Safe Isolation
Comprehensive locking off kits are available to ensure the right locking off device is always to hand for the circuit being worked on and should contain the following: ●Selection of MCB and breaker locks ●Padlock with a unique key ●Hasp for when one or more than one person is working on a system ●Lock out tags and warning labels However, locking off the circuit correctly is just one part of the
procedure. Before carrying out any work on the circuit, you must prove the circuit is dead with a dedicated voltage indicator and a proving unit as circuits are frequently mislabelled so there is no certainty that the correct circuit is locked off. In terms of the use of voltage indicators to prove dead, guidance from
Electrical Safety First addresses some key points: “Following isolation of equipment or circuits and before starting work it should be proved that the parts to work on, and those nearby, are dead. It should never be assumed that equipment is dead because a particular isolation device has been placed in the OFF position.” With a wide range of voltage detectors and indicators available, it is
important to understand why some equipment, such as multimeters and non-contact voltage detectors, should not be used for this process. Multimeters are not suitable as it is all too easy to select the wrong range. In addition, multimeters rely on battery power to function, so it is possible to make a false “dead” reading on a live circuit if the batteries are flat. While non- contact voltage detectors are frequently used to detect live cables, they cannot reliably be used to prove dead. The list of suitable voltage indicators includes testers, such as the VI13800
or VI-15000, or test lamps, such as the Drummond MTL10 or MTL20 from Martindale Electric. Martindale voltage indicators for safe isolation are fully compliant with the latest standards and are designed for safety, with no batteries or switches which could lead to false indication. In compliance with guidance, the recommended procedure for proving dead is to check the voltage indicator against a known source such as a proving unit, then test the circuit, then test the voltage indicator against the known source again to prove the tester has not failed during the testing procedure. Whilst a known live source can be used to test the voltage indicator, it is recommended that a dedicated proving unit matched to the voltage indicator is used. This will ensure that all LEDs on all ranges are working. In many cases, an alternative known live source may not be available on-site and it could be hazardous connecting to it. In order to get the job done quickly and effectively, many customers are now turning to safe isolation kits, which include all the necessary equipment to prove dead and lock out the circuit being worked on. Good examples of this being the Martindale VIPDLOK138 and
www.ewnews.co.uk VIPDLOKPRO complete safe isolation kit.
VIPDLOKPRO138 which include the industry standard voltage indicator, proving unit, locking off devices and combination carry case. Widely specified by contractors and maintenance teams, kits offer an all in one solution, are easy to use and ensure compliance with Health and Safety Regulations. With such a vast range of test equipment available, arguably the most
important factor for the wholesaler is to be able to provide an all in one solution from a trusted brand. Cost is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration.
However, as tempting as it might be for a customer to buy a cheap tool, which simply “does the job” when it comes to electrical safety, purchasing decisions are more often than not based on industry recommendations, reliability and trust. In short, good quality tools deliver volume sales and repeat business and
profitability. Stocking Martindale Electric tools won’t just drive profit but most importantly, it keeps customers safe and compliant with the latest Health and Safety standards. Martindale provides simple and reliable solutions to ensure circuits have been de-energised and properly isolated before carrying out maintenance and modification of plant and equipment.
martindale-electric.co.uk
Whilst a known live source can be used to test the voltage
VIPD138 voltage indicator & proving unit kit.
indicator, it is recommended that a dedicated proving unit matched to the voltage indicator is used. This will ensure that all LEDs on all ranges are working.
October 2018 electrical wholesaler | 17
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