CHECKING

AND TESTING
ELECTRICAL
INSTALLING
WORK

ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF ENERGY

Office of Energy
 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Preface
It is a requirement of the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 that all
electrical installing work carried out in Western Australia complies with the
relevant standards, including Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS
3000:2000 (known as the Wiring Rules) and the WA Electrical Requirements.

The application of minimum electrical requirements and Standards is essential

for the safety of persons, livestock and property.

A clear understanding of these requirements is essential for those involved with

electrical installing work carried out in Western Australia.

All completed electrical work must be checked and tested by a licensed

electrician before the electrical contractor certifies the work to the relevant supply
authority.

This booklet has been produced as a guide to meet the checking and testing
requirements for electrical installing work, as specified in the Wiring Rules. Whilst
the details are focussed on domestic electrical installations, the principles apply
to all electrical installing work.

The testing methods in this booklet are not exclusive. Other test methods may be
used provided that they meet the minimum requirement of the Wiring Rules.

More detailed testing information is contained in the Australian/New Zealand

Standard AS/NZS 3017 ÒElectrical installations - Testing and inspection
guidelinesÓ.
CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK
 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Table of Contents
Checking, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installing Work 1

Installation Test Certificate 2

Checking and Testing 4

Checking and Testing Procedure 5

1. Visual Inspection 5

2. Earth Resistance and Continuity Tests 5

Test Equipment 6
Test Procedure 7

3. Insulation Resistance Test 8

Test Equipment 8
Test Procedure 8

4. Polarity/Functional Test 10
Test Equipment 10
Test Procedure 10

5. Correct Circuit Connections 11

6. Fault-loop Impedance Test 11

Test Equipment 11
Test Procedure 11

7. Verification of RCD 12

Testing Alterations and Additions 12

Test Equipment 13

Table 1 - Maximum resistance values of final subcircuit 14

protective earthing conductor

Table 2 - Comparison of voltage drop and fault-loop 15

impedance to determine circuit maximum distance.

Further Information 16

Notes 17
 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Checking, Testing and Certification of

Electrical Installing Work
All completed electrical installing work must be checked and tested to confirm
that it complies with the Wiring Rules and is safe for connection to the electricity
supply. The required steps to comply with the current regulatory requirements
are as follows:

1. When the electrical installing work has been completed, a licensed electrician
(which may be the contractor or an employee) is required to carry out checks
and tests of the installation, to ensure the electrical work meets the
requirements of the Wiring Rules. The checking and testing should be carried
out in accordance with a formalised checking and testing procedure.

2. Once these checks and tests have been completed, the electrician confirms
on the relevant section of the Notice of Completion or Notice of Completion-
Minor Work, that the checking and testing has been carried out.

3. For electrical installing work that requires the supply authority to attend
(eg. for electricity supply connection or alteration to the supply service
apparatus), the electrician then completes an Installation Test Certificate and
fixes it inside the meter enclosure of the installation.

4. Then, in the usual manner, the electrical contractor (or nominee) completes
the Notice of Completion, thereby certifying the work, and submits the Notice
to the supply authority.

5. When the Notice of Completion is received, the supply authority will

determine if an inspection of the installing work will be carried out, to ensure
that the standards of electrical safety of the installation are being maintained.
The supply authority will also arrange for the connection of the electricity
supply if necessary.

Notes

1. Minor work, ie. alterations and additions to existing electrical installations, is

also subject to a similar system except that the work is connected to the
electricity supply by the electrician.

2. Western PowerÕs Connect Scheme permits accredited electrical contractors

and authorised electrical workers to connect the electricity supply to the
installation and to then submit the Notice of Completion following connection.

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Installation Test Certificate

When a Notice of Completion is to be submitted for completed electrical installing
work that may require the supply authority to attend (eg. new connection or
upgrade of supply), the electrician carrying out the checking and testing must
complete an Installation Test Certificate.

An Installation Test Certificate is an adhesive label (included in books of

Preliminary Notices/Notices of Completion and also available from supply
authorities) that must be filled in by the electrician who performed the checking
and testing of the completed electrical installing work.

An Installation Test Certificate is to be fixed by the electrician to the inside of the

meter enclosure to indicate to the supply authority and the customer that the
installation is completed, has been checked and tested and is safe to be
connected to the electricity supply.

The electrician is requested to record the following key installation test results
and the underground consumerÕs mains cable route on a self adhesive label
which is also to be placed inside the meter enclosure:

¥ main earth conductor resistance;

¥ either the earth continuity or fault-loop impedance values for each sub circuit;
and

¥ insulation resistance values for each sub circuit.

The information will benefit subsequent electrical work and inspection, as well as
assist in preventing electric shocks and accidents.

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CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

INSTALLATION TEST
CERTIFICATE
Installation Address: _________________________

I confirm that I have carried out the checks and tests

of this electrical installation, as required by Electricity
(Licensing) Regulations 1991.

Signature of “A Grade” Electrical mechanic

Date E.W. Licence No

This work has been carried out for and on behalf of:
Electrical contractor’s name and licence No.

Note 1. The Electrical Mechanic is responsible for

the issue of this Test Certificate.
2. This Test Certificate is to be fixed to the
inside of the meter enclosure.
DON’T MEDDLE WITH ELECTRICITY -
ALWAYS USE A LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Checking and Testing

On completion of the electrical work and before the electricity supply is
connected and energised, the electrical contractor is responsible to ensure that:

¥ the electrical work has been carried out in accordance with the Electricity
(Licensing) Regulations 1991; and

¥ the installation has been checked and tested and is safe for connection to
the electricity supply.

To achieve this, the following minimum checks and tests should be carried out by
the electrician:

1. Visual Inspection - should be carried out whilst referring to a plan (to ensure
a systematic check to pick up any omissions and to verify that the work
complies with the requirements of the applicable standards).

2. Earth Resistance and Continuity Tests - this test is to include the main
earthing conductor, protective earth conductor and bonding conductor.

3. Insulation Resistance Test - this test is necessary to ensure that the

insulation resistance between live parts/conductors and earth is adequate.

4. Polarity Test - used to ensure correct connection of active, neutral and

earthing conductors.

5. Correct circuit connections - this test checks earthing conductors do not carry
current during normal operation and no short circuit exists.

6. Fault Loop Impedance - measures the fault loop impedance of each circuit to
verify the protective device will operate.

7. Verification of RCD (residual current device) operation - testing of RCDs is

carried out to ensure that the RCD operates.

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Checking and Testing Procedure

The Office of Energy recommends the following checking and testing
procedure, including careful recording of test results. Other testing
procedures may be used, provided that they meet the minimum
requirements of the Wiring Rules.
It is also recommended that the tests be carried out whilst there is no
electricity supply connected (except for the Fault Loop Impedance
verification or the RCD operation test) to the installation, or, in the case of
alterations to an existing installation, that the circuits to be tested have
been isolated from the electricity supply and have been securely tagged
and where possible padlocked.

1. Visual Inspection
A visual inspection is carried out to ensure that all work has been correctly
completed, by checking that:

¥ all cables and equipment have been correctly installed and terminated, and

¥ the installation complies with the relevant parts of the Wiring Rules and the
WA Electrical Requirements.

2. Earth Resistance and Continuity Tests

Earth resistance tests are required to confirm the installed earthing system will
cause circuit protective devices to operate and maintain cable integrity if there is
a fault between live parts and exposed conductive parts.

Earthing System Impedance

The resistance from any point of the electrical installation required to be earthed,
to the point where the main earthing conductor is connected to the neutral
conductor (MEN connection) of the supply system, shall be low enough to permit
the passage of current necessary to operate the circuit protective devices. To
confirm this value (which is dependent upon the type and rating of the protective
device and the fault-loop impedance of the associated conductors) requires the
following test to be performed:

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Test 1: Obtain the resistance value of the protective earthing conductor using a
quality ohm meter (see next page for procedure) and compare this value
with the maximum allowable resistance as tabulated in Table 1, page 18
of this booklet.

Or, where the electricity supply IS connected:

Test 2: Obtain the fault-loop impedance of each sub circuit using a quality fault-
loop impedance meter (refer to manufacturerÕs instructions and page 15
of this booklet for procedure). Compare the measured fault-loop
impedance value with the maximum value provided at Appendix B,
Table B4.1 of the Wiring Rules.
Notes:
1 If an RCD operates during the test, the test result is considered
satisfactory.
2 If the value measured is GREATER than the allowable maximum then
the following steps must be performed:
Test 2.1 Check the MEN connection, active, neutral and earth
conductor/equipment connections are all solidly made.
Repeat the fault-loop impedance test 2, above.
If the fault-loop impedance values exceed the requirements
of Table B4.1, then perform Test 2.2
Test 2.2 Perform the earth continuity measurement, Test 1 and
confirm results.
Repeat the fault-loop impedance Test 2, above. If the fault-loop
impedance values do not satisfy the requirements of Table B4.1
then you must contact the supply authority advising them of the
discrepancy.

Main Earthing Conductor

The resistance from the earthing electrode to the point where the main earthing
conductor is connected to the neutral conductor of the supply system shall not
exceed 0.5 ohms.

Test Equipment
¥ A multimeter set to ohms.

¥ Insulated copper conductor of suitable length (long lead).

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Test Procedure
Preparation:

1. Ensure that the electricity supply has been disconnected.

2. Connect an insulated copper conductor of suitable length (long lead) to one

terminal of the ohm meter.

3. Connect a standard length test lead to the other terminal of the ohm meter
(short lead).

4. Connect the two leads together, and

¥ zero the multimeter or, if this is not possible,
¥ record the resistance of the test leads.

5. Disconnect the water pipe equipotential bonding conductor and the water
heater earthing conductor (if applicable).
Care must be taken that there are no parallel earth paths when
conducting this test, ie. the earthing system must not be connected to
either the water or gas pipes.

6. Disconnect the MEN link from the main neutral link and connect it to the long
lead (ie. long lead now connected to the earth bar).

A: Main Earthing Conductor

¥ Connect the short lead to the earth electrode and measure the earth
resistance of the main earthing conductor.

¥ The resistance shall not exceed 0.5 ohms for the main earthing conductor.

B: Earth Continuity Test

¥ Using the long lead and zeroed multimeter, measure, for each circuit, the
earth conductor resistance from the circuit extremity to the switchboard.

¥ Confirm the measured values are LESS THAN those values as provided at
Table 1, page 18 of this booklet for each sub circuit.

¥ This test is applicable to all circuits, including socket outlet circuits, lighting
circuits and fixed equipment (eg. water heater supply) circuits.

7. Re-connect the MEN link to the main neutral link.

8. Re-connect the water pipe equipotential bonding conductor.

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

3. Insulation Resistance Test

An insulation resistance test is performed to ensure that the resistance between
all live conductors and earth, or as the case maybe, all live parts and earth, is
adequate to prevent electric shock hazards, fire hazards and equipment damage.

It is a requirement of Clause 6.3.3.3.1 of the Wiring Rules that the insulation

resistance between all live conductors (including the neutral) connected together,
and earth, measured with all protective devices in circuit and all switches on, is
not less than 1 Megohm (see Note below). This applies to the complete
installation and all parts of the installation.

This does not preclude the use of appliances incorporating heating elements
provided that, when tested with all elements in circuit, the insulation resistance
between live parts and the earthing terminal or earthing contact of the appliance
is not less than 0.01 Megohm (10,000 ohms).

Note: Whilst the minimum reading is 1 Megohm, the ideal reading is infinity.
This indicates a sound installation.

Test Equipment
Where the supply voltage does not exceed 250 volts between conductors and
earth, a 500 volt insulation tester should be used to perform this test.

Test Procedure
1. Ensure that all protective devices are in circuit and that all switches are on. If
there are two way lighting circuits in the installation, tests must be carried out
with the two way switches in all positions, so all circuit conductors are tested.

2. Set the insulation tester (eg. Megger) to Megohms.

3. Connect one lead of the insulation tester to the main earthing bar (MEN Link
disconnected) and the other lead to the actives and neutrals connected
together. Do not test between actives and neutrals.

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

4. Measure the insulation resistance of the total installation (including the

consumers mains).
If the insulation resistance is 1 Megohm or more - re-connect the MEN
Link and return the installation to normal.
If the insulation resistance is less than 1 Megohm - test all circuits
individually, starting with circuits supplying appliances incorporating heating
elements.
Where a circuit is less than 1 Megohm, disconnect the appliance or
appliances. Then test the circuit and appliance (separately) to ensure that the
insulation resistance of both the circuit and the appliance complies with the
following:
¥ not containing a heating element - is not less than 1 Megohm, or
¥ containing a heating element - is not less than 0.01 Megohm

Note: Where the insulation resistance of an appliance containing heating

elements is found to be less than 0.01 Megohm and the defect cannot be
rectified at the time of checking and testing, the electrical contractor must
make arrangements for correction of the defect prior to submission of the
Notice of Completion. Alternatively, the following procedure may be used:

a) Isolate the defective circuit, including the neutral conductor, by

disconnecting at the appropriate switchboard.

b) Attach an Òout of serviceÓ tag to the circuit protection device, advising that
the circuit has been disconnected due to low insulation resistance.

c) Check that the earth conductor has been reconnected at the MEN point.

d) Then submit the Notice of Completion.

Ensure that all circuits and the MEN connection are re-connected when the
testing is complete.

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

4. Polarity Test
Polarity tests are carried out to ensure the correct connection of active, neutral
and earth conductors to electrical equipment and to ensure that switches are not
installed in neutral conductors. Clause 6.3.3.4 ÒPolarityÓ of the Wiring Rules
specifies the testing requirements for this mandatory test.

Test Equipment
To carry out these tests, a continuity tester such as a multimeter (set to ohms)
should be used.

Test Procedure
To ensure that the installation circuits/equipment will function as intended, it is
necessary that the following tests be performed:

¥ Isolate the active conductors by turning the main switch OFF and tagging.

¥ Confirm consumer and sub mains cables/connections by simply testing from

the point of supply or distribution board to the main switchboard using an
ohm meter and long test loads. Test result Å 0 ½.

¥ Confirm active conductor switching by using an ohm meter with the long lead
connected to the active conductor at the switchboard and the short lead
connected to the switch terminals (one at a time) in the following manner:
i) Switch ON Å 0 ½ for both terminals
ii) Switch OFF Å 0 ½ for one terminal and ÔinfinityÕ for the other terminal

¥ With the MEN link in place, confirm the polarity of socket outlets using a 10½
resistor and an ohm meter. Connect the 10½ resistor between the circuit
active conductor and the neutral bar then at each socket outlet connect one
lead of the multimeter to the earth terminal and the second lead to the active
terminal. Test the resistance value for:
i) socket outlet switch OFF = ÔinfinityÕ
ii) socket outlet switch ON = 10½.

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

5. Correct Circuit Connections

These tests are required to ensure the following:

1. that protective earthing conductors do not carry current;

2. to prove there are no Ôshort circuitsÕ within the installation; and

3. for the circuit continuity test to prove each circuit for electrical continuity and
that all switches operate in the active conductors.

6. Fault-loop Impedance Test

This test is carried out to confirm the fault-loop impedance value of each circuit
will be low enough to ensure the operation of the protective device during a fault.

Test Equipment
To perform the fault-loop impedance test, a fault-loop impedance meter is
required.

Test Procedure
¥ Energise all circuits

¥ Using the fault-loop impedance meter, proceed to the circuit extremity of

each installed circuit and measure the earth-loop impedance of each circuit.

¥ The measured value must be less than the maximum values as tabulated at
Table B4.1 of the Wiring Rules

¥ If an RCD operates during the test, the test result can be considered
satisfactory.

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

7. Verification of RCD Operation

This is normally achieved by operation of the integral test device (typically test
button on the RCD) to confirm:

1. the RCD is functioning correctly; and

2. the tripping device mechanisms are operating.

Warning: Operation of the integral test device does not provide a means of
checking:

¥ continuity of the main earthing conductor or the associated circuit protective

earthing conductor; or

¥ any earth electrode or other means of earthing or the associated electrical

installation earthing.

Testing Alterations and Additions

When alterations are carried out to an existing electrical installation, it is
essential that the electrician tests the work to ensure compliance with the
relevant standards and specifications.

The tests described in this booklet must also be carried out on alterations and
additions to ensure the electrical installing work is safe to remain connected to
the electrical installation.

The majority of tests described in this booklet are designed to be carried out
without power being connected. When performing these tests, make sure that
electricity supplies are disconnected where necessary and that the appropriate
isolation and tagging has been carried out.

A ÒNotice of Completion - Minor WorkÓ form must be submitted to the

supply authority to certify this type of work.

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Test Equipment
Before performing any tests, ensure that the test equipment is correctly set, is
functional and is in good condition, particularly the test leads.

Remember, when testing:

¥ check that the test equipment is operating correctly

¥ perform the required tests

¥ re-check the test equipment to confirm that it still operates correctly.

Some types of test equipment (eg. multimeters) are fitted with fuse
protection. Ensure that at all times only the correct type and rated fuse is
used. This is for your protection.

Electrical test equipment is a very important part of an electricianÕs tools. Test

instruments should be tested at intervals not exceeding one year and records
kept to verify this.

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Table 1
Maximum resistance values of final sub circuit protective earthing conductors.

Circuit - breakers
Protective Fuses
Type B Type C Type D
Device Earthing Disconnection times
Rating Conductor
Size 0.4sec 0.4sec
A mm 2 Maximum final subcircuit earth conductor
resistance ½
6 1 3.08 1.65 1.00 3.69
10 1.5 1.85 1.00 0.60 2.06
16 2.5 1.16 0.62 0.38 0.99
20 2.5 0.93 0.50 0.30 0.68
25 2.5 1.07 0.57 0.34 0.76
32 2.5 0.72 0.38 0.23 0.51
40 2.5 0.66 0.35 0.21 0.44
50 4 0.54 0.29 0.17 0.34
63 4 0.44 0.23 0.14 0.26

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Table 2
Comparison of voltage drop and fault-loop impedance to determine circuit
maximum distance.

This table details the single phase voltage drop for a combination of conductor
size, maximum demand current and distance. It also displays the maximum
circuit length for a Type ÔCÕ circuit breaker (as normally used in most installations)
to ensure the operation of the circuit breaker during a earth fault. You will notice
that compliance for voltage drop is the predominant requirement compared to the
fault-loop distance for the given circuit breaker type.

Maximum Distance
Distance
Conductor Protective Maximum m
Size Device Demand 20m 30m 40m 60m 80m For For Type C
Rating Voltage Drop Voltage Circuit
Drop #2 Breaker #3
mm2 A A #1 V (11.5V = maximum)
10 10.3 - - - - 22* 55
1.0 10
5 5.2 7.7 10.3 - - 45* 55
10 6.6 9.9 - - - 35* 82
1.5 10
5 3.3 5.5 6.6 9.9 - 70* 82
16 5.8 8.6 - - - 40* 85
2.5 16
8 2.9 4.3 5.8 8.6 - 80* 85
25 5.6 8.4 11.2 - - 41* 67
4.0 25
12.5 2.8 4.2 5.6 8.4 10.2 82 67*
* Denotes limiting parameter

Notes:

#1: Maximum demand determined using (a) full load, and (b) half the rating of
the protective device assuming distributed load. Refer to Wiring Rules
Clause 3.6.2

#2: Voltage drop determined using 230V @ 5% = 11.5V maximum allowable.

#3: Distances obtained from Wiring Rules table B5.1.

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 CHECKING AND TESTING ELECTRICAL INSTALLING WORK

Further Information
For further information on testing electrical installing work, please contact the
Electrical Inspector at the relevant supply authority, as listed in the manual ÒWA
Electrical RequirementsÓ.

For further information about licensing arrangements, please contact:

OFFICE OF ENERGY
20 Southport Street
WEST LEEDERVILLE WA 6007

Telephone: (08) 9422 5282

Facsimile: (08) 9422 5222

Email: licensing@energy.wa.gov.au
Website: www.energy.wa.gov.au

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 Issued by

Technical & Safety Division

20 Southport Street
West Leederville WA 6007
Telephone: (08) 9422 5200
Facsimile: (08) 9422 5244
email: safety@energy.wa.gov.au
website: www.energy.wa.gov.au

TSD T026 0501