Acceptable readings for a NEW installation

[Guest 004]

OK peeps

I have just tested an 185 4 core SWA, and have got readings of 40 Megs on L2 to earth and L3 to earth. Although this is accepatable according to the regs, I feel it is unacceptable as a NEW installation, and indeed there is evidence of water on some of the switchgear, which clearly indicates water tracking between the cores. So I am refusing to pass it untill readings of >200 Meg are acheived. This equipment actually forms part of the EDF supply cable, so is in effect theirs, so I suppose its up to them to accept it.

Would like to have peoples thoughts on this?

whether to pass it or not? will EDF accept it?

Thanks

 

[KAS1]

For a newly installed SWA that's carp, I'd not except it all, but that's me I like it to be perfect.

 

[Guest 004]

My sentiments exactly

 

[i=p/u]

40 million amps have to flow or something like that to create a short. But as you say if it's new it should be higher, mYbe will dry out.

 

[Guest 004]

I tested this cable last week, and did indeed advice to put some space heaters next to the switchgear.

 

[MDJ]

Come on get a grip before the thread gets trashed.185mm2 cable and water between the cores? Pull yourself together man.

 

[i=p/u]

Fire it up an test in a week. Might start to rust if wet

 

[Guest 004]

Cant fire it up until EDF pass it

 

[Guest 004]

Come on get a grip before the thread gets trashed.185mm2 cable and water between the cores? Pull yourself together man.

So how do you explain the readings then?

 

[bigspark17]

You cant fail it... Its 40x greater than the minimum requirement BS7671.. It could be seen as fraud leading a customer into thinking its not passable!

 

[KAS1]

How do you explain the readings? what's the environment, humidity, type of termination enclosures, what sort of spark did the glanding etc

How can anyone make a judgement on a forum?

 

[Guest 004]

You cant fail it... Its 40x greater than the minimum requirement BS7671.. It could be seen as fraud leading a customer into thinking its not passable!

This job has 3 risers, each with an 185mm 4 core feeding it. EDF turned up on Frfiday and QA'd the other 2 supplies and equipment. Unfortuately I was not part of the team when EDF were on site. So must be something in it.

 

[KAS1]

Is there a nest of insects at the terminations

 

[Guest 004]

How do you explain the readings? what's the environment, humidity, type of termination enclosures, what sort of spark did the glanding etc

How can anyone make a judgement on a forum?

The enviroment is the same as the other 2 185's that were tested and were fine, with readings >499 Meg tested at 1000V

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Is there a nest of insects at the terminations

lol .......No

 

[MDJ]

So how do you explain the readings then?

I don't need to. It was the fact you mentioned there is water between cores which is the joke here.

 

[Guest 004]

I don't need to. It was the fact you mentioned there is water between cores which is the joke here.

Oh so maybe you think the cable is pinching then?

 

[spark 68]

You cant fail it... Its 40x greater than the minimum requirement BS7671.. It could be seen as fraud leading a customer into thinking its not passable!

If this cable is part of the DNO supply then it is not subject to BS7671, it will be whatever the DNO decides is acceptable (EDF in this case).

If this is a lot lower than other identical cables/risers then I would be concerned too, did you try wiping the terminations riser etc. with a dry clean rag ? it is more likely the terminations or the switchgear being damp than between cores, and did you test between all of the cores (all 10 tests) ?

 

[bigspark17]

If its part of the DNO then why are you ir testing this cable?

 

[spark 68]

If its part of the DNO then why are you ir testing this cable?

Probably because they will want the dead test results before they will energise it.

 

[Guest 004]

If its part of the DNO then why are you ir testing this cable?

because 'we' installed it for them

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Probably because they will want the dead test results before they will energise it.

absolutely