IEE Code of Practice for the In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrial Equipment

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The IEE Code of Practice manual offers a code of practice for the in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

It includes advice on compliance with health and safety legislation.

The text specifies the frequency and scope of inspections and testing in different environments and gives guidance to those responsible for the inspection, testing and maintenance of electrical appliances.

In - service testing will involve the following:

• Preliminary inspection.
• Earth continuity tests (for Class 1 equipment).
• Insulation testing (which may sometimes be substituted by earth leakage measurement).
• Functional checks.

Sometimes however additional testing may be performed such as Flash Testing at a higher voltage, this is performed rarely and only in cases following a substantial repair.

A Quick Reference to Terms

Class 1 Equipment

Equipment in which protection against electric shock does not rely on basic insulation only but which includes means for the connection of exposed - conductive - parts to a protective conductor in the fixed wiring of the installation.

Earthing

Connection of the exposed - conductive parts of electrical equipment to the main earthing termination of an electrical installation.

IET

Institution of Engineering and Technology. ( Formally IEE )

IEE

Institution of Electrical Engineers.

Electric Shock

A dangerous physiological effect resulting from the passing of an electric current through a human body or livestock.

Insulation

Suitable non-conductive material enclosing, surrounding or supporting a conductor.

Protective Earthing Conductor

A conductor used for some measures of protection against electric shock and intended for connecting together the exposed - conductive - parts of electrical equipment to the main earth terminal of an electrical installation.

Where can I get the IEE Code of Practice from?

You can purchase the IEE Code of Practice from the following websites:

• http://www.pattesters.co.uk
• http://www.pat-services.co.uk
• http://www.amazon.co.uk
• http://www.theiet.org
• http://www.city-and-guilds.co.uk