PECM Issue 23 2016 | Page 54

SHINE A LIGHT ON SAFE MAINTENANCE E lectricity at Work egulations , require maintenance of electrical plant and equipment to be carried out with circuits de-energised and locked off. Locking off the circuit which the equipment is connected to, is just one part of the procedure. Before carrying out any work, you must verify that the circuit is dead. Circuits are frequently mislabelled so there is no certainty that the correct circuit is locked off. In some instances where neutrals are borrowed they can become live if an energised load on another circuit is connected to it. To prove dead, it s essential to use a dedicated voltage indicator and a proving unit. The Drummond test lamp from Martindale has been established for many years as one of the easiest ways to prove dead. igh intensity L Ds have now transformed the humble test lamp into one of the most dependable voltage indicators available. uitable for use in bright sunlight and ideal for measurements where access is restricted, the latest Drummond Test Lamps from Martindale lectric, leaders in safe isolation, are the perfect solution for proving dead and ensuring compliance with the lectricity at Work Regulations. The new generation retain all the existing benefits of the original test lamp with none of the drawbacks. The lighter and tougher designs operate without batteries, ranges or switches, making the Drummond MTL10 the most flexible and simplest way to prove dead before carrying out electrical maintenance. result of an unwanted inter connection between circuits, or is a potentially harmless phantom voltage due to capacitive coupling. The MTL20 has the capability to simply dissipate induced phantom voltages by presenting a low impedance to the circuit when needed. This achieved by simply pressing the button on each probe. In order to prevent this from being done accidently, both buttons mu st be depressed at the same time. Clearly if there is any doubt as to whether a voltage indication is hazardous live or interference / phantom after using a low impedance tester then alternative tests should also be performed. 360o indication over 4 voltage levels from 50V to 400V With distinctive bands of L D illumination, gone are the days of using lamp brightness as an indication of voltage level. The latest Drummond Test Lamps provide safe indication for voltages above 50, 100, 200 and 400 volts. The voltage levels allow accurate identification of potentially lethal voltages and enable electrical professionals to distinguish between 110V, 230V and phase to phase voltages in a 3 phase system. A wide range of its and loc ing o devices available Available separately, or as part of a kit, the MTL10 D and MTL20 D include a proving unit and a combination carry case, ensuring the essential equipment for safe maintenance is always to hand. In addition Martindale lectric offer a complete range of locking off devices for miniature circuit breakers (MCB & RCBOs) and fuse carriers to prevents circuits from being reenergised whilst maintenance is in progress. The insulated probes are detachable and can be replaced with right angled or straight probes from 3cm to 13cm long which can be rotated and locked in place to improve access in hard to reach measurement locations in crowded cabinets. Range of detachable probes improve access igh Intensity L D’s transform the test lamp robably the most significant development in test lamp design has been the move to high intensity L Ds, enabling the display of discrete voltages over a 360o viewing angle, even in bright sunlight for the most difficult of applications. The visibility from all angles is unique when compared to conventional two pole testers and makes for safer and easier voltage indication when carrying out safe isolation procedures. 54 PECM Issue 23 As a further precautionary measure, the two layer double insulated cable with white inner insulation provides a clear warning of abrasion that might compromise user safety. uitable for use in a variety of applications, the cable is also heat and oil resistant. Troubleshooting phantom voltages For troubleshooting demanding applications, for example, when live voltage indications appear to be present after isolating a circuit, the additional dual impedance functionality of the MTL20 can help get to the bottom of the problem quickly and safely. It s essential to identify if the voltage is hazardous, possibly back-fed, the MTL20PD safe isolation includes proving unit and carry essential kit for Electricity at Work compliance Find out more: bit.ly safe-isolation-article bit.ly safe-isolation-video http://martindale-electric.co.uk/