Insulation resistance test

Jrautolec · Nov 15, 2022

Evening chaps,
I've been asked to do a visual inspection, and an insulation resistance test on a fishing boat, which is working off 24v, this is a new ruling apparently, and without me signing it off as ok, the boat is currently docked, and not allowed to go out fishing. The visual checks aren't an issue, but it's this insulation resistance test, how the bloody hell do I do it? Everything I've searched for online refers to mains voltage equipment, which you have your live, neutral and earth to test between, and more often than not, these 3 are all run together. This isn't the case on most battery powered systems, I've purchased an insulation tester, but it may as well stay in the box, as I've no idea how I'm supposed to test things. Any ideas?

Julie. · Nov 15, 2022

Jrautolec said:
Evening chaps,
I've been asked to do a visual inspection, and an insulation resistance test on a fishing boat, which is working off 24v, this is a new ruling apparently, and without me signing it off as ok, the boat is currently docked, and not allowed to go out fishing. The visual checks aren't an issue, but it's this insulation resistance test, how the bloody hell do I do it? Everything I've searched for online refers to mains voltage equipment, which you have your live, neutral and earth to test between, and more often than not, these 3 are all run together. This isn't the case on most battery powered systems, I've purchased an insulation tester, but it may as well stay in the box, as I've no idea how I'm supposed to test things. Any ideas?

I am not sure the visual is as easy as you think.

There are specific regulations for boats, and it depends upon the length etc.

Assuming it's less than 15m it's covered in part 10 of the construction and outfitting regulations, that includes a section on testing.