Guide to the Wiring Regulations

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14.1

Appendix 14 Occasional tests that may be required

Introduction
To supplement the tests detailed in Chapter F of the book the following tests are outlined in this appendix:

14.2

SELV and PELV tests Site applied insulation Electrical separation tests Non-conducting locations tests

SELV and PELV tests

Where SELV is used and it is the method of protection against electric shock, some additional testing is necessary. These tests are not required where SELV is used and equipment complies with 230 volt rules i.e. full insulation and the other basic rules. These tests shall also be used for PELV systems. The tests are as follows: For SELV and PELV

14.3

Test between the ELV live conductors and any other live conductors in the same containment at 500 V

And additionally for SELV Test for insulation at 250 V between live parts and primary Earth (connected to the PE conductor)

Minimum insulation shall be 1 M

Site Applied Insulation

Where insulation has been applied on-site to equipment in accordance with regulation 421.2.1.3, an enhanced insulation test should be carried out. This does not apply to assemblies of equipment-manufactured off-site but constructed on-site, even where these are insulation kits used as part of this process. The test is for un-insulated conductive parts that have been used and insulated on-site by the installation designer or installer. The test procedure is carried out using higher voltage insulation tester, also commonly known as either a ash tester or high pot tester.

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Appendices

It is best if the voltage and procedure for test is replicated from an appropriate British standard. Failing this tests should be carried out as follows (between live parts and live parts and equipment earth not connected to the system earthing):

14.4

test with installation 500 V insulation tester and if greater than 2 M test at 1000 ac 50 Hz, increasing to test at 1500 V ac 50 Hz for 1 minute

No ashovers or breakdowns shall occur during this period. A earth leakage will be present depending upon the size and nature of the components. Generally this should be in the order of a few milliamps.

Electrical separation tests

Where electrical separation is used as a protective measure, a test to conrm the separation is required as follows:

14.5

Test at 500 V between live parts of the separated circuit and earth connected to the system PE conductor if available and, Test at 500 V between live parts of the separated circuit and supply live conductors and, Test at 500 V between live parts of the separated circuit and live conductors of other circuits in a common enclosure.

In all cases, the insulation resistance for nominal voltage to earth circuits of 230 volts, shall not be less than 1 M.

Non-conducting location tests

Where a non-conducting location has been set up and constructed, the isolation must be checked by testing. This is listed in BS 7671: 2008 as insulation resistance/ impedance of oors and walls, see regulation 612.5.1. The test procedure for this construction must be carried out in at least three places and is as follows:

test with installation 500 V insulation tester and if greater than 1 M, test at 1000 V ac 50 Hz, increasing to test at 2000 V ac 50 Hz for 1 minute.

The latter test shall not pass a leakage current of 1 mA.

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