Testing Socket/USB Combo Circuits

[Clink]

Has anyone got any tips on testing RFCs which contain sockets with built in USB charging points. Presumably they will not take an IR test so will have to be looped out. This is going to be a pain on an EICR.

 

[telectrix]

just do L/N - E.

 

[Rockingit]

This topic raises the interesting issue though that you'd be reliant on having done a 100% visual on the installation to have spotted the USB in the first place!

 

[Octopus]

just do L/N - E.

But not if it's a new circuit. Then you'd be mad not to remove it and test properly!

I'm not a fan of the devices.

 

[Andy78]

This topic raises the interesting issue though that you'd be reliant on having done a 100% visual on the installation to have spotted the USB in the first place!

Only the same as having a RCD socket lurking about on a circuit though.....

 

[Rockingit]

Only the same as having a RCD socket lurking about on a circuit though.....

That'll just throw your readings off, whereas 500V up a USB may well fry it!

 

[Andy78]

But not if it's a new circuit. Then you'd be mad not to remove it and test properly!

I'm not a fan of the devices.

Totally justified contempt there Murdoch ..... seems they are just not ready for safe use yet.....
http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/mediafile/100145109/web_usb-article-from-so32.pdf

I always use a computer/car charger/TV/games console for USB charging of devices.

 

[Andy78]

That'll just throw your readings off, whereas 500V up a USB may well fry it!

True that, but I meant that your inspection should be thorough anyway to identify such thing as RCD sockets and other devices before testing.

 

[Clink]

Now that LAP are doing one relatively cheaply through Screwfix, I think we are going to see a lot more of them popping up. But thanks for your thoughts guys

 

[shanky887614]

Totally justified contempt there Murdoch ..... seems they are just not ready for safe use yet.....
http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/mediafile/100145109/web_usb-article-from-so32.pdf

I always use a computer/car charger/TV/games console for USB charging of devices.

wont let me view the site

 

[Adam W]

Presumably they have some kind of transformer in them, and I was under the impression that is only energised when something is plugged into them, so it wouldn't be any different to unplugging all the 230v appliances before doing an IR on an EICR.
I was taught that RCDs will happily withstand an insulation resistance test, like when you bunch test the whole board.

 

[chronyx]

Totally justified contempt there Murdoch ..... seems they are just not ready for safe use yet.....
http://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/mediafile/100145109/web_usb-article-from-so32.pdf

I always use a computer/car charger/TV/games console for USB charging of devices.

Thanks for that, had seen these advertised and was thinking about getting one.

On second thoughts I'll pass.