sean.eldridge

What is the quality of work like in the gold coast? Ive heard that work is truely shocking, any information would be appreciated.

steve`o

i dont think its a gold coast or any other area thing sean
its more to do with piss poor un-policed regulations
a total lack of info required for the customer and self certification since electrical inspectors were phased out about 12 to 15 yrs ago

ive been to cairns, brissie, sydney and the quaity of work was poor compared to the uk

for example in the latest regs issued late 2007
the offical method for testing rcd`s
push the button
i kid you not, whenever aussie sparks have seen my rec trip speed tester they think its something from back to the future

and earth loop testing
again your average aussie spark thinks its some kind of black magic

stu:0

We must be a little more advanced up in Cairns, our test sheet has RCD trip time on it but i must say it normally gets a tick!

Stu

steve`o

and how many of them know what it means ??

last week i wired some new skts in a local private hospital
when i finished i tested and recorded the findings
i was pulled up by the maitainance spark as my sockets were "slow"
from memory they tripped in about 30mS
all the other rcds in the same board had just been tested and they were all tripping in 6mS they obviously havnt got a clue how could every rcd trip at exactly 6mS total bollocks in my opinion

the reg say 300mS but like i said earlier the recommend method of testing as per the regs is pressing the bloody button which we all know is more bollocks


from the regs

6.3.3 Mandatory tests
6.3.3.1 General
The following tests shall be carried out on the electrical installation:
(a) Continuity of the earthing system (earth resistance of the main
earthing conductor, protective earthing conductors and bonding
conductors).
(b) Insulation resistance.
(c) Polarity.
(d) Correct circuit connections.
(e) In New Zealand, operation of residual current devices (RCDs).
If the electrical installation fails a test, that test and any preceding
tests that may have been influenced by the fault indicated shall be
repeated after the fault has been rectified.
NOTE: Guidance on the test equipment and methods of carrying out electrical
installation tests are contained in AS/NZS 3017.


so the rcd test isnt even mandatory unless the work is in NZ

taken from 3017 tesing regs

3.6 OPERATION OF RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES (RCDs)
3.6.1 Objective
Testing of RCDs is performed to ensure that the RCD operates.
The function of the RCD is verified by the operation of the integral test device, or by the
use of special test equipment.
3.6.2 Requirements
Operation of the integral test device shall cause the RCD to trip.
NOTES:
1 Tripping the RCD by means of the integral test device establishes —
(a) that the RCD is functioning correctly; and
(b) the integrity of the electrical and mechanical elements of the tripping device.
2 Operation of the integral test device does not provide a means of checking—
(a) the continuity of the main earthing conductor or the associated circuit protective
earthing conductors; or
(b) any earth electrode or other means of earthing; or
(c) any other part of the associated electrical installation earthing.

steve`o

what about this load of bollocks again straight from the regs

6.3.4.2 Fault-loop impedance
6.3.4.2.1 General
The fault-loop impedance of each circuit is measured in order to verify that
the protective device will operate to disconnect an earth-fault current within
the time and touch voltage requirements of Clause 1.7.4.3.
NOTES:
1 The fault-loop impedance test can only be made when the electrical
installation has been made live.
2 If an RCD operates during the test, the test result is considered satisfactory.3 Information on the maximum loop impedance of common circuit
arrangements is contained in Appendix B.
A2 NZ
A A2
Licensed to G W Cooper on 23 Jan 2006. 1 user personal user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.
AS/NZS 3000:2000
COPYRIGHT
171
4 In New Zealand, as an alternative to testing, earth fault-loop impedance may
be verified by assessment as detailed in AS/NZS 3017.

so if your earth loop meter trips out the rcd all is safe wtf
most earth loop meters bung 5 to 8 amps down the line if the friggin rcd didnt trip i`d be friggin amazed