Qualified to test?

[greencoat]

Hi all,

are all sparks able to test domestic installations or do they have to get their 2391 ? I'm concerned about the sockets in my house & want to get their
earth fault loop impedances checked out, but I don't just want any spark with a megga.

Any ideas of costs involved for testing also?

Thanks,
Julian

 

[mapj1]

Anyone can test, what is needed is competance and an understanding of the instruments and their operation, not a city and guilds 2391 certificate - the two may go together but often sadly don't seem to. In principle there is nothing to stop you doing it if you hire a suitable meter * and read the instructions properly.

As to cost, it will depend on how much testing you want, how complex is the installation, and where you live. Very difficult to say, but a few hours labour at a professional rate, at least for starters.

*PS such beasts are more complex than a normal multimeter, and as alluded some understanding is needed to avoid potentially very nasty accidents.

 

[BenStiller]

Map, leading on from your reply, were would you hire all 16th testing gear? and about how much? daily, hourly?

 

[mapj1]

I've not hired for a while (as I have a tame friend who can lend me the gear...) but a quick 'google' shows up a typical price list here
http://www.cuthbertsonlaird.co.uk/pdf/Hire List Jan 2005.pdf
and another one here

http://www.glanfordelectronics.com/hire.html
But unless you live round the corner from either them, as insured postage is significant part of the cost, I'd suggest you start by asking your local electrical wholesalers and hire shops..

BUT before you DIY, ask yourself, honestly, do you understand what the measurements mean, and what action should be taken with unreasonable readings. AND for earth loop, that if the installation is not as you expect, you can make the house metalwork live while the 'test' button is pressed. I'd suggest a browse of the 'how to do inspection and test' part of the TLC-direct technical support websitehttp://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Book/1.1.htm and a reasonable read around any issues not understood immediately.