[ Spotlight: Testing ]
Ideal TightSight testing kit
Megger PAT testing equipment
Sun spot Despite the cool response to the Green Deal, investment in renewable technologies such as solar PV has continued unabated, and the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has reported growth. Installers of solar PV systems in the UK must satisfy Microgeneration Certifi cation Scheme (MCS) requirements for systems up to 50kW and incorporated into this is IEC 62446: 2009. This standard sets out the information and documentation that should be provided to the customer following the installation of a solar PV system, as well as the initial and periodic electrical inspection and testing required. It recognises that only by the provision of adequate documentation at
Testing times
Mick Geeson, health and safety advisor at NG Bailey, gives his take on electrical testing and test equipment.
What do you look for when buying a piece of test equipment? Obviously we need to ensure compliance with relevant standards, but we also look for robust and reliable products. The nature of construction and maintenance sites means that equipment is often subjected to tough environments and handling, while still having to provide accurate readings. For this reason, equipment must be checked for ongoing accuracy throughout its lifetime.
Do you regularly calibrate your test equipment? All our test equipment is calibrated each time it is returned to the company’s plant department – regardless of how long it has been hired out for. We are registered to do this, so are able to calibrate the majority of it ourselves. However, our very specialist types of equipment – such as light meters – are sent away for annual calibration.
Do customers realise the importance of testing? Many do; however, as they are employing us as a specialist it’s our responsibility to advise them on the statutory requirements when agreeing
inspection and testing. Certifi cation is essential in enabling us to provide clients with correct information about the safety of installations.
What impact has the 4th Edition of the IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment made? Clients are beginning to ask more detailed questions about what the specifi c requirements are for carrying out PAT. The practice of testing every item of equipment annually – regardless of the potential for it to present a risk, will take time to change – even though this was never a requirement of the previous editions of the Code of Practice.
the outset can the long-term performance and safety of the system be guaranteed. While some manufacturers have produced
There is indisputable evidence that the regular testing of electrical equipment prevents injuries, and saves lives
dedicated solar PV test equipment, according to Simon Wood of Megger, the requirements for testing the installation can be achieved with the addition of a couple of instruments to the standard test equipment a contractor would already own. He explains: ‘A solar irradiance meter and possibly a dedicated current clamp meter is all that would be needed in addition to a 17th Edition test kit or multifunction tester.’ However, specialised equipment is sometimes
necessary. Dave Sweetman, managing director at Di-Log Solar, explains: ‘The biggest area of growth
50 ECA Today December 2013
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