in a large factory on maintenance, but I regularly have to provide supplies for new machines, usually involving 25mm SWA. Another regular job is to provide extra sockets or lights around the place.

In the past, the job has been done and assumed that there is a good earth, continuity, insulation etc. However as we all know these days a thorough test is required and the results documented and filed away for future reference.

I have pursuaded my manager to buy a top of the range Fluke tester and intend to start with any new jobs and perhaps test some that have been done recently.

Is there a standard form to fill in with the results or can I produce my own. I would like to make a purpose made form as the ones I have seen tend ot be more for domestic installations. Someone told me that so long as I have the information required, I can record them on anything. What exactly are the required parameters-ELI, PSC, any more?

I would like to include things like, are the banjo washers bonded to earth at both end?, is the cable identified at both ends with its source and destination, something that is a massive help in industry but isn't normally demanded on the forms that I have seen. Unless I have this on a form and ticked off, some of my fellow electricians won't do it.

Any ideas?

 

[Lectrician]

Look in the back of BS7671 (which your company should have a copy of!). There are model forms there which can be coppied or ammended for your own use.

You can buy NICEIC green forms, the EIC is for industrial and domestics.

New circuits should have a full 5 page (or more depending on submains) "Electrical Installation Cetificate"

Additions or alterations to circuits should have a 1 page "Minor Works Certificate".

Every 3 years in an industrial environment, you should have a Periodic Inspection Report produced. This can be staggered, some areas being tested one year, and others the next for example. If you have circuits that have recently been installed and certified, these would not require Period Testing until 3 years has lapsed.

You should try to get your employer to pay for a 2391 test and inspection course. These are usually done as night classes, 2 or 3 hours, one night a week for 6-8 weeks.

 

[ColJack]

the labeling of circuits is already on the tick sheet for the inspection.. it's under "identification" sub section d) identification of conductors

as for recorded values and making your own sheets, we have our own at work for recoding factory tests and site tests on the machines we make..

you need to record:

circuit description
protective device type, rating and short circuit capacity..
conductor size both live and cpc conductors
R1+R2 values or R2 on it's own
ring continuity
insulation resistance values phase to phase, and phase to earth..
polarity ( pass/fail )
earth loop impedance
rcd trip times ( if fitted )

for sub boards you also need to record PFC and Ze at origin..

 

[Spark123]

The IEE forms can be downloaded from here: http://www.theiet.org/publishing/wiring-regulations/forms/formspdf2.cfm
If there is an ongoing maintenance regime and records kept there is no need to carry out a 3 yearly PIR.

 

[RB2004]

Just a quick query, for this kind of job industrial working, if the person/ company has proper insurance, follows 17th edition regulations, has test equipment which is properly calibrated, and follows the relevant electrical safety requirements..

like in this topic, the person is working on the maintenance team doing electrical work.. and is planning on using the test equipment.

Does that mean if all criteria i have listed above is met the person can write out certificates without belonging to the NICEIC. As long as everything is tested and results recorded as being within safe tolerances?

I know domestic stuff requires belonging to NICEIC for the purposes of part P, but as i understand it, that doesnt apply to commercial installations.

 

[Spark123]

You don't need to belong to any competent person scheme in order to comply with BS7671. Part P does not cover industrial/commercial installations (unless they share the same supply as a domestic), however statutory documents like the Electricity at work regs and the Health and safety at work act do apply.