Extending electrical safety tests

Seaward has introduced an adaptor to extend the range of electrical safety tests that can be carried out on 3-phase equipment.

The company says that in many cases this type of industrial equipment is fitted with electronic control circuitry which makes insulation testing inappropriate. In such cases the insulation should be assessed by measurement of the protective conductor current.

The TPA test adaptor allows industrial and workshop equipment to be included as part of in-service inspection and testing protocols as required by the IEE Code of Practice.

The unit is available with 16A or IEC 60309 compatible plugs and sockets allowing it to be connected inline with the 3-phase supply to measure the current flowing in the protective conductor.

The TPA has been developed for use with the new Seaward PrimeTest 250 PAT and extends the range of measurements that can be performed on 3-phase equipment using a portable handheld tester.

The test adaptor is connected to the PrimeTest 250 for measurement of the earth continuity without removing covers or disconnecting wires to gain access to the protective conductor in the in-coming supply.

The PrimeTest 250 is one of the first electrical testers to provide all the electrical tests required for compliance with the IEE Code of Practice for the In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

These tests include an RCD trip time test and a 250V DC insulation test suitable for testing sensitive electrical appliances and surge protected leads.