BS 7671: 2001

Inspection & Testing of Electrical

Installations
Regulations

Statutory Non - Statutory

Health & Safety @ Work Act BS 7671

Electricity @ Work Regulations OSG

GN 1 – 7

GS38

Lawful Duties placed on individuals

‘Duty Holders’
 Inspection Engineer – ‘Duty Holder’
• Competence
– Sound knowledge and experience

• Responsibilities
– to ensure no danger occurs to any person, livestock or
damage to property
– to compare results with design data
– to advise on any necessary remedial works
– If necessary to make an immediate recommendation that
part of the installation be isolated.

City & Guilds

Information
• Assessment of General • Diagrams charts etc.
Characteristics, including: including:

• Maximum demand • Type & composition of

• Number and type of live circuits
conductors • Method(s) used to comply
• Earthing arrangements with the requirements for
• Details of supply shock protection
• Location of devices for
• Type and rating of device at
Isolation & switching
the origin
• Any equipment vulnerable to
a typical test
Documentation
• Electrical Installation Certificate
– New Installation
– New Circuits
– Major Alteration (New Circuit Protective Devices)

• Accompanied by
– Inspection Schedule
– Test Result Schedule

• Issued To
– Person Ordering Work
– Guidance for Recipient
Documentation
• Periodic Inspection Report
– Existing Installation

• Accompanied by:-
– Inspection Schedule
– Test Result Schedule

• Issued To
– Person Ordering Work
– Guidance for Recipients
Documentation
• Minor Works Certificate
– No new circuits added

• Stand Alone Form

– Test Results are part of Certificate

• Issued To
– Person Ordering Work
– Guidance for Recipients
 Part P Building Regulation
Under the Part P statutory Building Regulation
effective from January 1st 2005, any work
carried out in domestic premises that is
notifiable must be certificated only by a
person registered on a competent persons
register. The certificate will be filled out and
sent to the appropriate body who will forward
it on to the client.
Note: this does not include the issuing of a
periodic inspection report.
Inspection
• To check the requirements of regulations have been met

• Must be carried out before energising new installations

• Electrical Equipment shall be:-

- Correctly selected & erected
- Not damaged so as to impair safety

• Inspection Checklist
 Testing
• Continuity of Protective Conductors, including main & supplementary
bonding
• Continuity of Ring Final Circuit Conductors
• Insulation Resistance
• Site Applied Insulation
• Protection by separation of circuits
• Protection by barriers or enclosures provided during erection
• Insulation of non-conducting floors & walls
• Polarity
• Polarity
• Earth Electrode Resistance
• Earth Fault Loop Impedance (Ze & Zs)
• Prospective Fault Current
• Functional Testing (RCD test included)
 Definitions
CPC Circuit Protective Conductor
Supplementary
Bonding
Conductor

Equipotential
Bonding
Conductor Earthing
Conductor

Direct
hager hager hager hager

MT140 MT140 MT140 MT132 MT132 MT132 MT116 MT106

hager hager hager hager hager
1

2
3

np

4
Contact
1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB 2 9 9
VP A- 8

VC OS8

Indirect
Contact

Exposed Conductive Part

Extraneous Conductive Part
Safety Procedures
• Instruments - GS38

• Isolation Procedure
• Select Voltage Indicating Device
• Prove To be working
• Test Circuit - If Live - Switch Off - Re test Circuit
• Lock Off (Key) - Remove Fuses - Open N Link
• Keep Key in Pocket/Toolbox
• Post Warning signs
• Re-prove voltage Indicating Device working
 Summary

We are now ready to begin Testing

• We are Competent

• We have all required Information

• Safety Procedures are in place

Testing
Test 1

• Continuity of Protective Conductors

including main and supplementary bonding

• Instrument - Low Resistance Ohmeter

• Performed - Between ends of

conductors
 10mm2 Copper Conductor

1.51
0.04

Reading is resistance of Bonding conductor PLUS test leads

Test lead resistance = 1.5Ω
 Circuit Protective Conductors (Method 2)
Cpc 2.5mm2

Phase 2.5mm2
Disconnect to
Eliminate
Parallel Paths

hager hager
1 3

np

MT106 2 4

1.10
1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB 2 9 9

Reading is R2
Where R2 = Resistance of Circuit Protective Conductor
 Circuit Protective Conductors (Method 1)
Cpc 2.5mm2

Phase 2.5mm2

hager hager
1 3

np

MT106 2 4

2.24
1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

Temporary
SB 2 9 9

Link

Reading is R1+R2
Where R1 = Resistance of Phase Conductor
And R2 = Resistance of Circuit Protective Conductor
 Polarity Check

hager hager
1 3

np
1.24
MT106 2 4

1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB 2 9 9

Operate Switch ?
Polarity Check

hager hager
1 3
 
Switch Open
np

MT106 2 4

1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB 2 9 9
Ring Final Circuits
• Step 1 - Identify opposite legs of ring and
measure Phase - Phase (r1)
Neutral - Neutral (r n)
Earth - Earth (r2)

0.90  ON ON ON

ON ON
Ring Final Circuits

• Step 2 - Link PhaseLeg1 – NeutralLeg2

PhaseLeg2 – NeutralLeg1

0.45 
Leg.1. ON ON ON

ON ON

Leg.2.

Measure between Phase & Neutral at sockets

 Ring Final Circuits

Repeat for other sockets

0.45 
Leg.1. ON ON ON

Leg.2. ON ON

Readings should be substantially the same (≤ 0.05Ω)

Ring Final Circuits

• Step 3 - Link PhaseLeg1 – CPCLeg2

PhaseLeg2 – CPCLeg1

0.55 
Leg.1. ON ON ON

ON ON

Leg.2.

Measure between Phase & CPC at sockets

 Ring Final Circuits

Repeat for other sockets

0.58 
Leg.1. ON ON ON

Leg.2. ON ON

Readings should be be substantially the same (≤ 0.05Ω)

Question
• A Ring Final Circuit is 50m end to end.
• The cable is 2.5/1.5mm2 Thermoplastic (pvc)

• What will be the R1+R2 :-

a) At 20oC ?
 Solution
• Phase end – end = 50 x 7.41m = 0.37
• CPC end - end = 50 x 12.1m = 0.6

R1+R2 = 0.37 + 0.6 = 0.24  At 20oC

4
 Insulation Resistance
• Objective - Ensure Integrity of Insulation

• Instrument - Insulation Resistance Tester

Table 71A Test Voltage Min

Acceptable
ELV <50V 250V 0.25M
LV 50500V 500V 0.5M
LV 5001000V 1000V 1.0M
Circuits less than 2M will require ‘Further Investigation’
 Insulation Resistance
Precautions
• Remove ALL Current Using Equipment

• Remove ALL Electronic Devices (ie Dimmers)

• Remove other equipment that may give false readings

(neon indicators etc.)
 Insulation Resistance Test

• Test to be made:-
1) Between Live Conductors
2) Between Live Conductors and Earth

• Test to be made with

1) Switches Closed
2) Protective devices in/closed
3) Retest after operating 2 way switches
 Test Procedure - Single Phase

 999M

200M

Between Live Conductors

 Test Procedure - Single Phase

 999M

>200M

Between Live Conductors and Earth

 Test Procedure - Three Phase
Br Bl Gr

 999M

200M

Between Live Conductors - 1

 Test Procedure - Three Phase
Br Bl Gr

200M

Between Live Conductors - 2

 Test Procedure - Three Phase
Br Bl Gr

200M

Between Live Conductors - 3

 Test Procedure - Three Phase
Br Bl Gr

200M

Between Live Conductors & Earth

Large Installations

hager hager hager hager hager hager hager hager hager

1 3

np

MT140 MT140 MT140 MT132 MT132 MT132 MT116 MT106 2 4

1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB299

?
VPA- 8

VCOS8
Large Installations
• 8 Circuits
• Each having a live-live Insulation Resistance of 10M
• What would be the Insulation Resistance when measured
at distribution board?

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= + + + + + + +
RT R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= + + + + + + +
RT 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
1 8
=
RT 10

RT = 10 = 1.25M
8
Question
• 2 Way garage Distribution Board
• Lives to Earth IR = 2 M and 3 M
• What is IR Value measured at house end?
hager

MT106 MT116
hager hager
1

2
3

np

4
• Is this value acceptable?
1 ON 1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

1 1 1
= +
VCOS4
RT 2 3
1
= 3 + 2
RT
6
1
= 5
RT
6
RT = 6 = 1.2MΩ
1 5
 Extending Circuits

20m 20m
L
100M 100M
N

1 1 1
= +
RT 100 100
2
=
100
100
RT =
2
= 50M
Polarity
• Prove Single Pole Protection Devices break Phase
Conductor ONLY
• Prove Single Pole switches break phase conductor
• Prove polarity at sockets and other accessories

ha ge r hager
1 3

0

Closed
np

Switch Open
MT106 2 4

1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB 2 9 9
Polarity - Live

hager hager hager hager hager hager hager hager hager

• Instrument –
GS38 Voltage Indication Device
1 3

np

MT140 MT140 MT140 MT132 MT132 MT132 MT116 MT106 2 4

1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB299
VPA- 8

VCOS8 • Applied between –

Incomming Phase & Earth
Ze – External Earth Fault Loop Impedance

• Objective – Establish suitability of supplied Earth

• Meter – Earth Fault Loop Impedance Meter

• Range – Depends on supply system

 External Loop Impedance Path (Ze)

Supply
transformer
L1
L2
L3
PEN
Loop impedance path
Earthing conductor disconnected

hager hager hager

1 3

np

MT106 MT106 2 4

1 ON 1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB299
SB299

Supply isolated
 Test – Single Phase

240V
0.15 

hager hager hager

1 3

np

MT106 MT106 2 4

1 ON 1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB 2 9 9

Reconnect Earthing conductor after Test

 Test – Three Phase
hager

hager
1 ON
1 ON
hager

hager
5

6
3

1 ON
1 ON
1

1 ON
1 ON

1 ON
1 ON

1
hager

3
6

240V
0.14
hager
1 3 5

np

2 4 6

1 0N 1 0N 1 0N

SB 3 9 9

Reconnect Earthing conductor after Test

Earth Fault Loop Impedance Zs

PFC

RCD Tests
Earth Fault Loop Impedance Path

Supply Authority's Consumer's

Equipment Equipment 1. CPC
2. PEN
P
3. Transformer
CPD
windings.
1. Suppliers’ Phase
2. Consumers’ Phase

N
CPC

We need the CPD to operate

Earth Fault Loop Impedance Supply Authority's
Equipment
Consumer's
Equipment

• CPD is 15A BS1361

N
CPC

• Max Zs is given by:-

Uoc
Zs 
Ia 240
Zs 
time

70

5s
= 3.43
0.4s

current
46A

70A
Earth Fault Loop Impedance Supply Authority's
Equipment
Consumer's
Equipment

• Max Zs Values given in BS7671

41B1 – Fuses 0.4s N
CPC

41B2 – MCB’s 0.4 & 5s

41D - Fuses 5s

• Zs = Ze + (R1 + R2)
Zs Assessments
1. Rule of Thumb ( ¾ Rule 75% Rule,
for 16th Ed.)

Reading  Zsmax x 0.75

Examples:-
1. Reading = 3.25, CPD = 16A BS88 5 sec. 

2. Reading = 1.2, CPD = 32A ‘B’ BSEN60898 Ring Final 

3. Reading = 0.15, CPD = 63A ‘D’ BSEN60898 Sub-Main 

Zs Assessments
2. OSG Appendix 2

Reading  Maximum Measured values in Tables

Examples:-
1. Reading = 11.1, CPD = 5A BS3036 Lighting circuit 

2. Reading = 0.61, CPD = 32A ‘C’ BSEN60898 Ring Final 

3. Reading = 0.67, CPD = 40A ‘Type 2’ BS3871 Cooker 

Test Procedure
Instrument: Earth Fault Loop Impedance Tester

Performed: At Extreme of circuit

0.51
hager hager hager hager
1 3

np

MT116 MT106 MT106 2 4

1 ON 1 ON 1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB 2 9 9
Problems with Testing
Instrument: Earth Fault Loop Impedance Tester
Test Current: Approx. 24A
Test Duration: 40mS

?
hager hager hager hager
hager
1 3

np

MT116 MT106 MT106 Test

2 4

1 ON 1 ON 1 ON
1 0N 1 0N
1 ON

SB 2 9 9
CD263U
Prospective Fault Current (PFC)
• Three methods of Determining (713-12-01)
– Measurement
– Calculation
– Enquiry (preferred option)
• Need Largest Value
– Prospective Short Circuit Current
– Prospective Earth Fault Current

• Fault Current is Higher for Three Phase Installations

– Caution When testing 3 Phase
Prospective Fault Current (PFC)
• Instrument – Prospective Fault Current Test Meter

• Range – Usually kA

• Performed – At relevant points in Installation (normally

where CPD’s and switchgear are installed).

• Objective – Protective equipment must be able to

disconnect this value (434-03-01)

Uoc
PFC at origin =
Ze
PFC Test – Single Phase
Earth Fault

1.24
hager hager hager hager hager hager hager hager hager
1 3

np

MT140 MT140 MT140 MT132 MT132 MT132 MT116 MT106 2 4

1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB299
VPA- 8

VCOS8
kA
PFC Test – Single Phase
Short Circuit

1.24
hager hager hager hager hager hager hager hager hager
1 3

np

MT140 MT140 MT140 MT132 MT132 MT132 MT116 MT106 2 4

1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON 1 ON
1 0N 1 0N

SB299
VPA- 8

VCOS8
kA
PFC Test – Three Phase
Earth Fault
hager

hager
1 ON
1 ON
hager

hager
5

6
3

1 ON
1 ON
1

1 ON
1 ON

1 ON
1 ON

1
hager

3
6

1.36
hager
1 3 5

np

2 4 6

1 0N 1 0N 1 0N

SB 3 9 9

kA
PFC Test – Three Phase
Short Circuit - Do not connect Meter between Phases
hager

hager
1 ON
1 ON
hager

hager
5

6
3

1 ON
1 ON
1

1 ON
1 ON

1 ON
1 ON

1
hager

3
6

1.36
hager
1 3 5

np

2 4 6

1 0N 1 0N 1 0N

SB 3 9 9

kA
Question

In a single phase TN-C-S system,

Ze = 0.04

What should the breaking capacity of devices be?

Uoc
PFC =
Ze

240
PFC = = 6000A
0.04

Devices must be capable of

disconnecting this Current
 RCD Tests

Max Trip Time

Test Current BS 4293 BSEN61008 BSEN61009
50% I∆n No Trip No Trip No Trip
100% I∆n 200ms 300ms 300ms

Where the RCD is used for

supplementary Protection against 500% I∆n 40ms 40ms 40ms
direct contact

Test Button Trip Trip Trip

When Device trips, repeat at 180o

and record slowest time
Question

1. An RCD has a sensitivity of 100mA

What values of test current need to be applied?

50% = 50mA, 100% = 100mA,

2. An RCD has a sensitivity of 10mA

What values of test current need to be applied?

50% = 5mA, 100% = 10mA,

500% = 50mA
Summary

• Zs Test – Compare with maximum permissible

values in BS 7671

• PFC – Devices must be able to disconnect this

value

• RCD – 500% test only on devices used for

supplementary protection against direct
contact (<30mA)
 Special Tests

Site Applied Insulation

Protection By Electrical Separation

Protection by Barriers or Enclosures

Non-Conducting Location

Earth Electrode Resistance

Site Applied Insulation
Metallic Foil

Applied Voltage Tester

3750V, 50Hz for 1 minute

Protection By Electrical Separation

411-02-02 For Electrical Separation Devices

Protection By Electrical Separation - Tests

Test 1

200
Protection By Electrical Separation - Tests

Test 2

200
 Protection by Barrier or Enclosure
Provided during Erection

IP4X
IP?

Equipment:-
BS Test Finger
12mm dia x 80mm long

IP2X
IP?
Insulation of non-conducting location

Non Conducting room

Pressure on floors – 75kg
Pressure on walls – 25kg

Min acceptable – 50k

MET
 Earth Electrode Test
Distance A > 10 x electrode length e.g. 30M
Distance B = ½ x A ( 15 M )
Distance C = B + 10% A ( 18 M )
Distance D = B – 10% A (12 M ) Note: Disconnect earthing conductor
from electrode
C1
C2
P1

P2 P2 P2

Earth Potential Current

electrode spike spike

D
B
C
A
 Question
4 Circuits form a single phase installation arranged as follows
1. Lighting Circuit 1.5/1.5 Thermoplastic cable Length 60m
2. Heating Circuit 2.5/2.5 Thermoplastic cable Length 40m
3. Ring Final 2.5/1.5 Thermoplastic length 80m (end to end)
4. Socket Radial 2.5/1.5 Thermoplastic length 20m
The Ze = 0.35
Zs values for the circuits are
1. Max = 2.5 Measured = 2
2. Max = 1.5 Measured = 0.95
3. Max = 0.9
4. Max = 0.75

A. For circuits 1&2 Determine whether the values are acceptable

B. For circuits 3 & 4 find the expected Zs value and determine whether
they are acceptable
Answer
1. Max Zs = 2.5 x 0.75 = 1.875, Measured = 2 
2. Max Zs = 1.5 x 0.75 = 1.125, Measured = 0.95 

3. (Ph – Ph) = 80m x 7.41m/m = 0.593

(cpc – cpc) = 80m x 12.1m/m = 0.968
R1 + R2 = 0.593 + = 0.39
0.968 4
Zs = Ze +F(R1 + R2) = 0.35 +1.2(0.39) = 0.818 

4. R1 + R2 = 20m x 19.51m/m = 0.39

Zs = Ze = F(R1 + R2) = 0.35 + 1.2(0.39) = 0.818 
Question
Insulation Resistance Values for the circuits are as follows
1. 6M, 2. 2.4M, 3. 7.5M, 4. 20M

Determine the overall IR Value

1 1 1 1 1
= + + +
Rt 6 2.4 7.5 20
1
= 0.16667 + 0.41667 + 0.13333 + 0.05
Rt

= 0.76667

1 = 1.3M 
Rt =
0.76667