Advice please on various q's?

[biggal5]

Hello,
Can anyone help me on a few various questions I have please?;

1) when doing cont. test on ring circuit I do both side of double socket, how comes I get big differences in readings even though wired up exactly the same? Thought my tester was faulty but got it calibrated and even used 2nd tester, with brand new leads. Also if I get an unusually high reading I press retest, and value decreases? Seems strange to me.

2) was thought to do a Zs on all socket outlets. Both sides of a double socket, is that correct as other electricians have said no need??

3) done my first full domestic rewire and when running cables I done Ir tests practically every 10mins after wiring a length of cable just to make sure, does this wear out my tester quicker? Also I do an RCD test on the socket with the highest loop impedance? Is that correct practice? I do not have to do all outlets?

4) not sure how to perform an RCD test on lighting circuit?

5) ripped out the old cables on my rewire and noticed that they had squashed all the cables into a well undersized nogging in the joists? I know it was done years ago but got me thinking on what's the max number of cables bunched together in grouping?

Apologies in advance if these are stupid queries but would appreciate any advice. Just want to get it right from the start and not fall into bad habits.

 

[telectrix]

Hello,
Can anyone help me on a few various questions I have please?;

1) when doing cont. test on ring circuit I do both side of double socket, how comes I get big differences in readings even though wired up exactly the same? Thought my tester was faulty but got it calibrated and even used 2nd tester, with brand new leads. Also if I get an unusually high reading I press retest, and value decreases? Seems strange to me.CHEAPO SOCKETS

2) was thought to do a Zs on all socket outlets. Both sides of a double socket, is that correct as other electricians have said no need??1 SIDE ONLY

3) done my first full domestic rewire and when running cables I done Ir tests practically every 10mins after wiring a length of cable just to make sure, does this wear out my tester quicker? Also I do an RCD test on the socket with the highest loop impedance? Is that correct practice? I do not have to do all outlets? RCD TESTS SHOULD BE DONE AT RCD WITH NO LOADS CONNECTED

4) not sure how to perform an RCD test on lighting circuit? AS ABOVE

5) ripped out the old cables on my rewire and noticed that they had squashed all the cables into a well undersized nogging in the joists? I know it was done years ago but got me thinking on what's the max number of cables bunched together in grouping? DEPENDS

Apologies in advance if these are stupid queries but would appreciate any advice. Just want to get it right from the start and not fall into bad habits.

My thoughts in caps.

 

[Darkwood]

You should have a copy of this all your answers are within.

We all start somewhere but just seems a lot basic of questions for someone who has already passed their exams, well i assume you have taken your Inspection and Testing module to be issuing your own cert's.
May i ask the kind of course you have done?

 

[Darkwood]

Hello,
Can anyone help me on a few various questions I have please?;

1) when doing cont. test on ring circuit I do both side of double socket, how comes I get big differences in readings even though wired up exactly the same? Thought my tester was faulty but got it calibrated and even used 2nd tester, with brand new leads. Also if I get an unusually high reading I press retest, and value decreases? Seems strange to me.

Your meter is measuring a hopefully very small resistance as each side of the socket has its own independent switch and contact points their can be a variation in any resistance caused by the socket mechanical

5) ripped out the old cables on my rewire and noticed that they had squashed all the cables into a well undersized nogging in the joists? I know it was done years ago but got me thinking on what's the max number of cables bunched together in grouping?

When you learned about calculating the correct cable size you will have been taught about grouping factor amongst other factors so as Tel says this will vary due to cable size, install methods etc etc.

Apologies in advance if these are stupid queries but would appreciate any advice. Just want to get it right from the start and not fall into bad habits.

Other questions have been answered by Tel so pointless repeating them.

 

[biggal5]

Thanks again for re

 

[VoltzElectrical]

Hello,
Can anyone help me on a few various questions I have please?;

1) when doing cont. test on ring circuit I do both side of double socket, how comes I get big differences in readings even though wired up exactly the same? Thought my tester was faulty but got it calibrated and even used 2nd tester, with brand new leads. Also if I get an unusually high reading I press retest, and value decreases? Seems strange to me.

2) was thought to do a Zs on all socket outlets. Both sides of a double socket, is that correct as other electricians have said no need??

3) done my first full domestic rewire and when running cables I done Ir tests practically every 10mins after wiring a length of cable just to make sure, does this wear out my tester quicker? Also I do an RCD test on the socket with the highest loop impedance? Is that correct practice? I do not have to do all outlets?

4) not sure how to perform an RCD test on lighting circuit?

5) ripped out the old cables on my rewire and noticed that they had squashed all the cables into a well undersized nogging in the joists? I know it was done years ago but got me thinking on what's the max number of cables bunched together in grouping?

Apologies in advance if these are stupid queries but would appreciate any advice. Just want to get it right from the start and not fall into bad habits.

it will wear out the BATTERIES, but not the tester itself!

 

[netblindpaul]

I have seen a lack of earth continuity on one side of a double socket outlet, and not a bargain basement one either!

 

[biggal5]

Thanks again for replies. I know they're basic q's and was looking for second opinions to be fully confident. Done my Eal 2 domestic installers, 2391 and 17th edition? (Done a while back but had lengthy layoff). Registered as domestic installer few months ago.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

often get a different result from different sides of a socket. When doing my AM2, the sockets were so worn, I couldn't get any meaningful results from the plug in adaptor so had to drop the sockets off and teat from the terminals. (all results supposed to be the same when cross connecting live and cpc for R1/ R2) on a ring. Higher for a spur.

Agree with the post recommending getting guidance note 3. It's all in there with coloured diagrams as well.

Also, I can highly recommend THINKING FOR YOURSELF AND TRYING TO REASON THROUGH A PROBLEM.

No offense intended.

 

[VoltzElectrical]

This effing forum won't let me edit a post for spelling! Test, not teat!

 

[Darkwood]

The time off then explains all you just wanted a recap.... so understand now its just we get that level of questioning from fully fledged newly qualified Electricians and sometimes i question how they passed....but i do recommend you have a copy of the guide and its other parts as they are invaluable especially to someone at the bottom of the ladder climbing up the experience rungs.

 

[ipf]

This effing forum won't let me edit a post for spelling! Test, not teat!

Well.............you'll just have to suck on it :smug: