Periodic inspections of earthing and short-circuiting devices

Work on electrical installations is always based on the 5 safety rules.

Work according to the 5 safety rules.

Rule 4: Carry our earthing and short-circuiting

Earthing and short-circuiting devices ensure that the installation is dead while work is carried out. Regular tests of earthing and short-circuiting devices is strongly recommended.

This is what BG ETEM says:

The German Professional Association BG ETEM (German trade association for energy, textiles, electrical goods and media products) says:

Earthing and short-circuiting devices according to IEC 61230:2008 are safety devices and are subject to the requirements of regular periodic inspections.

Experiences by the German Professional Association show that untested faulty earthing and short-circuiting devices are a high safety risk. According to BG A3, section 5 and DIN VDE 0105-100:2009 tests are required to ensure safe work on electrical installations.

Source: etem - Magazin für Prävention, Rehabilitation und Entschädigung, Ausgabe 4-2014

Non-destructive testing thanks to new test system

Hidden damage frequently occurs which cannot be found by visual inspection alone. While previously the stranded wires used to be cut for testing, earthing and short-circuiting devices are now tested non-destructively.

The new measurement procedure was developed on behalf of the BG ETEM at the Dresden University of Technology and Economics. The ohmic resistance of the earthing and short-circuiting device is statically AND dynamically (i.e. when bending the cable) determined.

This procedure provides more detailed information on the overall condition of the device.

Portable earthing and short-circuiting devices are tested in three steps:

  1. Visual inspection
    Visual inspection for apparent defects
  2. Static test
    Measurement of the total resistance on the stationary earthing and short-circuiting device
  3. Dynamic test
    Measurement of the relative change in resistance in the cable and on the connection points of the bent earthing and short-circuiting device.

Maintenance test in the DEHN Service Centre

Prüfplakette

Special service for you: We also perform tests on the customers’ premises!

Tests can be performed in the DEHN service centre or on the customers’ premises. The test will be documented on the device and in a separate test report.

By the way: We test voltage detectors from all manufacturers.

 

Call us and make an appointment for on-site tests or send us your devices so that we can test them in our DEHN service centre.