Electricians of PH please help!
Discussion
brman said:
So you agree that testing is necessary. You just don't think it necessary when modifying a circuit? I am not following the logic there.......
Probably because I have a lot more faith in wiring and connections that I've personally made and inspected, than in the old, invisible stuff buried in walls decades previously?And I would test, admittedly just at the level of one of those light-up screwdrivers to check that live is live and nothing else is...
Speaking of which, recommend me a plug-in 13A socket tester!
silentbrown said:
brman said:
So you agree that testing is necessary. You just don't think it necessary when modifying a circuit? I am not following the logic there.......
Probably because I have a lot more faith in wiring and connections that I've personally made and inspected, than in the old, invisible stuff buried in walls decades previously?
I think we are going to have to agree to disagree on this one.....
silentbrown said:
And I would test, admittedly just at the level of one of those light-up screwdrivers to check that live is live and nothing else is...
Neon screwdrivers? don't get me started..... 
silentbrown said:
Speaking of which, recommend me a plug-in 13A socket tester!
well, this will do a pretty good job: http://testequipmenthire.co.uk/Fluke1653B.aspOr, for basic tests, perhaps one of these: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/mains-socket-tester...
To be honest I do have a cheap socket tester (can't remember the brand) but I only use it for things like finding the right breaker (plug it in and turn off each breaker in turn until it stops buzzing) and that sort of thing.
brman said:
silentbrown said:
And I would test, admittedly just at the level of one of those light-up screwdrivers to check that live is live and nothing else is...
Neon screwdrivers? don't get me started..... 
I guess its partly a dislike of too much regulation: Next thing you know, you'll need a certificate to verify that you tightened the sump bung to the correct torque after changing the oil in your car... Or need to have emissions tested whenever you change the wiper blades...
Don't get me started on PAT testing of IEC leads, please!
Thanks for the RS socket tester recommendation. Looks a sensible investment.
to be honest part P was brought in to try and control the work of people like "kitchen fitters" etc who "know" what they are doing and can easily chuck sockets and lighting in. its still a nightmare waiting to happen.
in fairness there are people who can quite safely add points, extend rings etc, and who would be classed as competent, but the work still needs testing and signing off to be fully safe. the current system is so open to abuse and interpretation.
if you look at Gas Safe as a scheme, there are still cowboy butchers getting prosecuted and struck off, but i suspect its less of a major issue than it used to be before the risk of huge fines and prison sentences.
most qualified competent sparkies are probably of the opinion the testing and certification and what DIYers can do should be tighted up and made clear i suspect, but realistically know its not going to happen and it does keep them in work putting it right :-)
in fairness there are people who can quite safely add points, extend rings etc, and who would be classed as competent, but the work still needs testing and signing off to be fully safe. the current system is so open to abuse and interpretation.
if you look at Gas Safe as a scheme, there are still cowboy butchers getting prosecuted and struck off, but i suspect its less of a major issue than it used to be before the risk of huge fines and prison sentences.
most qualified competent sparkies are probably of the opinion the testing and certification and what DIYers can do should be tighted up and made clear i suspect, but realistically know its not going to happen and it does keep them in work putting it right :-)
silentbrown said:
brman said:
silentbrown said:
And I would test, admittedly just at the level of one of those light-up screwdrivers to check that live is live and nothing else is...
Neon screwdrivers? don't get me started..... silentbrown said:
I guess its partly a dislike of too much regulation: Next thing you know, you'll need a certificate to verify that you tightened the sump bung to the correct torque after changing the oil in your car... Or need to have emissions tested whenever you change the wiper blades...
Thing is, it isn't really about over-regulation. You can drive a bus through the part p rules and they have been watered down recently. We are talking about basic testing to prove a system is safe. Regulations or not, it is hard to argue against that. silentbrown said:
Don't get me started on PAT testing of IEC leads, please!
I am with you there. Although again, if you actually go through the guidelines, IEC leads do not need pat testing 99% of the time. Just a quick inspection for damage every now and then. PAT testing (done properly) is about risk assessment, not testing everything in sight......silentbrown said:
Thanks for the RS socket tester recommendation. Looks a sensible investment.
No problem, I have not actually used one but it looks reasonable kit for the money and is certainly a step above a neon screwdriver The only thing I've used a neon for is to quickly verify the triggering of the boiler wiring centre ( a little tricky when the original installer used 6 runs of twin and earth o wire it...)
I thought that checks for earth/cpc continuity, resistance, RCD triggering and L/N wiring reversal are the ones that have to be verified?
I thought that checks for earth/cpc continuity, resistance, RCD triggering and L/N wiring reversal are the ones that have to be verified?
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