7Testing requirements#
7.1Pre start tests#
Prior to any testing, the following must be completed:
- risk assessment (electrical safety, road safety, etc.)
- confirm correct test equipment is available for use
- confirm appropriate test sequence shall be followed.
7.2Risk assessment procedure#
To comply with Transport and Main Roads’ risk management requirements and Managing Electrical Risk in the Workplace – Code of Practice, a risk analysis shall be completed prior to undertaking any works. This is done on a site by site basis.
7.3Electrical risk in departmental infrastructure#
To be done on a site by site basis.
- types, location, severity, frequency of risks
- mitigation methods
- design
- testing frequency
- workers vs public.
7.4Test equipment#
Table 7.4 lists test equipment and associated category requirements. Category voltage requirements will depend on measurements being taken, either phase to neutral or phase to phase. Probes need to be selected accordingly. Before commencing any electrical work, make sure all tools and electrical equipment are selected, serviced and calibrated properly.
| Test | Description | Comments | Category (minimum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulation resistance | Insulation resistance tester | Meter to be rated to test voltage 1000 V. Unit to have accuracy of +/- 5% | III |
| Earth Fault Loop Impedance (EFLI) | Loop tester | Capable of measuring under load. High current ‘trip’ type meter (draws greater than 4 A in EFLI test) | III |
| Current | Leakage current clamp meter | Meter to have minimum resolution of 0.1 mA | II |
| Voltage | Voltmeter | Capable of taking true root mean square (RMS) voltage readings (can be a multimeter) | III |
| Direct current (DC) resistance | Ohmmeter | Capable of measuring DC resistance to minimum resolution 0.01 Ohms (can be a multimeter) | III |
| Thermal imaging | Infrared thermal image camera | Minimum resolution 0.1 C Minimum Scale 25 – 110 C | — |
7.5Test sequence#
The following tests shall be completed as a minimum and in accordance with Wiring Rules Clause 8.3.4. Where indicated items are mandatory as per Wiring Rules Clause 8.3.3, these are:
- 1.visual inspection (mandatory)
- 2.earth continuity (mandatory)
- 3.neutral integrity
- 4.earth electrode resistance test
- 5.insulation resistance test (mandatory)
- 6.polarity (mandatory)
- 7.correct circuit connections (mandatory)
- 8.Earth Fault Loop Impedance (mandatory)
- 9.verification of Residual Current Devices (mandatory).
