PERFORM ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION TESTING

UNIT CODE: ENG/OS/EI/CR/02/4/A

DURATION:

Learning outcome
1. Conduct physical inspection
2. Identify the test to be carried out and test equipment
3. Perform the test
4. Issue installation test and wiring certificates

UNIT DESCRIPTION

✓ Carrying/coduct out physical inspection

o carry out Visual inspection

o Identify Fitting points and equipment as per as-built drawings
o check Physical condition of the installation as per established standards
o check Firmness of the installation as per the established standards
✓ identifying tests to be carried out and the test equipment

o identify the installation to be tested per established standards

o identified test points as per established standards
o identify test parameters and their expected values as per established standards
o Appropriate test equipment is identified as per the tests to carried out
o Check test equipment for appropriate specifications and functionality
o Test equipment is prepared and stored for safe and easy access in accordance with
established procedure
✓ performing the tests and issuing certificates.

o Test sequence procedure is decided based on the test standards

o Safety precautions are adhered to as per OSHA
o Additional precaution is observed on the installation in hazardous environment as per
EHS standard
o Tests are carried out in line with the IEE regulations
o Test results are recorded and compared with standards values

✓ Issue installation test results and wiring completion certificates

o Test certificate is issued to the relevant parties
o Wiring certificate is issued to the relevant parties

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CHAPTER 6: PERFORM TESTING OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

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 6.2.1 Learning Outcome 1: Conduct Physical Inspection
Introduction to the learning outcome
content of competencies required to carry out Visual inspection
✓ checking of physical condition- check physical condition of the installation
✓ Firmness- check how firm is the installation by checking the accessories
✓ Fitting points of the installation identify the fitting point as per the diagram
✓ Identify standards established procedures as per as-built drawings.
Definitions of terms
Inspection. Examination of an electrical installation using all available means to
ascertain correct selection and proper installation of electrical equipment.
Inspection and Testing
Periodic inspection and testing of internal wiring installations is necessary. Internal
wiring should be checked every year for safe operations.
Point to check while carrying out inspection and testing
a) Incoming Service Line termination
Check and ensure the following:
1. Service line coming in to the premises is properly terminated and brought in
2. Check for fuse wire rating on each of the phases so as to ensure it is of correct rating
3. Check for wire sizes to be of correct size to carry the required current
4. Check for Earthing to be properly maintained at the service line side
Main Switch Board
Check to ensure the following
a) The main switch board should be closer to the point of supply
b) Breakers and fuses
c) Check for correct ON/OFF working of Main Switch. Incase of emergency /
repairs. It should always be in good working condition.
d) Check for any mechanical faults in switching operations that might cause it
to remain continuously in ON state. This may be problematic in emergency cases
when the electrician wants to switch the supply off
e) Switch board assembly should well covered to protect against rain / weather
conditions
f) Inspect to trace neutral and earth in diff colours
g) Inspect the electricity meter connections are properly fastened
Internal Wiring Circuits
Internal Wiring Circuits are to be checked for following points:
i. each circuit should not carry more than 800 watts
ii. Test for Insulation resistance of conductor and earth per IEC specifications
iii. Electrical resistance from connection with Earth electrode should not be more
than one ohm
iv. properly earth metallic covering of iron clad switches, distribution
v. Test that that leakage current is less than 1/5,000 of maximum supply current.

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 General Content Inspection Checklist
1. Connection of conductors: Are terminations electrically and mechanically sound? Is
insulation and sheathing removed only to a minimum to allow satisfactory termination?

2. Identification of conductors: Are conductors correctly identified in accordance with

the Regulations?
3. Routing of cables: Are cables installed such that account is taken of external
influences such as mechanical damage, corrosion, heat, etc.?
4. Conductor selection: Are conductors selected for current carrying capacity and
voltage drop in accordance with the design?
5. Connection of single pole devices: Are single pole protective and switching devices
connected in the line conductor only?
6. Accessories and equipment: Are all accessories and items of equipment correctly
connected?
7. Thermal effects: Are fire barriers present where required and protection against
thermal effects provided?
8. Protection against shock: What methods have been used to attain both basic
protection and fault
protection?
9. Mutual detrimental influence: Are wiring systems installed such that they can have
no harmful effect on non-electrical systems, or those systems of different currents or
voltages are segregated where necessary?
10. Isolation and switching: Are there appropriate devices for isolation and switching
correctly located and installed?
11. Under voltage: Where under voltage may give rise for concern, are there protective
devices present?
12. Labeling: Are all protective devices, switches (where necessary) and terminals correctly
labeled?
13. External influences: Have all items of equipment and protective measures been
selected in
accordance with the appropriate external influences?
14. Access: Are all means of access to switchgear and equipment adequate?
15. Notices and signs: Are danger notices and warning signs present?
16. Diagrams: Are diagrams, instructions and similar information relating to the
installation available?
17. Erection methods: Have all wiring systems, accessories and Equipment been selected
and installed in accordance with the requirements of the Regulations, and are fixings for
equipment adequate for the environment?

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● The selection of equipment and protective measures appropriate to external
influences the correct identification of the circuits, overcurrent protective devices,
switches, terminals,
et cetera
● The presence of diagrams, warning notices, or similar information
● The adequacy of the conductor connections
● The presence and adequacy of protective conductors, including equipotential bonding
● The accessibility of the equipment for convenience of operation, identification,
and maintenance
● In practice, Electrical installation inspection means checking the following items:
● Firmness of the accessories
● Correct color coding of cables.
● Maintenance points in place
● Good workmanship
● Separate circuits
● Adequate number of circuits
● Adequate number of socket-outlets
● All circuits suitably identified
● A suitable main switch provided
● Main breakers to interrupt all live conductors
● Main earthing terminal provided
● Correct fuses or circuit breakers installed
● All connections secure/loose connections
● Condition of accessories and fitting i.e. whether damaged or not
● The installation earthed in accordance with national standards
● Primary equipotential bonding connects services and other extraneous conductive
parts to
the primary earth facility
● Supplementary bonding has been provided in all bath and shower rooms
● The following items must be checked concerning protection against direct contact:
● Insulation of live parts
● Enclosures have a suitable degree of protection appropriate to external influences
● Enclosures have unused entries blanked off where necessary
Importance of Electrical installation Inspection
There are many reasons behind the necessity of getting an electrical inspection
done. Some of the
most common ones are:
● Protection against possible surges : surges occur during storms which ruins
appliances and create short circuit in the house.
When the inspection is being done, the inspector will check
for different points in the wiring that can cause this type of mishap.

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● Fire : electrical short circuit has been the reason behind a fire breakout in a
house.
● Caused by
✓ loose connection of wires in the meter or in the cabling itself.
● During the inspection, the inspector can easily recognize these faults and ask
you to rectify them.
● Shocks : touching an electronic appliance and immediately experiencing a surging
electric current in your body. Although the impact may not be that disastrous;
however, this could lead to other mishaps easily. Apart from this, the body current
in an electronic appliance
can easily hamper its performance or can render it completely non-workable. An
electrical inspector can catch these faults in the wiring in time to rectify them.
[Link] Learning activities
Learning activity 1
Given an electrical installation premises, Check the Physical condition of the
installation as per established standards. Use the following Observation Checklist to
check the conditions.
Table 1.1: Observation checklist Learning activity 1

Observation Checklist
Items to be
evaluated Available/Done Correct Incorrect

Connection of
Conductors
Identification of
Conductors
Routing of Cables

Conductor Selection

Connection of
single pole
devices
Accessories and
equipment selection
Thermal effects
considered

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 Protection against
shock
Isolation and
switching:
Labeling

External influences

Accessibility

Notices and signs

Learning activity 2
You are assigned to identify the following electrical protective devices in an
electrical installation for an inspection. Perform visual inspection on the devices.
Record your observations against the following checklist in table 1.2

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 Table 1.2: Observation Checklist activity 2
Observation checklist

Items Area of Yes

observation No
Circuit Presence
breaker breakages
Presence
of contacts
Presence
of fasteners
Double Presence
pole switch of
breakages
Presence
of contacts
Triple pole Presence
switch with of
neutral breakages
Presence
of contacts
Presence
of fasteners
Isolator Presence
switch of
breakages
Presence
of contacts
Presence
of fasteners
[Link] Self-assessment: Learning Outcome 1
1. When a certificate is issued for Initial Verification purposes, for the certificate to be
valid it MUST be accompanied by?
A. inspection tick-sheet
B. schedules of inspections and test results
C. test results sheet
D. Part 'P' certificate

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 2. Indicate three main areas, about which you would require information, in order
correctly to
carry out an initial verification of a new installation.
3. State three human senses that could be used during an inspection of an installation.
4. Apart from wear and tear state three areas of investigation that you would
consider when
carrying out a periodic inspection and test of an installation.
5. An Electrical Installation Certificate should be accompanied by signed
documentation regarding three stages of an installation. What are these stages?
[Link] Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials
Tools
Phase Tester
Screw drivers
Equipment
● Test instruments
⮚ Continuity tester (ohmmeter)
⮚ Insulation resistance tester
⮚ Earth loop impedance tester
⮚ Test lamp
Materials and supplies
● BS 7671 ● Guidance Note 3
● The On-site Guide.
● Stationery
● Wiring certificates
Reference materials
● BS 7671 ● Guidance Note 3
● The On-site Guide.
● Manufacturers’ manuals
● Relevant catalogues
● IEE regulations
● Standards
● County by-laws
● Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
● National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) regulations
● National Construction Authority (NCA) regulations
● IEE tables
[Link] Reference
IEE Wiring Regulations: Inspection, Testing and Certification Sixth Edition Brian
Scaddan, IEng, MIET
[Link]

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[Link]

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 6.2.2 Learning Outcome 2: Identify the test to be carried out and test equipment
[Link] Introduction to the learning outcome
This learning outcome specifies the content of competencies required to identify installation to be
tested, test points, test parameters and their expected values as per the established standards, appropriate
test equipment as per the tests to carry out. In addition, it also specifies the content of competence
required on checking the specifications and
functionality of test equipment, preparation and safe storage for easy access in accordance with established
procedure.
[Link] Performance Standard
i. The installation to be tested is identified per established standards ii. Test points are identified
as per established standards iii. Test parameters and their expected values are identified as per
established standards iv. Appropriate Test equipment are identified as per the tests to carried out
v. Test equipment are checked for appropriate specifications and functionality
vi. Test equipment are prepared and stored for safe and easy access in accordance with established
procedure
[Link] Information Sheet
Testing
Implementation of measures in an electrical installation by which its effectiveness is proved.

Reasons of electrical installation testing

1. To ensure that people and goods are kept safe and are protected in the event of a fault.
2. Facilitates preventive maintenance of installations, preventing serious faults which might prove expensive
(production
shutdown, etc.).
3. To guarantee people's safety with regard to these installations and the electrical
4. Equipment connected to them, standards have naturally been developed and updated to take changes into account.

Purpose of Electrical Installation Testing

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All new completed electrical installation should be tested before connection to the supply. The
purpose of the
electrical installation condition report and testing is to provide, as far as is reasonably practicable:
i. To ensure that the installation is technically sound and free from any possible short circuits, etc.
ii. To know the cause of failure of a particular circuit or circuits or equipment and to
locate the exact position of break
down.
iii. To ensure that it is free from faults and is as per electricity rules.
 iv. These tests will receive the attention of the owner before any possible undue damage occurs. i.e. to
confirm that the
installation is not damaged or deteriorated.
v. For the safety of persons and livestock.
vi. Protection against damage by fire and heat.
Types of tests
The IEE Regulations indicate a preferred sequence of tests and state that if, due to a defect, compliance cannot
be achieved, the defect should be rectified and the test sequence started from the beginning.

The tests for ‘Site applied insulation’, ‘Protection by separation’, and ‘Insulation of non-conducting floors
and walls’ all require specialist high voltage equipment and in consequence will not be discussed here.
The sequence of tests for an initial inspection and test is as follows:

1. Continuity of protective conductor’s tests.

2. Continuity of ring final circuit conductor’s tests.
3. Insulation resistance tests.
4. Protection by barriers or enclosures.
5. Polarity tests.
6. Earth electrode resistance.
7. Earth fault loop impedance.
8. Additional protection (RCDs).
 is an example of where testing needs to be carried out during the erection process and before final
connections and
bonding are in place.
Table 1.2: Resistance (Ω) of Copper Conductors at 20°C
Lenth (m)
C
S
A 5 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4
( 0 5 0 5 0 5 0 5
m
m
2

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
. . . . . . . . . .
0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 2

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
. . . . . . . . . .
5 0 1 1 2 3 3 4 4 5
6 2 8 4 0 6 2 8 5

2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
. . . . . . . . . .
5 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 3 3
4 7 1 5 9 2 6 0 3

4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
. . . . . . . . . .
0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 2
2 5 7 9 2 4 6 8 1
3

6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
. . . . . . . . . .
0

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 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1
2 3 5 6 8 9 1 3 4

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 . . . . . . . . .
. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 . . . . . . . . .
. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 2 2 3 3 4 5 5
6 3 4 1

2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 . . . . . . . . .
. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1 1 2 2 2 3 3
4 7 5 2 6 3

3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 . . . . . . . . .
. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 2 2
3 5 8 3 6 9 4
If conduit, trunking or SWA is used as the cpc, then the verifier has the option of first inspecting
the cpcs (circuit protective conductors) along its length for soundness then conducting the long-lead
resistance test.

Continuity of ring final circuit conductors

The requirement of this test is that each conductor of the ring is continuous. It is, however, not
sufficient to simply connect an ohmmeter, a bell, etc., to the ends of each conductor and obtain a
reading or a sound. So, what is wrong with this procedure? A problem arises if an interconnection
exists between sockets on the ring, and there is a break in the ring beyond that interconnection.
From Figure 1.2 it will be seen that a simple resistance or bell test will indicate continuity via the
interconnection.

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 However, owing to the break, sockets 4–11 are supplied by the spur from socket 12, not a healthy
situation. So how can one test to identify interconnections? There are three methods of conducting such a
test.
Two are based on the principle that resistance changes with a change in length or CSA; the other,
predominantly used, relies on the fact that the resistance measured across any diameter of a circular
loop of conductor is the same. Let us
now consider the first two.

Figure 1.1: Ring circuit with interconnection

Figure 1.2: End to end conductor resistance.

Figure 1.3: Doubled over end to end conductor resistance.

Method 1
If we were to take a length of conductor XYZ and measure the resistance between its ends (Figure
1.3), then double it over at Y, join X and Z, and measure the resistance between XZ and Y (Figure
1.4), we would find that the value was approximately a quarter of the original. This is because the
length of the conductor is halved and hence so is the resistance, and the CSA is doubled and so the
resistance is halved again.
In order to apply this principle to a ring final circuit, it is necessary to know the position of the
socket nearest the mid-point of the ring.

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 The test procedure is then as follows for each of the conductors of the ring:
1. Measure the resistance of the ring conductor under test between its ends before completing the ring in the
fuse board. Record this value, say R1.
2. Complete the ring.
3. Using long test leads, measure between the completed ends and the corresponding terminal at the socket
nearest the mid-point of the ring. Record this value, say R2. ( The completed ends correspond to point XZ
in Figure 2. and the mid-point to Y.)
4. Measure the resistance of the test leads, say R3, and subtract this value from R2, i.e. R2−R3=R4 say.
5. A comparison between R1 and R4 should reveal, if the ring is healthy, that R4 is approximately a quarter of R1.
Method 2
The second method tests two ring circuit conductors at once, and is based on the following. Take
two conductors XYZ and ABC and measure their resistances (Figure 1.5). Then double them both
over, join the ends XZ and AC and the
mid-points YB, and measure the resistance between XZ and AC (Figure 2.6)
This value should be a quarter of that for XYZ plus a quarter of that for ABC. If both conductors
are of the same length and CSA, the resultant value would be half that for either of the original
resistances. Applied to a ring final circuit, the test procedure is as follows:
1. Measure the resistance of both line and neutral conductors before completion of the ring. They should both
be the same value, say R1.
2. Complete the ring for both conductors, and bridge together line and neutral at the mid-point socket (this
corresponds to point YB in Figure 1.6).
Now measure between the completed line and neutral ends in the fuse board (points XZ and AC in Figure
1.6).
Record this value, say R2.

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2. Join one line and one neutral conductor of opposite legs of the ring.
3. Obtain a resistance reading between the other line and neutral (Figure 1.8). (A record of this value is important.)
4. Join these last two conductors (Figure 1.9).

Figure 1.6: Resistance across diameter of circle of conductor.

Figure 1.7: End to end double loop resistance.

Figure1. 8: Both ends cross connected.

5. Measure the resistance value between L and N at each socket on the ring. All values should be the same,
approximately a quarter of the reading in (3) above.
The test is now repeated but the neutral conductors are replaced by the cpcs. If the cable is twin
with cpc, the cpc size will be smaller than the line conductor, and although the readings at each

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socket will be substantially the same, there will be a slight increase in values towards the Centre
of the ring, decreasing back towards the start. The highest reading
represents R1+R2 for the ring.
The basic principle of this method is that the resistance measured between any two points, equidistant
around a closed loop of conductor, will be the same.
Such a loop is formed by the line and neutral conductors of a ring final circuit (Figure 2.0). Let
the resistance of
conductors be as shown. R measured between L and N on socket A will be:
= = 1Ω
R measured between L and N at B will be :
= = 1Ω
Hence all sockets on the ring will give a reading of 1Ω between L and N.
If there were a break in the ring in, say, the neutral conductor, all measurements would have been
2, incorrectly indicating to the tester that the ring was continuous. Hence the relevance of step 3 in
the test procedure, which at least
indicates that there is a continuous L–N loop, even if an interconnection exists.
Figure 2.1 shows a healthy ring with interconnection. Here is an example that shows the slight
difference between measurements on the line/cpc test. Consider a 30m ring final circuit wired in
2.5mm2 with a 1.5mm2 cpc. Figure 2.2 illustrates this arrangement when cross-connected for test
purposes.

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Figure 9: Equidistant loop measurements.

Figure 10: Healthy ring circuits with an interconnection.

Figure 11: Ring with 2.5mm2 line and 1.5mm2 cpc.

From the resistance tables, 1.5mm2 conductor is seen to have a resistance of 12.1mΩ/m, and
2.5mm2, 7.27mΩ/m. This
gives the resistance from X to A as 15×12.1/1000=0.1815Ω and from X to B as 15×7.27/1000=0.109.
The same values apply from Y to A and Y to B. So measuring across X and Y we have
2×0.1815=0.363, in parallel
with 2×0.109= [(0.363×0.218)/(0.363+0.218)]Ω (product over sum)=0.137Ω. Measuring across A and
B (the

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 mid-point) gives 0.1815+0.109=0.29Ω, in parallel with the same value, i.e. 0.29Ω, which gives
0.29/2=0.145Ω. While there is a difference of 0.008Ω the amount is too small to suggest any faults
on the ring. Note: If the line–neutral and
line–cpc tests prove satisfactory this is also an indication that the polarity at each socket outlet is correct.
Protection by barriers or enclosures
If an enclosure/barrier is used to house or obscure live parts, and is not a factory-built assembly,
it must be ascertained whether or not it complies with the requirements of the IP codes IP2X or
IPXXB, or IP4X or IPXXD. For IP2X or IPXXB, the test is made using the British Standard Finger,
which is connected in series with a lamp and a supply of not less than 40V and not more than
50V. The test finger is pushed into or behind the enclosure/barrier and the lamp should not light
(Figure 2.3).
The test for IP4X or IPXXD is made with a 1.0mm diameter wire with its end cut at right angles
to its length. The wire should not enter the enclosure to conform to IP4X. It may enter for 100
mm without touching live parts to conform to IPXXD.
Insulation resistance
An insulation resistance tester, which is a high resistance ohmmeter, is used for this test.
Clearly with voltages of these levels, there are certain precautions to be taken prior to the test being carried
out.
Persons should be warned, and sensitive electronic equipment disconnected or unplugged.
A common example of this is the dimmer switch. Also, as many accessories have indicator lamps,
and items of
equipment such as fluorescent fittings have capacitors fitted, these should be disconnected as they
will give rise to false readings. The test procedure is as follows: Poles to earth (Figure 2.4)
1. Isolate supply.
2. Ensure that all protective devices are in place and all switches are closed.
3. Link all poles of the supply together (where appropriate).
4. Test between the linked poles and earth.

Figure2.4:Test between live conductors and earth

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 .
Figure 12: Test between live conductors.
Between poles (Figure 2.5)
1. As previous test.
2. As previous test.
3. Remove all lamps, equipment, etc.
4. Test between poles.
Test results on disconnected equipment should conform to the relevant British Standard for that
equipment. In the absence of a British Standard, the minimum value is 0.5MΩ. For small installations,
the tests are performed on the whole system, whereas for larger complex types, the installation may
be sub-divided into sections and tests performed on each section.
The reason for this is that as conductor insulation and the circuits they supply are all in parallel,
a test on the whole of a
large installation would produce pessimistically low readings even though no faults exist. Although
for standard 400V/230V installations the minimum value of insulation resistance is 1MΩ, a reading
of less than 2MΩ should give
rise to some concern. Circuits should be tested individually to locate the source/s of such a low reading.
Polarity
It is required that all fuses and single-pole devices such as single-pole circuit breakers and switches
are connected in the line conductor only. It is further required that the center contact of Edison
screw lamp holders be connected to the

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Figure 13: Polarity test if done separately to method 3 ring tests.

Figure 14: Polarity on ES lamp holder.

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 It is a requirement of the Regulations that for a TT system, exposed conductive parts must be
connected via protective conductors to an earth electrode, and that the protection is by either an
RCD or an overcurrent device, the RCD being preferred. Conditional on this is the requirement that
the product of the sum of the resistances of the earth electrode and protective conductors, and the
operating current of the protective device, shall not exceed 50V, i.e. Ra×Ia≤50V. (Ra is the sum of
the resistances of the earth electrode and the protective conductors connecting it to the exposed
conductive part.) Clearly then, there is a need to measure the resistance of the earth electrode. This
may be done in either of two ways.
Method 1
Based on the principle of the potential divider (Figure 2.9,), an earth resistance tester is used
together with test and
auxiliary electrodes spaced as shown in Figure 3.0. This spacing ensures that resistance areas do not overlap.
The method of test is as follows:
1. Place the current electrode (C2) away from the electrode under test, approximately 10 times its length, i.e.
30m for a 3m rod.
2. Place the potential electrode mid-way.
3. Connect test instrument as shown.

Figure 16: Potential divider.

Figure 17: Positions of test electrodes.

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4. Record resistance value.
5. Move the potential electrode approximately 6m either side of the mid-position, and record these two readings.
6. Take an average of these three readings (this is the earth electrode resistance). Three readings obtained
from an earth
electrode resistance test were 181Ω, 185Ω and 179Ω. What is the value of the electrode resistance?
𝐴𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 = = 181. 67Ω
For TT systems the result of this test will indicate compliance if the product of the electrode
resistance and the operating current of the overcurrent device does not exceed 50V.
Method 2
On TT systems protected by an RCD, a loop impedance tester is used and effectively measures Ze,
which is taken as the earth electrode resistance.
External loop impedance Ze
This is carried out by connecting an earth fault loop impedance tester between the supply line
conductor and the earthing conductor at the intake position with the earthing conductors disconnected.
This ensures that parallel resistance paths will not affect the reading. Wherever possible the
installation should be isolated from the supply during the test. If this is not possible then all circuits
should be isolated. When the test is
completed reconnect the earthing conductor.
Earth fault loop impedance Zs
This has to be measured in order to ensure that protective devices will operate in the specified
time under fault conditions. As the value of (R1+R2) Ω for a particular circuit will have already
been established, Zs may be found by
simply adding the R1+R2 value to Ze.
Alternatively, it may be measured directly at the extremity of a particular circuit. Whichever method
is used, the value
obtained will need to be corrected to compensate for ambient and conductor operating temperatures
before a comparison is made with the tabulated values of Zs in the Regulations.
Note: All main protective and supplementary bonding must be in place during this test.
Additional protection
Residual current devices
Only the basic type of RCD will be considered here. Clearly, such devices must operate to their
specification; an RCD tester will establish this. As with loop impedance testing, care must be taken
when conducting this test as an intentional earth fault is created in the installation.
In consequence, a loop impedance test must be conducted first to confirm that an earth path exists
or the RCD test could prove dangerous. It is important to know why an RCD has been installed as
this has direct effect on the tests performed. The tests are as follows:
1. With the tester set to the RCD rating, half the rated current is passed through the device. It should not trip.
2. With full rated current passed through the device, it should trip within 200ms (300ms for RCBOs).

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3. For RCDs having a residual current rating of 30mA or less, a test current of 5×IΔn should be
applied and the device should operate in 40ms or less.
4. All RCDs have a test button which should be operated to ensure the integrity of the tripping
mechanism. It does not check any part of the earthing arrangements or the device’s sensitivity. As part of
the visual inspection, it should be verified that a notice, indicating that the device should be tested via the
test button quarterly, is on or adjacent to the RCD.
There seems to be a popular misconception regarding the ratings and uses of RCDs in that they
are the panacea for all electrical ills and the only useful rating is 30mA!
Firstly, RCDs are not fail-safe devices; they are electromechanical in operation and can malfunction.
Secondly, general purpose RCDs are manufactured in ratings from 5mA to 1000mA (30mA, 100mA,
300mA and 500mA being the most
popular) and have many uses. The following list indicates residual current ratings and uses as mentioned in
BS 7671.
Requirements for RCD protection 30mA
● All socket outlets rated at not more than 20A and for un-supervised general use.
● Mobile equipment rated at not more than 32A for use outdoors.
● All circuits in a bath/shower room.
● Preferred for all circuits in a TT system.
● All cables installed less than 50mm from the surface of a wall or partition (in the safe zones) if
the installation is
un-supervised, and also at any depth if the construction of the wall or partition includes metallic parts.
● In zones 0, 1 and 2 of swimming pool locations.
● All circuits in a location containing saunas, etc.
● Socket outlet final circuits not exceeding 32A in agricultural locations.
● Circuits supplying Class II equipment in restrictive conductive locations.
● Each socket outlet in caravan parks and marinas and final circuit for houseboats.
● All socket outlet circuits rated not more than 32A for show stands, etc.
● All socket outlet circuits rated not more than 32A for construction sites (where reduced low voltage,
etc. is not
used).
● All socket outlets supplying equipment outside mobile or transportable units.
● All circuits in caravans.
● All circuits in circuses, etc.
● A circuit supplying Class II heating equipment for floor and ceiling heating systems.
500mA
● Any circuit supplying one or more socket outlets of rating exceeding ● 32A, on a construction site.
300mA
● At the origin of a temporary supply to circuses, etc.
● Where there is a risk of fire due to storage of combustible materials.

19
● All circuits (except socket outlets) in agricultural locations. 100mA
● Socket outlets of rating exceeding 32A in agricultural locations. Where loop impedance values cannot be
met, RCDs of an appropriate rating can be installed. Their rating can be determined from
I Δ n = 50 / Zs where IΔn is the rated operating current of the device, 50 is the touch voltage
and Zs is the measured
loop impedance.
Prospective fault current
A PFC tester, usually incorporated with a loop impedance tester, is used for this. When testing at
the intake position, probes and/or clips will be needed and hence great care needs to be taken when
connecting to live terminals, etc. Measurements are taken between L and N, and L and E and the
highest value recorded. For three phase supplies, the
line to line.
PFC is determined from multiplying the L to N reading by √3 (1.732) or more simply by 2.
Phase sequence
For multi-phase circuits, e.g. supplies to three-phase motors, etc., it is important to check that the
phase sequence is correct to ensure correct direction of rotation. A phase sequence instrument is
used which is basically a small
three-phase motor.
Functional testing
Tests on assemblies
These are carried out on a switchgear, interlock, control gear, etc., to ensure that they are mounted
and installed according to the Requirements of the 17th Edition.
Voltage drop
There may be occasions when verification of voltage drop is required.
This would be achieved by calculation or by reference to charts or tables.
Periodic inspection and testing
After an installation has had an initial verification and been put into service, there is a requirement
for regular periodic verification to take place. In some cases where, for example, a Local Authority
is involved, the interval between tests is mandatory. In other cases, the interval is only a
recommendation. For example, the recommended time between tests on domestic installations is 10
years, whereas places of public entertainment have a mandatory interval of one year.
Clearly, periodic tests may prove difficult, as premises are usually occupied and in full service, and
hence careful planning and consultation are needed in order to minimize any disruption. A thorough
visual inspection should be undertaken first, as this will indicate to the experienced inspector the
depth to which he or she needs to go with the
instrument tests, and an even more rigorous investigation may be required if drawings/design data are not
available.
The visual inspection will need to take into account such items as safety, wear and tear, corrosion,
signs of overloading,

20
 mechanical damage, etc.
In many instances, a sample of items inspected may be taken, for example a minimum of 10% of
switching devices may be taken. If, however, the sample indicates considerable deterioration then all items
must be inspected.
The test sequence where relevant and where possible should be the same as that for an initial
verification. This is not essential: As with visual inspection, sample tests may be made, usually 10%,
with the proviso that this is increased in the event of faults being found.
In the light of previous comments regarding sampling, it is clear that periodic verification is
subjective, varying from installation to installation. It is also more dangerous and difficult and hence
requires the inspector to have considerable
experience. Accurate and coherent records must be made and given to the person/s ordering the
work. Such records/reports must indicate any departures from or non-compliances with the Regulations,
any restrictions in the testing procedure, any dangerous situations, etc.; if the installation was erected
according to an earlier edition of the Regulations, it should be tested as far as possible to the
requirements of the 17th Edition, and a note made to this effect on the test report.
It should be noted that if an installation is effectively supervised in normal use, then Periodic
Inspection and Testing can be replaced by regular maintenance by skilled persons. This would only
apply to, say, factory installations where
there are permanent maintenance staff.
6
Identification and specification of test equipment
Testing instruments
In order to fulfill the basic requirements for testing to BS 7671, the following instruments are needed:
1. A low-resistance ohmmeter (continuity tester).
2. An insulation resistance tester.
3. A loop impedance tester.
4. A residual current device (RCD) tester.
5. A prospective fault current (PFC) tester.
6. An approved test lamp or voltage indicator.
7. A proving unit.
8. An earth electrode resistance tester.
Many instrument manufacturers have developed dual or multifunction instruments; hence it is quite
common to have continuity and insulation resistance in one unit, loop impedance and PFC in one
unit, loop impedance, PFC and RCD tests in one unit, etc.
However, regardless of the various combinations, let us take a closer look at the individual test
instrument
requirements.
Low-resistance ohmmeters/continuity testers

21
 Bells, buzzers, simple multimeters, etc., will all indicate whether or not a circuit is continuous, but
will not show the difference between the resistance of, say, a 10 m length of 10 mm 2 conductor and a 10
m length of 1 mm 2 conductor.
I use this example as an illustration, as it is based on a real experience of testing the continuity
of a 10 mm2 main protective bonding conductor between gas and water services. The services,
some 10 m apart, were at either ends of a domestic premise.
The 10 mm 2 conductor, connected to both services, disappeared under the floor and a measurement
between both ends indicated a resistance higher than expected.
Further investigation revealed that just under the floor at each end, the 10 mm 2 conductor had
been terminated in a connector block and the joint between the two, about 8 m, had been wired
with a 1 mm 2 conductor. Only a
milli-ohmmeter would have detected such a fault.
Insulation resistance testers
An insulation resistance test is the correct term for this form of testing, not a megger test as megger
is a manufacturer’s
trade name, not the name of the test.
A low-resistance ohmmeter should have a no-load source voltage of between 4 and
24 V, and be capable of delivering an A.C or D.C short circuit voltage of not less than 200 mA.
It should have a resolution (i.e. a detectable difference in resistance) of at least 0.01 m Ω.
An insulation resistance tester must be capable of delivering 1 mA when the required test voltage
is applied across the
minimum acceptable value of insulation resistance.
Hence, an instrument selected for use on a low-voltage (50 V ac–1000 V ac) system should be
capable of delivering 1
mA at 500 V across a resistance of 1 M Ω.
Loop impedance tester
This instrument functions by creating, in effect, an earth fault for a brief moment, and is connected
to the circuit via a
plug or by ‘flying leads ’connected separately to line, neutral and earth.
The instrument should only allow an earth fault to exist for a maximum of 40 ms, and a
resolution of 0.01 Ω is adequate for circuits up to 50 A. Above this circuit rating, the ohmic
values become too small to give such accuracy using a standard instrument, and more specialized
equipment may be required.
RCD tester
Usually connected by the use of a plug, although ‘ flying leads ’are needed for non-socket outlet
circuits, this instrument allows a range of out-of-balance currents to flow through the RCD to cause
its operation within specified time limits.
The test instrument should not be operated for longer than 2 s, and it should have a 10 per
cent accuracy across the full range of test currents.

22
 The instrument should only allow an earth fault to exist for a maximum of 40 ms, and a resolution
of 0.01 Ω is adequate for circuits up to 50 A. Above this circuit rating, the ohmic values become
too small to give such accuracy
using a standard instrument, and more specialized equipment may be required.
Earth electrode resistance tester
This is a 3 or 4 terminal, battery powered, resistance tester.
PFC tester
Normally one half of a dual loop impedance/PFC tester, this instrument measures the prospective
line-neutral fault
current at the point of measurement using the same leads as for loop impedance.
Approved test lamp or voltage indicator
A flexible cord with a lamp attached is not an approved device, nor for that matter is the ubiquitous
‘testascope ’or ‘neon screwdriver’, which encourages the passage of current, at low voltage, through the
body!
A typical approved test lamp is as shown in Figure 3.1.

23
 Calibration of test equipment
Calibration for test equipment is done to ensure that your instruments always perform as expected.
Calibration of measuring test equipment or electrical test equipment such as data loggers, multimeters,
oscilloscopes, power supplies or tachometers is required to ensure that your measuring instruments
always perform according to
expected specifications and standards.
Purpose of Calibration
To ensure readings from an instrument are consistent with other instruments and to determine the
accuracy of the
instrument i.e. that it can be trusted for its observed/displayed measured value.
Importance of calibration for industry
● To ensure that products are manufactured to specifications.
● To demonstrate that the industry operates a quality system and technically competent and are able to generate
technically valid results.
● To increase quality & value of product.
● The calibrated measuring instruments (working standards) have the assurance of an unbroken chain of
national/international measuring standards
A standard preventative maintenance service on all instruments
● Pre-service calibration checks are taken
● The equipment is checked internally for any damage, loose electrical connections or foreign material. The
cover/s are
refitted after all practical foreign material is removed.
● The instrument is then checked externally for damage, inoperative switches, frozen leveling feet or poorly
adjusted tare bars. Any old and excess stickers are removed and the housing is cleaned as necessary Corner
load, linearity and
calibration errors are corrected to obtain optimum performance
● A service sticker is attached to the Instruments which includes the Service and Calibration Report
numbers, date the
instrument was serviced and when the next preventative maintenance service is recommended
[Link]
30
 [Link] Self-assessment: Learning Outcome 2
1. Identify the type of instrument that would be used to measure leakage current in a circuit.
A. voltmeter
B. test lamp
C. Voltage tester D. clamp meter
2. Before carrying out an Insulation Resistance test on a lighting circuit, its essential to...
A. ensure all light switches are in the off position
B. link the line and cpc in the CCU
C. disconnect the earthing conductor
D. remove all loads from the circuit
3. Continuity of protective conductors (R2) tests are carried out using
A. a volt meter
B. a low ohms meter
C. an insulation resistance tester
D. a continuity tester
4. State the overall effect on Insulation Resistance if twice as many circuits are added to an existing consumers unit
(CCU).
A. Insulation Resistance would remain the same
B. Insulation Resistance would increase
C. Insulation Resistance would decrease
D. Insulation Resistance would be be 200M Ohms
5. Where is a live polarity check carried out to verify that the supply to an installation is correct?
33
A. at the end of any installed circuit
B. at the end of every circuit
C. at the mains intake position
D. at any socket outlet
6. During a test on an installation, the following readings were obtained: 20 MΩ; 8 kA; 22 ms. List the
instruments which
gave these readings.
7. List the first three tests that should be carried out during an initial verification on a new domestic installation.
8. The test for the continuity of a cpc in a radial circuit feeding one socket outlet uses a temporary link and
a
milliohmmeter, state:
a) where the temporary link is connected.
b) Where the milli-ohmmeter is connected.
c) What the meter reading represents.
9. List three precautions to be taken prior to commencing an insulation resistance test on an installation.
10. List three reasons for conducting a dead polarity test on an installation.
11. Figure 2 shows the layout of the electrical installation in a new detached garage. You are to carry
out an initial verification of that installation.
(a) What documentation/information will you require in order to carry out the verification?
(b) Where should it be located?
(c) What particularly important details regarding this installation should have been included on such
documentation?
(d) What consideration should be given to the existing installation from which this new installation is fed?
34
 ⮚ Facilitates preventive maintenance of installations, preventing serious faults which might prove
expensive
(production shutdown, etc.).
⮚ To guarantee people's safety with regard to these installations and the electrical
⮚ Equipment connected to them, standards have naturally been developed and updated to take changes into
account.
The electrical testing is divided into 2 parts:
1. Visual inspection to guarantee that the installation complies with the safety requirements (presence
of an earth electrode, protective devices, etc.) and does not show any visible evidence of damage.
2. Measurements/Tests
Types of Electrical Installation Tests

The tests should be made on a new electrical installation before it is switched on to the mains are as under:
1. Insulation resistance test between installation and earth.
2. Insulation resistance test between conductors.
3. Testing of polarity.
4. Testing of earth continuity paths.
5. Earth resistance test.
6. Continuity test
7. Earth loop impedance test
Insulation Resistance Test between Installation and Earth
This test is performed to know the standard of insulation of wires and cables used in the installation.

It also ensures that the insulation is sufficient enough to avoid any possible leakage of current to earth.

The leakage of the current to earth should not exceed 0.02% of the full load current.

Before performing insulation resistance test between installation and earth the conditions to be fulfilled for
the position of the main switch, fuses, switches, and other points should be as under:-
● Main switch in OFF position, fuses beyond the main switch should be in position, all switches in ON position.
● All lamps and other equipment should be in their position.
For testing the whole installation, the test is conducted on the main switch. A testing set known as megger is
used for the test. It is a special form of the ohmmeter .

To perform this test, the phase and the neutral is short-circuited temporarily at any suitable point as
shown in Figure below;
 Figure 3.2: Insulation Resistance Test between Installation and Earth
● The ‘L’ (line terminal) of the megger is connected to the short circuit point in the main switch and the earth terminal
marked (E) is connected to earth continuity conductor or some good earth point near-by.

The handle of the tester is turned at a high speed so that sufficient testing voltage is produced. The reading
on the dial
39
of the megger is noted.

The insulation resistance thus measured should not be less than 0.5 MΩ on a firm, sound and fixed
wiring. If the insulation resistance is below this value, the wiring section giving that value should be rewired
or checked
thoroughly until the required value is obtained.
Insulation Resistance Test between Wiring Conductors
To ensure that the insulation of the cables or wires is not damaged and there is no leakage between them, this
test is performed.

Before performing this test, the position of the main switch, fuses, switches, etc. should be as follows:

● Main switch in OFF position,

● All switches in ON position,
● All lamps and other appliances should be removed,
● Fuses beyond the main switch should be in position .
 If the switch is connected to the neutral wire then the connected appliance will get phase even if the
switch is in OFF position and remain alive.

There is absolutely no difference in the functioning of the switch in either case, but from the safety point of
view to avoid shock, etc. the phase should always be given through the switch and neutral direct to the point.

The simple method of conducting the polarity test is by using a test lamp.

Before performing this test the position of the main switch, fuses, switches, etc. should be as under main
switch in ON
position, all switches in OFF position, all lamps and other appliances should be removed.

Figure 3.4: Polarity Test in House Wiring

One end of the test lamp is connected to earth wire and the other end to the incoming terminal of the switch.
If the lamp lights, it indicates that the switch is connected to phase wire, otherwise to neutral wire .
Earth Continuity Test of Electrical Installation
To perform this test with the help of megger, the main switch is opened, the main fuses are withdrawn, all the
switches are made ON and all the lamps are put in position.

36
 The ‘L’ (line terminal) of the megger is connected to the phase conductor in the main switch and ‘E’ (earth
terminal) of the megger is connected to an earth point.

Figure 3.5: Earth Continuity Test of Electrical Installation

In this test, megger should indicate a resistance value between 0.5 and 1 mega ohm.

In this case, if earthing of all the metallic parts and the earth wire will be in good condition, a sufficient
amount of current will flow through test circuit and megger will show a reading up to 1 MΩ.

If it will be in bad condition then it will offer high resistance to the current. As a result, a very low quantity
of current will flow and megger will show a reading more than 1 MΩ.

Therefore, if the megger shows a high reading (more than 1 MΩ), it means that the main switch or
conduit is not properly earthed or the earth wire is broken somewhere requiring correction .

Earth Resistance Test

Resistance of earth is the resistance between infinite earth and earth electrode. This depends upon mainly
three factors
1. The resistance of the electrode itself,
2. The contact resistance between electrode surface and soil,
3. The resistivity of soil between the electrode and infinite earth.
[Link]
earth/#:~:text=%20Resistance%20of%20Earth%20%201%20The%
20resistance,between%20the%20electrode%20and%20infinite%20earth.%20More%20
Test Methods for Measuring Earth Resistance
There are six basic test methods to measure earth resistance
1. Four Point Method (Wenner Method)

37
2. Three-terminal Method (Fall-of-potential Method / 68.1 % Method))
3. Two-point Method (Dead Earth Method)
4. Clamp-on test method
5. Slope Method

(1) Four Point Method (Wenner Method):

▪ This method is the most commonly used for measuring soil resistivity,
Required Equipment:
▪ Earth Tester (4 Terminal)
▪ 4 No’s of Electrodes (Spike)
▪ 4 No’s of Insulated Wires
▪ Hammer
▪ Measuring Tap
Connections:
First, isolate the grounding electrode under measurement by disconnecting it from the rest of the system.
Earth tester set has four terminals, two current terminals marked C1 and C2 and two potential
terminals marked P1 and
P2.
P1 = Green lead, C1 = Black lead, P2 = Yellow lead, C2 = Red lead
In this method, four small-sized electrodes are driven into the soil at the same depth and equal
distance from one another in a straight line.
The distance between earth electrodes should be at least 20 times greater than the electrode depth in ground.
Example, if the depth of each earth electrode is 1 foot then the distance between electrodes is greater than 20
feet.
The earth electrode under measurement is connected to C1 Terminal of Earth Tester.
Drive another potential Earth terminal (P1) at depth of 6 to 12 inches from some distance at C1
Earth Electrode and connect to P1 Terminal of Earth Tester by insulted wire.
Drive another potential Earth terminal (P2) at depth of 6 to 12 inches from some distance at P1
Earth Electrode and connect to P2 Terminal of Earth Tester by insulted wire.
Drive another Current Electrode (C2) at depth of 6 to 12 inches from some distance at P2 Earth
Electrode and connect to C2 Terminal of Earth Tester by insulted wire.
Connect the ground tester as shown in the picture.

38
 Figure 3.6: Four-point earth resistance testing method
Testing Procedure:
Press START and read out the resistance value. This is the actual value of the ground Resistance
of the electrode under
test.
Record the reading on the Field Sheet at the appropriate location. If the reading is not stable or
displays an error
indication, double check the connections. For some meters, the RANGE and TEST CURRENT
settings may be changed until a combination that provides a stable reading without error indications is
reached.
The Earthing Tester has basically Constant Current generator which injects current into the earth
between the two current terminals C1 (E) and C2 (H).
The potential probes P1 & P2 detect the voltage ΔV (a function of the resistance) due to the current
injected in the earth
by the current terminals C1 & C2.
The test set measures both the current and the voltage and internally calculates and then displays the
resistance. R=V/I If this ground electrode is in parallel or series with other ground rods, the resistance
value is the total value of all resistances.
Ground resistance measurements are often corrupted by the existence of ground currents and their
harmonics. To prevent this, it is advisable to use Automatic Frequency Control ( AFC) System. This
automatically selects the testing frequency with the least amount of noise enabling you to get a clear reading.

39
 Repeat above steps by increasing spacing between each electrode at equal distance and measure earth
resistance value.
Average the all readings
An effective way of decreasing the electrode resistance to ground is by pouring water around it. The
addition of moisture is insignificant for the reading; it will only achieve a better electrical connection
and will not influence the overall results. Also, a longer probe or multiple probes (within a short distance)
may help.
Application:
It is advisable for Medium or Large electrode System.
It is use for Multiple Depth Testing
Advantage:
This is most accurate Method.
It is Quick, easy method.
Extremely reliable conforms to IEEE 81;
Disadvantage:
There need to turn off the equipment power or disconnect the earth electrode.
One major drawback to this method is that it requires a large distance for measurement.
This distance can range up to 2,000 feet or more for ground systems covering a large area or of very low
resistance.
Time consuming and labor intensive
2) Three Point (Fall-of-potential) Method.
The Fall-of-Potential method or Three-Terminal method is the most common way to measure earth
electrode system resistance, but it requires special procedures when used to measure large electrode systems
There are three basic fall-of-potential test method.
Full fall-of-Potential: A number of tests are made at different spaces of Potential Probe “P” and the
resistance curve is plotted.
Simplified Fall-of-Potential: Three measurements are made at defined distance of Potential Probe”P”
and mathematical calculations are used to determine the resistance.

40
 Figure 3.7: Three Point (Fall-of-potential) Method
Testing Procedure:
▪ Press START and read out the resistance value. This is the actual value of the ground electrode under
test.
▪ Move the potential electrode 10 feet farther away from the electrode and make a second Measurement.
▪ Move the potential probe 10 feet closer to the electrode and make a third measurement.
▪ If the three measurements agree with each other within a few percent of their average, then the
average of the three measurements may be used as the electrode resistance.
▪ If the three measurements disagree by more than a few percent from their average, then additional
measurement procedures are required.
▪ The electrode center location seldom is known. In this case, at least three sets of measurements
are made, each with the current probe a different distance from the electrode, preferably in different
directions.

42
▪ When space is not available and it prevent measurements in different directions, suitable
measurements can be made by moving the current probe in a line away from or closer to the electrode.

▪ For example, the measurement may be made with the current probe located 200, 300 and 400 feet
along a line from the electrode.
▪ Each set of measurements involves placing the current probe and then moving the potential
probe in 10 feet increments toward or away from the electrode.
▪ The starting point is not critical but should be 20 to 30 feet from the electrode connection point,
in which case the potential probe is moved in 10 feet increments toward the current probe, or 20 to
30 feet from the current probe, in
which case the potential probe is moved in 10 feet increments back toward the electrode.
▪ The spacing between successive potential probe locations is not particularly critical, and does not
have to be 10 feet, as long as the measurements are taken at equal intervals along a line between
the electrode connection and the current
probe.
▪ Larger spacing means quicker measurements with fewer data points. Smaller spacing means more
data points with slower measurements.
▪ Once all measurements have been made, the data is plotted with the distance from the electrode
on the horizontal scale and the measured resistance on the vertical scale.
Importance of Position of Current Electrode (C2):
▪ Fall-of-Potential measurements are based on the distance of the current and potential probes from
the center of the electrode under test.
▪ For highest degree of accuracy, it is necessary that the probe is placed outside the sphere of
influence of the ground electrode under test and the auxiliary earth.
▪ If we Place Current Electrode (C2) too near to Earth Electrode (C1) then the sphere of influence,
the effective areas of resistance will overlap and invalidate measurements taken.
▪ For the accurate results and to ensure that the ground stakes are outside the spheres of influence.
▪ Reposition the inner Potation Electrode ( P1) 1meter in either direction and take a fresh measurement.
If there is a significant change in the reading (30 %), we need to increase the distance between the
ground rod under test, the inner stake ( probe) and the outer stake ( auxiliary ground) until the measured
values remain fairly constant when repositioning
the inner stake (probe).
▪ The best distance for the current probe is at least 10 to 20 times the largest dimension of the
electrode.
▪ Because measurement results are often distorted by underground pieces of metal, underground
aquifers, etc. so re measurements are done by changing axis of earth spike by 90 degrees, by
changing the depth and distance several times, these results can be a suitable ground resistance system.
The table is a guide for appropriately setting the probe (inner stake) and auxiliary ground (outer stake).

43
Table 3: Appropriately setting the probe (inner stake) and auxiliary ground (outer stake).

Distance Distance Distance

of Probe the to the to the
Depth of ground inner outer
stake stake
electrode
2m 15 m 25 m

3m 20 m 30 m

6m 25 m 40 m

10 m 30 m 50 m
Application:
▪ It is advisable for High Electrical Load.
▪ It is suitable for small and medium electrodes system (1 or 2 rods/plates).
▪ It is useful for homogeneous Soil
Advantage:
▪ The three-point method is the most reliable test method;
▪ This test is the most suitable test for large grounding systems.
▪ Three-terminal is the quicker and simpler, with one less lead to string Spacing for Current Probe
Disadvantage:
▪ Individual ground electrodes must be disconnected from the system to be measured.
▪ It is extremely time consuming and labor intensive.
▪ There are situations where disconnection is not possible.
▪ Knowledge of location of center probe is necessary
▪ Time consuming and labor intensive Ineffective if the electrical center is unknown.
▪ If less measurements are being made then less accurate than full Fall of Potential

61.8% Rule:
▪ It is proven that the actual electrode resistance is measured when the potential probe is located
61.8 % of the distance between the center of the electrode and the current probe. For example, if
the current probe is located 400 feet from the electrode center, then the resistance can be measured
with the potential probe located 61.8% x 400 = 247 feet from the
electrode center.
▪ The 61.8% measurement point assumes the current and potential probes are located in a straight
line and the soil is homogeneous (same type of soil surrounding the electrode area and to a depth
equal to 10 times the largest electrode
dimension).

44
 ▪ The 61.8% measurement point still provides suitable accuracy for most measurements.

Figure 3.8: 61.8% method

▪ Suppose, the distance of Current Spike from Earth Electrode D = 60 ft, Then, distance of
Potential Spike would be 62
% of D = 0.62D i.e. 0.62 x 60 ft = 37 ft.
Application:
▪ It is suitable for small and medium electrodes system.
▪ It is useful for homogeneous Soil
Advantage:
▪ Simplest to carry out.
▪ Required minimum calculation;
▪ Fewest number of test probe moves.
Disadvantage:
▪ Soil must be homogeneous.
▪ Less accurate
▪ Susceptible for non-homogeneous soil
Tests of protective devices
● Fuses / Circuit-breakers
To check the specifications of the protective devices such as fuses or circuit breakers, a fault loop
impedance measurement is carried out to calculate the corresponding short-circuit current. A visual
inspection can then be used to
check that the sizing is correct.
● Residual current devices (RCDs)
RCDs, which detect earth leakage currents, can be tested using two methods:
● The basic test, also called a pulse test, which determines the trip time (in milliseconds)
● The step test, which determines the trip time and trip current, thus detecting any RCD ageing.
Fault finding
45
 This is not an exact science as faults in electrical systems can be many, varied and difficult to
locate. What we can state
however, are the main symptoms of electrical faults, these are:
▪ Loss of Supply
▪ Fire
▪ Shock.
Table 1.4 indicates such symptoms, their possible common causes and the action to be taken. Column
2 illustrates, in general terms, the possible causes of faults. Table 1.5 summarizes these in more
detail. Many faults are easily located,
many are not, in all cases observe the following general procedure whenever possible:
1 Determine the nature/symptom of the problem.
2 Ask client/personnel for their recollections: how, when and where the problem occurred (this can save so much time).
3 Carry out relevant visual and instrument checks to locate the fault.
4 Rectify if possible.
5 Re-test.
6 Re-instate system.

46
Table 4: Indicates Symptoms, possible common causes and the action to be taken
e si
S P comm D s A
y o on i c
m s Cause a t
p s g i
t i n o
o b o n
m l
Fault
C 1 on 1 C 1 C
o . suppli . h . o
m ers( e nt
p 2 REC) 2 c 2 a
le . main . k . ct
te cable/ a R
3 equip 3 dj 3 E
l . ment . a . C
o Fault c
s 4 on 4 e 4 C
s . servic . nt . o
o e p nt
f 5 cable 5 r 5 a
s . Main . o . ct
u fuse p R
p or CB er E
p operat ti C
l ed e
y Main s C
DB ar o
switc e nt
h OFF al a
Main s ct
RCD o R
operat E
ed O C
F
F S
w
C it
47
 h c
e h
c b
k a
a c
dj k
a o
c n
e
nt R
p e-
r se
o t,
p if
er it
ti tr
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s s,
ar th
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O n
N s
C w
h it
e c
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a f
dj al
a l
c C
e B
nt ’s
p re
r -
o se
p t
er a
ti n
e d

48
 s tu
ar rn
e o
O n
N e
a
V c
is h
u C
al B
c u
h nt
e il
c o
k n
e
V c
is a
u u
al se
c s
h
e th
c e
k m
ai
n
R
C
D

to
o
p
er
at
e.
T
hi
s

49
 is
li
k
el
y
fa
ul
ty
ci
rc
ui
t

1. Circuit fuse or CB 1. Visual check

L operated 2. Check fuse/CB 1 R
o 2. Conduct broken or are . e
s out of terminal OK pl
s a
o c
f e
s O
u R
p
p re
l -
y se
t t
o as
a
o
ci p
r er
c at
io
50
u n
it m
a
y
b
e
d
u
e
to
a
n
o
v
er
lo
a
d.
If
pr
ot
e
ct
io
n
st
ill
o
p
er
at
es
,
d
o
N
O
T
re
se

51
 t
u
nt
il
fa
ul
t
h
as
b
e
e
n
fo
u
n
d,
u
s
u
al
ly

by
car
ryi
ng
out

ins
ulat
ion
test

2 Lo
. cat
e
fau
lty
out
52
 vis
ual
che
ck/
con
tin
uit
y
1,2
F 1 Overloa 1 1 3 &3
ir . ded . , . tur
e cable 2 n
/ 2 & off
. Damage 3 sup
b d v ply,
u 3 insulatio i to
r . n Water s circ
n in u uit(
i fitting/a a s)
n ccessori l inv
g es c esti
h gat
e e
c fus
k e
and
a cab
n le
d siz
s es,
m che
e ck
l for
l wat
er

ing
res
s,

53
 da
ma
ged

ins
ulat
ion
,
vis
uall
y
and
usi
ng
an
ins
ulat
ion
resi
sta
nce
test
er
1. Use of an
E 1 Exposed approved 1 Tur
l . live part voltage . n
e indicator off
c 2 Insulatio between 2 sup
tr . n exposed . ply
i breakdo and/or to
c 3 wn extraneous circ
. Earthing conductive uit(
s and parts s)
h 4 bonding
o . inadequ che
c ate ck
k 5 vis
. Applian uall
ces y
54
incorrect for
ly wired cov
or ers
damage mis
d and sin
with g
inapprop etc.
riate Car
fusing ry
out
Incorrec ins
t polarity ulat
in ion
accessor resi
ies sta
nce
and
pol
arit
y
test
s
on
circ
uit
and
cables, and
establish that all
Earthing and
bonding is in
place and all
protective
devices are
suitable for
disconnection
times

55
Table 5: Summary of table 1.4 in more detail.
General cause
Detail
Insulation breakdown 1. Damage by installer

2. Damage by other trades

Damage by user (misuse,
3.
nails in walls, etc.
4. 4. overloading

Fuse, circuit breaker or 1. Short circuit caused by:

Residual Current Device a) Damaged insulation
operating instantly circuit is
switched on
Crossed polarity at
b)
terminations
Water penetration in joint
c)
box’s seal, gland etc.
2. Faulty appliances

Fuse or Circuit breaker 1. Overload caused by too many loads on a circuit,

operating regularly after a or machinery stalling or with too
period of time. much
mechanical load
2. Slight water penetration or general dampness

Fuse or Circuit breaker Transient over voltage caused by switching

operates with no apparent surges, motor starting etc
fault
[Link] Learning activities
Learning Activity 1
Do the activity at home or during vacant time
1. Perform an insulation resistance test on an electrical installation in your institution
Learning Activity 2
By the guidance of your trainer, perform the following tests on an existing electrical installation circuit: i.
Polarity test ii. Earth test iii. Insulation resistance test iv. Ring continuity test
v. Earth loop impedance test
56
 61
Equipment
● Test instruments
⮚ Continuity tester (ohmmeter)
⮚ Insulation resistance tester
⮚ Earth loop impedance tester
⮚ Test lamp
Materials and supplies materials
● BS 7671 ● Guidance Note 3
● The On-site Guide.
● Stationery
● Wiring certificates
References
● Manufacturers’ manuals
● Relevant catalogues
● IEE regulations
● Standards
● County by-laws
● Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
● National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) regulations
● National Construction Authority (NCA) regulations
● IEE tables
Reference materials
● Standards
● County by-laws
● Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
● National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) regulations
● National Construction Authority (NCA) regulations
● IEE tables
62
[Link] Reference
IEE Wiring Regulations: Inspection, Testing and Certification Sixth Edition Brian Scaddan, IEng, MIET
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
earth/#:~:text=%20Resistance%20of%20Earth%20%201%20The%20resist
ance,between%20the%20electrode%20and%20infinite%20earth.%20More%20
 Whatever the case, the original must be given to the person ordering the work, and a duplicate
retained by the contractor.
One important aspect of an EIC is the recommended interval between inspections.
This should be evaluated by the designer and will depend on the type of installation and its usage.
In some cases, the
time interval is mandatory, especially where environments are subject to use by the public.
The IEE Guidance Note 3 give recommended maximum frequencies between inspections.
A PIR is very similar in part to an EIC in respect of details of the installation, i.e. maximum
demand, type of earthing system, Ze, etc.
The rest of the form deals with the extent and limitations of the inspection and test, recommendations,
and a summary of the installation.
The record of the extent and limitations of the inspection is very important. It must be agreed with
the client or other third party exactly what parts of the installation will be covered by the report
and those that will not. The interval until
the next test is determined by the inspector.
With regard to the schedule of test results, test values should be recorded unadjusted, any
compensation for temperature, etc., being made after the testing is completed.
Any alterations or additions to an installation will be subject to the issue of an EIC, except where
the addition is, say, a
single point added to an existing circuit, and then the work is subject to the issue of an MEIWC.
Summary
1. The addition of points to existing circuits requires an MEIWC.
2. A new installation or an addition or alteration that comprises new circuits requires an EIC.
3. An existing installation requires a PIR. Note
Points (2) and (3) must be accompanied by a schedule of test results and a schedule of inspections.
As the client/customer is to receive the originals of any certification, it is important that all relevant
details are completed correctly
This ensures that future inspectors are aware of the installation details and test results which may
indicate a slow progressive deterioration in some or all of the installation.
These certificates, etc., could also form part of a ‘sellers pack’ when a client wishes to sell a property.
The following is a general guide to completing the necessary documentation and should be read in
conjunction with the
examples given in BS 7671 and the IEE Guidance Note 3.
Types of electrical wiring certificates
1. Electrical Installation Completion Certificate
2. Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate
This certificate should be made out and signed or otherwise authenticated by a skilled person in
respect of the design, construction, and inspection and testing of the minor Electrical Installation work.

60
 A Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate will indicate the responsibility for design,
construction, inspection and testing of the work described on the certificate.
The Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate is intended to be used for additions and alterations
to an installation that do not extend to the provision of a new circuit.
Examples include the addition of socket-outlets or lighting points to an existing circuit, the relocation
of a light switch
etc.
This Certificate may also be used for the replacement of equipment such as accessories or luminaires,
but not for the replacement of distribution boards or similar items.
Appropriate inspection and testing, however, should always be carried out irrespective of the extent
of the work undertaken.
Issuance of the Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate
This Certificate is normally issued to confirm that the electrical installation work to which it relates
has been designed,
constructed, inspected and tested in accordance with British Standard 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations).
The person ordering the work receives and the contractor retains a duplicate.
An 'original' Certificate or a copy of it, you should be passed, to the owner.
A separate Certificate should be issued for each existing circuit on which minor works have been carried out.
This Certificate is not appropriate if the contractor requested, undertakes more extensive installation
work, for which you should be issued an Electrical Installation Certificate.
The Certificate should be retained in a safe place and be shown to any person inspecting or
undertaking further work on the electrical installation in the future.
If you later vacate the property, this Certificate will demonstrate to the new owner that the minor
electrical installation
work carried out complied with the requirements of British Standard 7671 at the time the Certificate was
issued
Electrical installation completion certificate
This certificate should be made out and signed or otherwise authenticated by a skilled person or
persons in respect of the design, construction, inspection and testing of the work.
Electrical Installation Certificates indicates the responsibility for design, construction, inspection and
testing, whether
in relation to new work or further work on an existing installation.
Issuance of electrical installation certificate
The Electrical Installation Certificate is to be used only for the initial certification of a new installation
or for an addition or alteration to an existing installation where new circuits have been introduced,
or the replacement of a consumer unit/distribution board.
It is not to be used for a Periodic Inspection, for which an Electrical Installation Condition Report form should
be used.

61
 For an addition or alteration which does not extend to the introduction of new circuits, a Minor
Electrical Installation Works Certificate may be used.
The 'original' Certificate is to be issued to the person ordering the work (Regulation 644.4). A
duplicate should be
retained by the contractor.
1. This Certificate is only valid if accompanied by the Schedule of Inspections and the Schedule(s) of Test Results.
2. The signatures appended are those of the persons authorized by the companies executing the work of design,
construction, inspection and testing respectively. A signatory authorized to certify more than one category of
work
should sign in each of the appropriate places.
3. The time interval recommended before the first periodic inspection must be inserted. The proposed date for
the next inspection should take into consideration the frequency and quality of maintenance that the installation
can reasonably be expected to receive during its intended life, and the period should be agreed between the
designer, installer and other
relevant parties.
4. The page numbers for each of the Schedule of Inspections and the Schedule(s) of Test Results should
be indicated,
together with the total number of sheets involved.
5. The maximum prospective value of fault current recorded should be the greater of either the
prospective value of
short-circuit current or the prospective value of earth fault current.
Electrical installation certificate
This safety Certificate is issued to confirm that the electrical installation work to which it relates
has been designed,
constructed, inspected and tested in accordance with British Standard 7671 (the IET Wiring Regulations).
The person ordering the work receives and the contractor retains a duplicate.
An 'original' Certificate or a copy of it, you should be passed, to the owner.
The “original” Certificate should be retained in a safe place and be shown to any person inspecting
or undertaking further work on the electrical installation in the future.

62
Client: ……………………………………………………Contractor:
………………….…………………
Physical Address:
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Make: ………………… Model: …………………. No. of Ports: ……….………
Visited by certification committee: Date: …………………….. Time:
…………………………
PARTICULARS OF THE
Serial INSTALLATION
No. YES NO
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

(A) The Main Terminal Equipment

1. The main terminal equipment has
been Type approved
2. The main terminal equipment has
been properly accommodated in a
spacious easily accessible area with
proper ventilation
3. The main equipment has been
properly mounted or fixed
4. The main terminal equipment cabinet
has been properly closed except during
maintenance
5. The main terminal equipment earth
wire has been properly connected with
the correct colour code.
6. The main terminal equipment earth
has not been commoned to commercial
power earth

(B) Power provision and facilities

1. Power cable properly clipped, trunked
or cleated
2. Power cable has not been jointed
3. Power fail facility has been provided
4. Power fail facility extensions have
been installed and are functional
5. The equipment room has been
provided with at least one 13 amps
socket.
6. Power has not been supplied through
a multi socket extension cable
7. Power socket has been reserved for
the terminal equipment only
8. All power connections needing
protection have been fitted with the
correct fuses
9. Power fail back-up (Generator or
Battery has been provided and is
functional
10. Correct separation between the power
and communications cables has been
observed to avoid power infringement

( c) Internal Wiring
1. The main discase has been provided
and well fixed on the wall
2. The main discase has been properly
closed
3. The main discase has been properly
earthed
4. Terminated pairs on discases have
been well done and soldered where
necessary
3. All Line Jack Units (LJUs) have been
properly fixed on the wall
4. All LJUs have been properly closed
70
5. LJUs are accessible for maintenance purposes
6. Trunkings have been provided for all Telecommunications Cables
7. Telecommunications Cables and wires with no trunking have been
properly fixed and stapled
8. Trunking has been provided between the main equipment and
discase
9. There are no dry or open joints on the PVC internal cables
Dropwires have not been used for internal wiring
10.
(d) Block Wiring
PARTICULARS OF THE
Serial INSTALLATION
No. YES

1. The local internal distribution point or the main

distribution frame (MDF) is accommodated in a
spacious easily accessible room.
2. The room has adequate natural or electrical
lighting
3. The lead in cable ducts at the MDF have been
well sealed to stop water and rodents from
entering the room
4. The distribution cables are well formed and laced
inside the MDF room
5. The terminations at the MDF have been properly
done and soldered
6. The terminations at the discases have been
properly done and soldered
7. Lockable access to risers is provided for every
floor with adequate electrical lighting
8. Conduits leaving for various rooms, flats and
offices are as per specifications and originate
from the local MDF/DP room
9. The cables are well formed, laced and well-fixed
along the cable risers
10. Labeling and sign writing has been done where
necessary
 11. Discases, block terminals or box connections are
fitted at suitable accessible areas on every floor
12. All discases and sub-discases have been properly
earthed
13. The main MDF earth has been well provided at
the correct value of 0-2 ohms
14. The current wiring distribution diagrams are kept
securely in DP/MDF room.

(e) General Issues

1. Installation and Commissioning manuals for the

installation have been provided
2. The installation work has been provided
according to the submitted drawings and
approved drawings
3. Access to the premises has been allowed
4. Access to the equipment and the wiring has been
allowed
5. The client has moved from the premises where
the equipment was initially installed
6. The equipment has been recovered or
interchanged after an operational problem
7. The certification team was able to locate the
premises
8. The maintenance contractor is prompt after calls
in case of any problem
71
 B. the clerk-of-works
C. the owner
D. the local council
3. When a certificate is issued for Initial Verification purposes, for the certificate to be
valid it MUST be accompanied by?
A. test results sheet
B. schedules of inspections and test results
C. inspection tick-sheet
D. Part 'P' certificate
4. An electrical installation certificate for a new installation will require THREE
signatories, Identify one of these signatories.
A. the owner
B. the designer
C. the local authority
D. the site manager
6. When the installation of a new circuit to an existing installation has been completed, the
inspector will issue?
A. a condition report
B. a schedule of the tests completed
C. a minor-works certificate
D. an initial verification certificate
7. Identify the non-statutory document that details the construction and safe use of electrical
test instruments and equipment.
A. HSE guidance note GS38
B. Electricity at Work regulations
C. BS7671 On-site guide
D. Electrical Regulations book
5. _________ document deals with inspection, testing and certification
6. For an addition or alteration of Electrical Installation Works. Which Certificate
may
be used?
7. Who issues the certificate of a new electrical installation?
8. Which certificate is normally issued after an inspection and testing of a new
installation?
[Link] Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials
● Continuity tester (ohmmeter)
● Insulation resistance tester
● Earth loop impedance tester
● Test lamp
Materials and supplies
 ▪ A template form for periodic inspection courtesy of IET
▪ A Template form of model Electrical Installation Certificate
courtesy of IET
▪ A Template form of A Model Minor Electrical Installation Works
Certificate
Courtesy of IET
▪ BS7671
Get the template forms from:
1. [Link]
[Link]
2. [Link]
[Link]
Reference materials
● Standards
● County by-laws
● Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
● National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) regulations
● National Construction Authority (NCA) regulations
● IEE tables
[Link] Reference
IEE Wiring Regulations: Inspection, Testing and Certification Sixth Edition
Brian Scaddan, IEng, MIET [Link]
electrical-installations-home-1 [Link]
detailed-overview/
6.2.5 Sample Response to Self-Assessment
[Link] Responses for Self-assessment: Learning Outcome 1
1. B
2. Visual
Touch
Smell
3. To ensure safety of persons and livestock
To ensure protection from fire and heat
To ensure that the installation is not damaged so as to impair safety
To ensure that the installation is not defective and complies with current
regulations
4. Design
Construction
Inspection and testing
[Link] Responses for Self-assessment: Learning Outcome 2
1. D
 2. D
3. B 4. C
5. C
6. Insulation Resistance Tester
Prospective Short Circuit Current Tester
RCD Tester
7. Continuity Of Protective Conductors
Continuity Of Ring Final Circuit Conductors
Insulation Resistance
8.
a) Between L and E at the consumer unit
b) Between L and E at the socket outlet
c) This value is (R 1+ R 2) for the circuit.
9. check on existence of electronic equipment
● check there are no neon’s, capacitors, etc., in circuit
● all switches closed and accessories equipment removed
● no danger to persons or livestock by conducting the test
10. all single pole devices in line conductor only center contact of Edison
screw lamp holders in line conductor ● All accessories correctly connected.
11.
( a) The results of the assessment of general characteristics sections 311 ,
312 and 313, and diagrams, charts and similar information regarding the
installation (5 marks)
(b) In or adjacent to the distribution board (3 marks)
(c) Reference to the electronic door sensor and the PIR controlled external
luminaires as these could be vulnerable to a typical test (3 marks)
(d) Maximum demand, rating of consumer unit, earthing and bonding arrangements,
capacity of main protective device, etc. (4 marks)
 [Link] Responses for Self-assessment: Learning Outcome 3
1. C
2. A
3. (a)
(i) 0.4 Ω
(ii) 0.4 Ω
(iii) (R 1+ R 2) for the ring
4.
(a) Increase s
(b) Increase s
(c) Decrease s
 [Link] Responses for Self-assessment: Learning Outcome 4
1. D
2. A
3. B
4. B
5. D
6. A
7. To ensure accessories, etc., to relevant standard To ensure compliance with BS
7671 To ensure no damage that may cause danger
4.
(a) The Electricity at Work Regulations
(b) BS 7671 Guidance Note 3
The On-site Guide.
8. BS7671
9. Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate
10. Contractor
11. Electrical Installation Certificate