Do you test the continuity of an installations main incoming earth

[Questforknowledge]

This may seem like a stupid question but when testing for continuity using the long lead method I know you test the water and gas bonds etc but do you test the incoming earthing cable. I ask this because reading guidance note 3 it talks about the earthing conductor to be tested and I am slightly confused as I was never shown a test on the main incoming earth at college and have yet to see an electrician perform this. If so what is the process


Really hope i can get an answer and cheers for anyone who responds

 

[Strima]

When doing your Ze test you will also be confirming continuity of the main earthing conductor.

 

[SJD]

I have on the odd occasion tested continuity between the incoming cable sheath of a TN-S supply, and the MET - and found it was surprisingly high - due to a loose and corroded clamp that I wasn't prepared to tighten myself.

 

[JBW175]

It’s the first test you do after completing safe isolation.

Remove the earth cable from the MET and test for continuity between the end of it and where it terminates on the earth bar in the CU. Once verified, replace cable into MET, then proceed to test bonding of water, gas, any supplementary bonding etc...

It’s also verified when testing Ze, but that’s a live test and you’d want to verify continuity of protective conductors prior to that while dead testing an installation.

 

[Questforknowledge]

Thanks for the responses that makes sense now cheers

 

[davesparks]

Generally you can see the earthing conductor in its entirety and so can visually check that it is there, not broken, and can check that the terminations are tight.