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Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures) Unit 304 Handout 5

304: Electrical Installations: inspection, testing and commissioning

Handout 5: Test results
Learning outcome
The learner will:
4. Understand the requirements for the safe testing and commissioning of electrical
installations.
Assessment criteria
The learner can:
4.4 explain why it is necessary for test results to comply with standard values
4.5 state the actions to be taken in the event of unsatisfactory results being obtained
4.6 explain why testing is carried out in the sequence specified in BS 7671:2018 and
IET Guidance Note 3.

Test results
2.6.1 (page 40) of Guidance Note 3 states:
The test results must be recorded on the Schedule(s) of Test Results and compared with
relevant criteria. For example, in order to verify disconnection times, the relevant criteria
would be the design earth fault loop impedance values provided by the designer.
A sample Schedule of Test Results can be found on the following page.
If test results do not comply with the appropriate criteria, then the installation may be
unsafe and should not be brought into or continue in service until remedial work is carried
out.
Order of testing
Many tests rely on the results of certain other tests being correct. Electrical testing can be
hazardous, both to the tester and to others who are within the area of the installation during the
test. The danger is compounded if tests are not carried out in the correct sequence.
For example, it is of great importance that the continuity, and hence the effectiveness, of protective
conductors is confirmed before the insulation resistance test is carried out. The high voltage used
for insulation testing could appear on all extraneous metalwork associated with the installation in
the event of an open-circuit protective conductor if insulation resistance is very low.
Again, an earth fault loop impedance test cannot be conducted before an installation is connected
to the supply, and the danger associated with such a connection before verifying polarity,
protective system effectiveness and insulation resistance will be obvious.
Any test that fails to produce an acceptable result must be repeated after remedial action has been
taken. Any other tests, the results of which may have been influenced by the fault concerned, must
also be repeated. Some tests will be carried out before the supply is connected, while others
cannot be performed until the installation is energised.

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Level 3 Diploma in Electrical Installations (Buildings and Structures) Unit 304 Handout 5

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