The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has expressed concerns about instances where simple* socket-outlet test devices have been relied on to demonstrate that socket- outlets are ‘safe’, either as part of the initial verification of newly-installed socket-outlets, or for the periodic testing of existing socket-outlets. This guidance is intended to address those concerns.
No socket-outlet test device (however sophisticated) can be relied on alone to provide full assurance that a socket- outlet is safe to use. This guidance therefore covers not only simple socket-outlet test devices but also those of more advanced designs.
The guidance is intended to supplement the information provided with socket-outlet test devices, which must always be read and followed in order to ensure that the device is used safely and correctly.
The guidance is intended for electrically competent and skilled persons only.
*It is important to distinguish between simple socket-outlet test devices that have been available for many years and are in widespread use, and certain more advanced designs. Most simple socket-outlet test devices indicate basic wiring faults. There are other, more sophisticated, socket-outlet test devices available which will, in addition, display either the range of numerical values into which the earth fault loop impedance falls, or the numerical value of the loop impedance. Such devices are considered to be either ‘advanced’ or ‘professional’, rather than ‘simple’, socket-outlet test devices for the purposes of this Best Practice Guide.
Click on the attachment below to download this free Best Practice Guide from the Electrical Safety Council, in association with leading industry bodies.
To view all ESC best practice guides
http://www.esc.org.uk/industry/industry-guidance/best-practice-guides/
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Related contacts
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Electrical Safety Council
18 Buckingham Gate
London
SW1E 6LB
Telephone: 0870 040 0561
Fax: 0870 040 0560
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Source: Electrical Safety Council |
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