The Importance of Periodic Domestic Electrical Inspections

In most countries inspection of the domestic electrical installation is obligatory varying between 5-10 years between inspections.

In Spain public buildings, bars, restaurants, offices, swimming pools etc are subject to inspections, but incredibly domestic dwellings are not!!

What does the test involve:

• Polarity
• Earth loop impedance
• Functionality of differentials
• Insulation resistance
• General check at board of breaker and cable sections , bridges and general state
• Visual and earth test around home especially in bathrooms and kitchen area

Polarity:

Not so important in Spain!! But we check it anyway, can affect electronic appliances and if reversed even when something is switched off it is still live!

Earth:

Believe it or not nearly half the installations we visit have poor or no earth at all!! So we read the earth loop impedance looking for as low as possible. This test is critical should a fault occur, the current needs somewhere to flow to operated protective devices. If there is no earth then all metals cases can become live

Differentials:

This test is vital we test the unit with various levels of mA normally they are rated at 30mA (0,03A) so very sensitive, if it trips at 15 or 20 there is a potential problem. We also record the time it trips. It should operate under normal conditions, depending on distance around 50mSec

Insulation Resistance Test:

This test gives so much info about the state of the installation, basically the cables in Spain are in tubes embedded in a solid structure as opposed to Holland, UK, Belgium etc.

Every country has there own installation methods which are quite rightly affected by material of construction, weather and so many other factors.

When a client says but in my country we do it like this, it is sometimes very hard to explain that we are not in your country and they do it like this for a good reason!

The test is done at 250V-500V depending on installation, so we test live to earth and neutral to earth, obviously we are looking for open circuit. But with deterioration the PVC sheath can leak to earth, especially exterior cables in the ground. Also picking up bad connections or things connected that are faulty, extension bars from the chino are favourites!

All potentially causing trips on protective devices

General check at board:

So we check cable sizes to breaker amps, general wear and tear, burning/overheating signs, correct layout and bridges between breakers, tightness of connections etc.

Then a visual check of installation, and checking socket outlets where possible.

Then we submit a report of findings and a plan for any remedial works necessary y voila!!

For a free quotation please simply send me a picture of the fuse board, on WhatsApp +34 615 967 192 or Email to adam@costablancaelectrician.com

For free impartial advise please call me

Adam Sanabria
Costa Blanca Electrician
Mob: +34 615 967 192
Email: adam@costablancaelectrician.com
Web: www.costablancaelectrician.com