Inspection testing and commissioning electrical installations Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of initial verification of an electrical installation?
To ensure compliance with current regulations and confirm suitability for use
According to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, who is responsible for ensuring the safety of electrical installations during inspection and testing?
The duty holder (the person in control of the danger)
What does Regulation 13 of the EAWR 1989 emphasize regarding electrical equipment made dead for inspection and testing?
Adequate precautions should be taken to prevent it from becoming electrically charged during work
During the isolation process, why is it important to post caution notices?
To alert everyone to the ongoing work being carried out
How many signatures are typically required on the certificate for initial verification of an electrical installation, and who provides these signatures?
Three signatures by the designer, installer, and the duty holder
Which regulation of the EAWR 1989 deals specifically with work on or near live conductors during inspection and testing?
Regulation 14
What is the key purpose of a voltage indicator in the isolation process?
To confirm the isolation is secure by testing for voltage presence
What is the term for the procedure that involves applying potentially dangerous test voltages and currents to an electrical installation?
Inspection and testing
What are the risks associated with not carrying out safe isolation during inspection and testing?
Risk of electrocution, burns, arcing, and explosions
In the context of inspection and testing, what is the purpose of periodic inspection and testing?
To assess the safety of an existing electrical installation over time
Which of the following statutory documents imposes general duties on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees, including electrical safety?
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
What is the name of the document that outlines safe working practices for electrical isolation and can be downloaded from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website?
HSR25 Safe Working Practices Booklet
Which regulation of the EAWR 1989 emphasizes the importance of having adequate working space, access, and lighting at electrical equipment during inspection and testing?
Regulation 15
During a single-phase isolation, how many tests are typically carried out as part of the three-point test?
3
What is the term for the procedure that confirms that the voltage indicator is still functioning correctly after isolation?
Proving
Which of the following documents is specifically concerned with electrical safety and imposes responsibilities on the duty holder during inspection and testing?
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
What is the primary purpose of Regulation 4(1) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR)?
To ensure that electrical systems are constructed to prevent danger
Which part of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR) identifies the need to prevent danger by ensuring that electrical systems are constructed to be safe?
Regulation 4(1)
What is the key responsibility of the designer when providing a signature for the initial verification certificate of an electrical installation?
To declare any departures from regulations in the design
Which of the following is NOT a risk associated with not carrying out safe isolation during inspection and testing?
Risk of misinterpreting test results
What is the primary purpose of the proving unit used in the isolation process?
To test the accuracy of the voltage indicator
During a three-phase isolation, how many possible tests are typically carried out as part of the ten-point test, assuming the neutral is present?
10
What is the term for the process of confirming that the isolation is secure and that the correct equipment has been isolated before inspection and testing can proceed?
Confirmation of isolation
Which document outlines safe working practices for electrical isolation and can be downloaded from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website?
HSR25 Safe Working Practices Booklet
What is the primary purpose of periodic inspection and testing of electrical installations?
To assess the on-going safety of an existing electrical installation over time
Which statutory document imposes general duties on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare at work, including electrical systems and installations?
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
What is the primary focus of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR)?
Public safety with regard to electrical installations
Which document requires every employer to assess the risks to workers and others who may be affected by work activities, including electrical installations?
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
According to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, what is required regarding equipment used for work activities involving electricity?
Equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in working order, and in good repair.
Which document specifically applies to electrical installations in domestic dwellings and is often referred to as “electricity at home regulations”?
Part P of the Building Regulations
What is the primary purpose of the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671: 2018)?
To set international safety rules for electrical installations
Which document serves as a simple guide to the practical approach of designing, installing, inspecting, and testing electrical installations?
The IET On-Site Guide (OSG) to BS 7671
Which document, published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), provides guidelines for good practice when using electrical test equipment to reduce the risk of danger and injury?
HSE Guidance Note GS38
Which form is used when alterations or additions are made to an existing circuit, such as adding a light to an already working lighting circuit?
Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC)
What is the purpose of an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) used during initial verification?
To certify new installations, rewires, or the installation of a single circuit or a change of consumer unit or distribution board
What is the primary purpose of the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) in the context of periodic inspection and testing?
To assess the on-going safety of existing electrical installations
According to BS 7671 Regulation 514.9.1, what information must be provided before carrying out an initial verification of an electrical installation?
Diagrams, documents, plans, and design criteria for the building
What must be inserted on the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) after assessing the maximum demand and diversity of a new installation?
The assessed demand after diversity*
Which document provides specific guidance on inspection and testing in relation to BS 7671 and is prepared by the IET?
The IET Guidance Note 3: Inspection and Testing to BS 7671
What is the purpose of the Generic Schedule(s) of Test Results in initial verification documentation?
To document the results of electrical tests and inspections carried out during initial verification
Which document is used to report the condition of an existing electrical installation and is not classified as certification?
Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
In the context of periodic inspection and testing, what is the purpose of the Condition Report Inspection Schedule(s)?
To document the condition of the electrical installation, including any observed defects and limitations
What does the term “extent” refer to in the context of limitations during electrical inspection and testing?
The amount of inspection and testing to be performed
In the context of limitations during electrical inspection and testing, what is the difference between agreed limitations and operational limitations?
Agreed limitations are pre-defined, while operational limitations arise during the testing process.
Which document provides details of methods used to calculate the maximum demand and diversity of small installations?
Appendix A of the IET On-Site Guide (OSG)
In an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), what information must be provided to satisfy Regulation 514.9.1 of BS 7671?
A diagram or table indicating the type and composition of each circuit, method of compliance with Regulation 410.3.2, and other information specified in the regulation
What is the nominal voltage to earth (U0) for low-voltage public electricity supply systems?
230 V
Which document provides guidelines for good practice when using electrical test equipment and is intended to reduce the risk of danger and injury during electrical tests?
HSE Guidance Note GS38
What information is essential before carrying out an initial verification of an electrical installation according to BS 7671 The IET Wiring Regulations, 18th Edition and IET Guidance Note 3?
Maximum demand and diversity, conductor and system earthing arrangements, supply characteristics, and diagrams/documents/plans/design criteria for the building
Which part of the electrical installation process involves assessing the maximum demand and diversity of a new installation?
Certification phase*
What information should be included on the Electrical Installation Certificate regarding the maximum demand?
The assessed demand after diversity
In the context of electrical systems, what does “TN or TT system” refer to?
Conductor and system earthing arrangements
What is the nominal voltage to earth (U0) for low-voltage public electricity supply systems in the UK?
230 V
What information does an inspector need to know about supply characteristics for an electrical installation?
Nominal voltage (U0), current type, frequency, prospective short-circuit current (PFC), and external earth fault loop impedance (Ze)
What is the purpose of the external earth fault loop impedance (Ze) in electrical installations?
To determine fault current levels and protective device coordination
Which document outlines the information required for the identification of each device performing functions like protection, isolation, and switching in an electrical installation?
Diagrams, documents, plans, and design criteria for the building, as specified in Regulation 514.9.1
Which sense is primarily used during the inspection process to identify signs of burning or overheating due to bad connections?
Sight
What method is used to assess protection against access with a finger, as described in the IP code (e.g., IP2X)?
Using a British Standard finger (IPXXB
When is automatic disconnection of supply (ADS) typically used as a form of fault protection?
In systems to ensure disconnection in the event of a fault for electrical safety purposes
What does RCD stand for in the context of electrical protection?
Residual Current Device
Which British Standard specifies the regulations for electrical installations in the UK?
BS 7671
What is the typical frequency of the electricity supply in the UK?
50 Hz
In an electrical installation, what is the purpose of the protective bonding conductors?
To connect extraneous conductive parts to prevent differences in potential
When inspecting an electrical installation, what is the primary purpose of checking connections between conductors and equipment?
To ensure durable electrical continuity and mechanical strengt
What is the minimum cross-sectional area required for a supplementary bonding conductor connecting two extraneous conductive parts in accordance with BS 7671?
2.5 mm²
In the context of electrical installations, what does SELV stand for?
Separated Extra-Low Voltage
Which human sense is primarily used to detect arcing caused by insecure connections during the inspection of electrical installations?
Hearing
What is the main purpose of the Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC)?
To certify that the installation complies with BS 7671 and other regulations
What is the purpose of supplementary equipotential bonding as additional protection in electrical installations?
To provide additional protection against electric shock
Which IP code indicates that an enclosure is protected against access with the back of the hand and against solid foreign objects of 50 mm diameter and greater?
IP2X
According to Regulations 132.11 and 515.1, what is the requirement regarding the electrical installation’s impact on other installations?
It should not cause detriment to other electrical and non-electrical installations.
When selecting devices for an electrical installation, which of the following devices are needed according to the provided information?
Fault protective devices, AFDDs, and surge protection devices.
What is the purpose of providing a means of isolation at the origin of the installation?
To interrupt the supply on load and ensure safety.
In a TN-S or TN-C-S system, which conductors need to be interrupted by the isolator at the origin of the installation?
Only the line conductors.
According to the information, which of the following should be provided with a means of switching for safety and maintenance purposes?
Hand dryers and showers.
What is the primary function of an isolator?
To switch on/off the supply during no-load conditions.
Why is it important to check the manufacturer’s information regarding the rating of a device for switching?
To ensure the device is rated for its intended use as a switch.
Which level of protection is indicated by the code “IPX7” in equipment used where water is likely to be present?
Protected against immersion in water.
When completing a schedule of inspections for an Electrical Installation Certificate, what should be marked in the boxes for compliance?
A tick for compliance
According to the provided information, which of the following is not regarded as a protective measure and forms part of ADS (Automatic Disconnection of Supply)?
FELV (Functional Extra-Low Voltage)
What is the purpose of item 2.1 on the schedule of inspections checklist?
To ensure the generator doesn’t power up the supply system.
According to item 1.0, what should inspectors check regarding the consumer’s isolator?
Its level of basic protection against electric shock.
When dealing with a backup generator, what is the importance of an independent earthing system?
It ensures the supply system is not energized if the supply system fails.
Which item on the checklist deals with the compatibility of characteristics of means of generation?
Item 2.5
What is the purpose of means to provide automatic disconnection of the generator in the event of a loss of the public supply system or voltage/frequency deviation beyond declared values?
To ensure safety by disconnecting the generator in case of power system issues.
What is the purpose of the distributor’s earthing arrangement according to Regulation 3.1?
To ensure proper earthing based on the supply earthing arrangement.
When would supplementary equipotential bonding be provided according to Regulation 3.7?
In situations where disconnection times cannot be met, and an RCD is not feasible.
what is the purpose of Class II or equivalent equipment?
To minimize the risk of parts becoming live.
What is the primary purpose of RCDs not exceeding 30 mA as specified in Regulation 6.1?
To provide additional protection against fault currents.
According to Regulation 7.15, where should all single-pole devices such as fuses or circuit breakers be connected?
To the phase conductor only.
What is the purpose of providing protection against electromagnetic effects where cables enter ferromagnetic enclosures (Regulation 7.18)?
To reduce heating effects caused by induced eddy currents.
What should be ensured regarding conductor connections, as per Regulation 7.19?
Connections must be tight and correctly located in terminals.