Earth Loop Testing after repair

[woz]

Just wondering if any one knows the score on this one

Is there any regulation where a service engineer has to carry out an Earth Loop Impedance test after carrying out a repair.

If there is can somebody give me the regulation number as in the IEE regs it only mentions new installations(wiring) not about appliances.

Regards

woz 😉

[kwatt]

Hi woz,

As far as I am aware there is no specific regulation in regard to this for appliance (or much else really) repairs in the home. I think that there was some talk of introducing such a scheme but it was considered too bulky and, basically, unenforceable to be in any way workable.

Too meet IEE regs or building standards is a different matter altogether but I do know that there is no requirement to loop test a newly installed appliance in a new build.

You should read the thread about Part P, that explains why it’s unworkable quite well, from memory it’s in the General Trade Forum.

Hope that helps a little.

K.

[Martin]

Re: Earth Loop Testing after repair

It will only come into play when they change the rules on ‘PAT Testing’ to include repairs to and in private dwellings and to all Whitegoods…..Long way off yet I reckon?

Meanwhile keep Loop Testing and show on your Invoice/Work Docket the test results as usual…..!

Martin

[woz]

Re: Earth Loop Testing after repair

Thanks Martin

at the moment our company doesn’t do the loop test.

Think about it this way 180 X £600 Expensive!!!!!!!

[woz]

Re: Earth Loop Testing after repair

Sorry and thanks Ken

[woz]

Re: Earth Loop Testing after repair

Hi Ken

Cannot find the PART P post you mentioned have searched the entire site

could you shed a little light for me

Thanks Woz 😆

[woz]

Re: Earth Loop Testing after repair

Hi Ken

Cannot find the PART P post you mentioned have searched the entire site

could you shed a little light for me

Thanks Woz 😆

[kwatt]

Surely…

http://www.ukwhitegoods.co.uk/postt779.html

K.

[Tinhips]

I think HSE require it to be done, but at present can not find the HSE guide, given out and distributed to all DASA members about 18/24 months ago. When I do I will give you the guide number.

[Martin]

Re: Earth Loop Testing after repair

The HSE Guide refers only to ‘Electrical Installations’ however DASA included this as part of their ‘Quality Criteria’ Electrical Safety Tests (Section 3.1.7) which all members are expected to adhere on every repair!

Martin

[Scotty]

Re: Earth Loop Testing after repair

The HSE Guide refers only to ‘Electrical Installations’ however DASA included this as part of their ‘Quality Criteria’ Electrical Safety Tests (Section 3.1.7) which all members are expected to adhere on every repair!

Dasa has recommended since 1993 that earth loop impedence testing should be done.
It is now part of the dasa Quality criteria, which was done in conjunction and advice from the HSE. I think you will find that the HSE regard this test as compulsary, they explained that to members personaly at the DASA agm (one before last).

The HSE have an information sheet on safety in domestic appliance servicing:-
Engineering Information sheet No 35.

ps
I will make it available on http://www.dasanet.org.uk, for dasa members to download

[kwatt]

In the “Safety And Electrical Testing At Work” Leaflet it states that:

Legal requirements
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 are
the principal legislation relating to electrical
testing activities. Regulation 4(3) requires that
‘work on or near to an electrical system shall be
carried out in such a manner as not to give rise,
so far as is reasonably practicable, to danger’.
Regulation 14 places a strict prohibition on
working on or near live conductors unless:
(a) it is unreasonable for the equipment to be
dead;
(b) it is reasonable for the work to take place on
or near the live conductor; and
(c) suitable precautions have been taken to
prevent injury.
In addition, employers are required under
regulation 3 of the Management of Health
and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to
assess the risks to the health and safety of
their employees while they are at work, in
order to identify and implement the
necessary precautions to ensure safety.

As is plain, there appears to be no legal requirement, which was the question.

K.

[kwatt]

Oh the above was taken from the general overview, from the one Scott reffers too the quote would be;

What are the legal requirements?
The Electricity at Work Regulations 19893 are the
principal legislation relating to electrical testing activities
and regulation 14 is particularly relevant to live testing
activities. In addition, employers are required under
regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at
Work Regulations 19997 to assess the risks to the health
and safety of their employees while they are at work, in
order to identify and implement the necessary
precautions to ensure safety.

K.

[kwatt]

I just put the PDF in the downloads section, it’s in the PDF documents bit.

K.

[streetlighter]

Re: Earth Loop Testing after repair

personally i feel, on every job I go to I must
1 test loop impeadance at socket out-let, inc built in polarity test.
2 earth loop test on appliance, ie multitester from earth on plug to exposed case.
3 sometimes on old appliances i use remote probe on loop tester to case but must be on rear as somtimes it sparkes and damages case.
I do this for my own peace of mind and for insurance puposes noting the reading on my and customers sheet.

[Author]

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