Annual EICR Tests

[Dizzy_Maskell]

Guys,
I work for a company that do a lot of annual testing. As a company we test 100% of each DB every year as clients request. We have noticed now that some of the older DBs the screws on neutral bars are beginning to become worn. (Yes we do use correct screwdrivers and tighten then to the correct level) We have been thinking ultimately in a few years some of these screws will become untestable and in effect we are causing a defect by testing annually. Obviously clients will not want to start changing DBs because we have worn the screws out just wondered if any one else has considered or encountered this?
Thanks people

 

[telectrix]

i'd be inclined to review your testing procedure and perform full dead tests ( where you need to dis. the neutrals ) only every 5 years instead of annually.

 

[Dizzy_Maskell]

Yeah we do a mixture of locations but some entertainment licences require an annual inspection, Bit of a tricky one really as we have discussed at great length

 

[telectrix]

yes, but what i'm saying is that you don't need to do all the dead tests annually. by measuring Zs and taking a global IR, and comparing with previous readings, you can confirm that the circuit/s are safe.

 

[Dizzy_Maskell]

Problem is as we know that numerous circuits in the boards have low IRs and need to be tested individually we do mark the low IR circuit so can monitor year on year but we very rarely get a global, usually large DBs too e.g 12-24 way TP&N DBs

 

[Guitarist]

Maybe the answer is to buy a few empty CU's and use the screws as spares. Either that, or request a bag of spares from the manufacturer.
I have to agree though, the quality of most modern screws on all accessories is shocking.

 

[Rampantchilli]

Why not do your IR testing at the other end of the circuit, ie the accessories not the boards, sockets are cheap these days, or talk directly to you customers and make them aware that the equipment was never designed for this kind of intense testing regime, and they would be liable for the replacement costs if any are incurred.

 

[Rampantchilli]

Or get a local engineering firm to make some replacement screws, and agree a minimal cost for replacing screw with your customer

 

[trev]

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&r...=1YvUWdn_9ccNSZuScPky_g&bvm=bv.49784469,d.d2k
Those will make any type of screw or bolt for you and have most commonly used types in stock all the time.

 

[trev]

Would have thought it an obvious solution to a problem that's easily solved.