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Application note: First thing first checking continuity

Application note: First thing first checking continuity
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Application note: First thing first checking continuity - 1

Application Note First thing first checking continuity Electrical safety is one of fastest changing areas in electrical testing and measuring industry and one of most scrutinized by the legal apparatus. Any errors are therefore costly in more ways than just one and only comprehensive training and dependable and easy to use testing equipment ensure quality, safe and time efficient work in any testing environment. One of the first actions an electrician or inspector should perform before doing any testing or measuring is visually checking the general state of facilities, with emphasis on electrical installations and systems and all metal or other conductors that could come into contact with individuals or animals. That usually includes machinery and appliance housings, pipes, valves, faucets, baths and similar objects. Besides looking for obvious signs of wear and tear and damage, especially that of electrical nature, attention should also be given to safe operation of connected electrical devices. But, qualitative examination offers only superficial insight into the state of electrical installations and protective systems – a more comprehensive approach is needed, such as testing continuity of protective conductors, insulation resistance and polarity and many more. In short, everything covered in IEC 60364-6 standard and national standards, derived from it. Among the aforementioned tests, one especially stands out, since it is in a way a basis for all other tests and measurements.

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Application note: First thing first checking continuity - 2

Continuity testing The most basic of electrical installation safety tests is also the most important, since any subsequent inspection and testing can potential put the tester, both individual and the instrument, in harm’s way. The purpose of continuity testing is in general checking if current flows from one point of a conductor to the other. In case of electrical safety that entails measuring resistance of protective conductors – unusually high resistance indicates bad contact or a complete break between the protected object and conductor. Technical note: Resistance compensation As...

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Application note: First thing first checking continuity - 3

Keep in mind that continuity testing should only be performed on de-energized objects (not in operation) and be especially careful when dealing with devices and installations of more capacitive character (wait for discharge). MI 3155 EurotestXD and MI 3152 EurotestXC also have a built-in protective feature that prevents continuity test execution if the instrument detects more than 10 V (AC or DC) between the test terminal and the ground. Also, be aware that this warning feature is engaged only when the user is in contact with the ground potential (eg. not using special, well insulated...

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