Periodic testing of circuits without turning off

[russmossy]

When carrying out periodic inspections we are always asked whether we have to turn off circuits with critical equipment such as servers. My stock answer is yes but I am told there is a method/meter that can carry out certain tests whilst the circuit remains live without disruption/damage to equipment. Without sounding stupid (I hope) I have never heard of this before but the information came from a reputable source and I wondered if anyone could shed some light.

 

[telectrix]

without turning off you could only get a Zs reading. no IR , no RCD tests. lims would need to be agreed beforehand with client.

 

[Octopus]

Not much point of the EICR if there are no ir or RCD tests!

 

[UNG]

When carrying out periodic inspections we are always asked whether we have to turn off circuits with critical equipment such as servers. My stock answer is yes but I am told there is a method/meter that can carry out certain tests whilst the circuit remains live without disruption/damage to equipment. Without sounding stupid (I hope) I have never heard of this before but the information came from a reputable source and I wondered if anyone could shed some light.

Surely if someone has told you there is a method or meter they would be the best person to ask

 

[russmossy]

Agreed but unfortunately due to politics I am not allowed.

 

[telectrix]

not allowed to ask or not allowed to turn off?

 

[russmossy]

Not allowed to ask

 

[Risteard]

Not much point of the EICR if there are no ir or RCD tests!

Not really, because the main thing is checking that disconnection times will be met. Insulation resistance testing in a large installation is never going to be straightforward anyway, and with the increased use of RCDs is less likely to be an issue (i.e. a very low insulation resistance will be brought to light by the RCD!).

RCD testing would be worthwhile but if you can't de-energise then you can't de-energise.

The main thing is to agree limitations with the Client and to properly document these on the Report!