TRINIDADANDTOBAGO ELECTRICALWIRINGCODE

PART1LOWVOLTAGEINSTALLATIONS TTS171:PART1:2002
DesignEngineeringServicesLimited
Preparedby: PeterR.Sammy,M.Sc.,R.Eng.,MIEEE,MAPETT,ANETA,PSFPE

1.SCOPE
This standard lays down requirements for the installation, inspection, testing and maintenance of electrical wiring at voltages up to 600 Volts, to ensure safety, especially from fire and electrical shock. Installations operated by statutory supply authorities for generation and distribution of electrical power arenotwithinthescopeofthisstandard.

2.TERMSANDDEFINITIONS
Ambient Temperature (for cables) The temperature of the surrounding medium under normal conditions, at a situation in whichcablesareinstalled,oraretobeinstalled,includingtheeffect of any artificial heating used in the building and any local source of heat, but excluding the increase of temperature in the immediate neighbourhoodofthecablesduetoheatarisingtherefrom. Diversity Factor (of a group of consumers or loads connected to a common system) The ratio of the sum of the maximum demands of the several consumers or loads to their maximum simultaneous demand.

Bonded(asappliedtoitemsofmetalwork)Connectedtogether electrically,notnormallyforthepurposeofcarryingcurrentbutsoas toensureacommonpotential.

3.1WORKMANSHIP
All installations shall be made in a neat and professional manner and shall be so arranged astobefreefromhazards. This standard contains basic minimum provisionsconsiderednecessaryforsafety,but is not to be regarded as a design specification orasaninstructionmanual.

3.GENERALPROVISIONS

3.2STATUTORYREQUIREMENTS
The Chief Electrical Inspector shall have responsibility for makinginterpretationsoftheserequirements In collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, theChiefElectricalInspectorshalldecideuponthe approvalofequipmentandmaterials The Chief Electrical Inspector shall answer all relevant questions concerning, or give any desired information in respect of, the meaning, intent or application of the regulation,andrulesofthisstandard

3.3NOTIFICATIONOFWORK
Electrical contractors or others responsible for the carrying out of work shall give notification to the Chief Electrical Inspector before commencingwork.

3.4ACCESSIBILITY
No electrical work shall be rendered inaccessible by lathing, boarding, or other building construction, until it has been acceptedbytheChiefElectricalInspector.

3.5CERTIFICATIONOFAPPROVAL

Any new installation, addition or alteration to an existing installation shall be inspected and testedbytheChiefElectricalInspector.

3.6PLANSANDSPECIFICATIONS

3.7REINSPECTION

3.8EXISTINGINSTALLATIONS

3.9SAFETY

3.10MARKING
3.10.1GENERALREQUIREMENTS:
Themanufacturersname Catalougenumberandtype Ratedvoltage RatedloadinAmperes RatedPowerconsumption Numberofphases Ratedfrequency Ratedfullloadspeed Designationofterminals Whetherforcontinuousorintermittentduty Suchothermarkingsasmaybenecessarytoensuresafe andproperoperation

3.10.2REBUILTORREWOUNDELECTRICAL MACHINEORAPPARATUS
Where any electrical machine or apparatus is rebuilt or rewound with any change in its rating or characteristics, it shall be provided with a nameplate giving the name of the person or firm by whom such change was made,togetherwiththenewmarking.

3.10.3REPLACEMENTOFORIGINALNAME PLATE
Where the original nameplate is removed, the original manufacturers name and any original identification data, such as serial numbers, shallbeaddedtothenewnameplate.

3.11REJECTIONOFEQUIPMENT
The Chief Electrical Inspector may reject at anytimeanyelectricalequipmentwhich,inhis opinion constitutes or may constitute an electricalhazard.

3.12STANDARDS
All applicable Trinidad and Tobago Standards shall be adhered to during design, planning and installation of the electrical wiring of buildings and equipment.

4.DISTRIBUTIONAND PROTECTION

4.1CONTROL
Every electrical installation shall be adequately controlled by a manually operated and physically separatedfusedmainswitchorcircuitbreaker. The switch shall simultaneously disconnect all live conductors in the building from the service entrance conductors,andshallcontainovercurrentprotection for all live conductors. The neutral however, shall notbebrokenbytheswitch.

4.2MULTIPLEOCCUPANCYDWELLINGS
Multiple occupancy dwellings shall have a disconnecting means for each occupant.

4.3DISCRIMINATION
The characteristics and settings of protective gear shall be such that proper discrimination inoperationofprotectivegearisensured.

4.4INTERRUPTINGCAPACITY
The interrupting capacity of fuses and/or circuitbreakers shall be adequately rated to themaximumshortcircuitcurrentattainable.

4.5ISOLATION
Separate means of isolation, complying with 4.1shallbeprovidedineachbuilding.

4.7DIVERSITYFACTOR

4.6PROTECTION
Every cable, flexible cord or bare conductor shall have a current rating not less than that of the over currentdevice,whichprotectsit.

4.8FINALBRANCHCIRCUITLOADAND PROTECTION
The current rating of subcircuits supplying one device shallbechosentosuittheloadorratingofthedevice. Where more than one outlet for known loads are supplied by a final branchcircuit, the number of outlets shallberelatedtotheratingoftheprotectivedevice. Where more than one lighting or receptacle outlet is supplied by final branchcircuit, the number of outlets and the protective current rating of the branchcircuit shallbeinaccordancewithAnnexC.

4.9ISOLATIONOFAPPLIANCE ORLIGHTINGFITTING

4.10FINALBRANCHCIRCUIT WIRING

5.1APPROVALOFCABLES 5.CONDUCTORSANDCABLES
All cables for use exceeding extralow voltage shall be of a type approved by the Chief ElectricalInspector.

5.2INSULATION
Conductors of cables shall be insulated with the correct class of insulation in accordance with the appropriate standard (see Table D.1B).

5.3CURRENTRATING
The size of every conductor shall be such that itscurrentratingisnotlessthanthemaximum sustained current which normally flows throughit.

5.4VOLTAGEDROP
The size of every conductor shall be such that the drop in voltage from the consumers terminals to any point in the installation does not exceed 3% of the declared nominal voltage when the conductors are carrying the maximum current under their normal conditionsofservice.

5.5SINGLECORECABLESON A.C.APPLICATIONS
Singlecorecablesarmouredwithsteelwireor tape shall not be used for carrying alternating current.

5.6IDENTIFICATION
Every singlecore cable and every core of a twin or multicore cable, shall be identified by the application of sleeves or discs of the appropriatecoloursorbytaping.

5.7TERMINATIONS

5.8CONNECTIONS

5.9CABLESTOBEENCLOSED

5.10ACCESSIBILITYOFJOINTS
Where joints in cables are required, they shall be mechanically and electrically sound and, except in buried cables, they shall be accessibleforinspection.

5.11INSULATIONOFJOINTS

5.12COPPERANDALUMINIUM CONNECTIONS
Where an aluminium conductor and a copper conductor are joined together, precautions shall be taken against corrosion and against mechanicaldamagetotheconductors.

5.13MECHANICALPROTECTION
All cables and conductors shall be adequately protected against any risk of mechanical damagetowhichtheymaybeliableinnormal conditionsofservice.

5.15CABLESUNDERFLOOROR ABOVECEILINGS 5.14CABLESINELEVATOR SHAFTS

Where cables are installed under floors or above ceilings, they shall be run in such positions that they are not liable to be damaged due to contact with the floor/ceiling ortheirfittings.

5.16BUSHINGOFCABLES
Where a cable passes through structural metalwork, every hole shall be so bushed as topreventabrasionofthecable.

5.17BENDSINCABLES
The internal radius of every bend in a cable shall be not less than six times the overall diameterofthecable.

5.18MECHANICALSUPPORTS
Minimum support spacings shall be as indicatedinTableG.1.

5.19PROTECTIONOFCABLES AGAINSTEXTREMESOF TEMPERATURE

Every cable shall be so selected and installed as to be suitable for operation under such ambient temperatures as are likely to occur duringuse.

5.21FIRERESISTINGBARRIERS

5.20APPROVEDCABLETYPES FORSPECIFICLOCATIONS

5.22DAMPORCORROSIVE SITUATIONS

5.23SEGREGATIONOFCIRCUITS

5.24BONDING

5.25BAREANDLIGHTLY INSULATEDCONDUCTORS
Bare and lightly insulated conductors may be installed for thefollowingpurposesonly: Grounding connections except; (1) where enclosed in raceway and (2) for main service entrance or distribution panelgrounding. Theconductorsofextralowvoltagesystems. Protectedrisingmainandbusbarsystem.

5.26RISINGMAINANDBUSBAR SYSTEMS
Where bare conductors are used for raising main and busbar systems operatingatlowvoltage,theyshall: Besoinstalledthattheyareinaccessibletounauthorizedpersons. Be of adequate strength to withstand the electromechanical stressesthatmaybesetupbytheprospectiveshortcircuitcurrent. Befreetoexpandandcontract. Where passing through floors, walls , partitions or ceilings, pass through directly and be protected by enclosure in nonabsorbent, incombustible, insulating material, unless grounded metal trunking isused.

5.27PROTECTIONAGAINST CORROSION

5.28COLOURCODING
Conductors of a multicore branch circuit or poles or busbars of a distributionboardshallconformtothefollowingcolourcode: GROUNDgreenorgreenwithyellowstripes NEUTRALblack Phasesofa.c.starordeltasupply; (1)diagramaticclockwisesequencered,yellow,blue (2)busbaralignmentinphasesequence(lefttoright)red,yellow,blue (facingfront) (3) busbar alignment in phase sequence (top to bottom) red, yellow, blue. Phases of an a.c. delta supply with one phase centretapped red, yellow and blue (left to right) with red and yellow being the centre tapped phase for lighting, etc and blue the third phase; and black for centretappedneutral.

5.29.1UNDERGROUNDWIRING INSTALLATIONS
(a)inducts (b)inconduitsorpipes (c)laiddirectlyinthe ground

5.29WIRINGBETWEEN BUILDINGS

5.29.2INSTALLATIONONEXTERIORSURFACE WALLS,BOUNDARYWALLSANDTHELIKE
Consumers wiring intended for operation at lowvoltage and installedonexteriorsurfacewalls,boundarywallsandthelike for distribution between a building and a point of utilization not attached thereto (for example another building), shall be intheformofoneormoreofthefollowingsystems: (a) heavygauge, hotdipped, zinccoated metal conduit or steelpipesystems;or (b) armoured and surfaced cable, preferably having an overall coveringofPVC,oranoilresistingandflameretardantsheath overall,preferablyblackincolour.

5.29.3OVERHEADWIRING INSTALLATIONS

6.RACEWAYS

6.1GENERALREQUIREMENTS

6.1.1RACEWAYINSTALLATION
The conduits for each circuit shall be erected complete before any cable is drawn in. Inspection boxes, draw boxes, etc, should remain accessible throughout the life of the installation for such purposes as the withdrawal of existing cables or the installing ofadditionalcables.

6.1.2CABLECAPACITIES
The maximum number of singlecore cables, run in one conduit, shall be such as to permit easy drawingin, and shall in no circumstances be greater than the appropriate number as giveninAnnexE.

6.1.3CONDUIT
The radius of any conduit bend shall be such as to fulfill the requirements of 5.17 for the bending of cables and, in addition, the inner radius of the bend shall be not less than 2.5 times the outside diameter oftheconduit. Elbows and tees other than those of the inspection type shall not be used, except at the ends of the conduits immediately behind accessories or lighting fittings.

6.1.4ABRASIONOFCABLES
Ends of lengths of conduit shall be so reamed, and outlets from conduits shall be so bushed, astoavoidabrasionofcables. Substantial boxes of ample capacity shall be provided at every junction involving a cable connectioninaconduitsystem.

6.1.5BUNCHINGOFCABLES
Cablesofa.c.circuitsinstalledinconduitsshall always be bunched so that the cables of all phases and the neutral, if any, are drawn into thesameconduit.

6.2DUCTINGORTRUNKING

WHY?

6.2.1COMPLETION
Ducting or trunking systems shall be erected completelybeforecableisinstalledtherein.

6.2.2MECHANICAL PROTECTION

6.2.3ENTRYOFWATEROR OTHERLIQUIDS

6.2.4JOINTSANDOUTLETS

6.2.5TRUNKINGBENDS
Bends in a duct shall be of an inner radius not less than 2.5 times the outer diameter of the duct if circular, or 2.5 times the smaller dimensionoftheductifrectangular.

6.2.6CONCRETEDUCTS
Bends formed in a concrete duct, whether or not formed by channels or formers retained in position after the concrete has set, shall be of an inner radius not less than four times the diameter of the completedduct. Concrete ducts cast in situ shall be so formed that the radial thickness of concrete or screed surrounding the crosssection of the completed duct isnotlessthan12.5mmateverypoint.

6.2.7CAPACITY
The number of cables to be installed in raceways shall be such as will permit easy drawingin without damage to the cables, and shall in no circumstances be such that a space factor of 40% is exceeded. In trunking, the numberofcablesinstalledshallbesuchthata spacefactorof45%isnotexceeded.

6.3METALCONDUITS
Metal conduits shall be grounded in accordance with the requirements of 9.0 and shall be mechanically andelectricallycontinuousacrossalljoints. Where flexible metal conduit is connected to metal conduit, duct or trunking, a separate grounding conductor complying with the requirements of 9.0 is required.

6.4NONMETALLICCONDUITS
Nonmetallicconduitsystemsshallbeusedonlywhereitisensured that they are suitable for the extremes of ambient temperature to whichtheyarelikelytobesubjectedtowhileinservice. Nonmetallic wireway shall be supported in accordance with (a) and(b)below: (a) HORIZONTAL SUPPORT nonmetallic wireways shall be supported where horizontal at intervals not to exceed 900mm, and at each end or joint, unless listed for other support intervals. In no caseshallthedistancebetweensupportsexceed3000mm. (b) VERTICAL SUPPORT vertical runs of nonmetallic wireway shall be securely supported at intervals not exceeding 1200mm, unless listed for other support intervals, and shall not have more than one joint between supports. Adjoining nonmetallic wireway sections shallbesecurelyfastenedtogethertoprovidearigidjoint.

6.5ELECTRICMETALLICTUBING(EMT)
Whereelectricmetallictubingisused,theinstallationshall: Be adequately protected against any risk of mechanical damage Notbefixedinpositionswheretheywillbeexposedtorain Beprovidedwithadequatesupports Not include any tubing smaller than 15mm internal diameter,norgreaterthan102mminternaldiameter Nothavebendssomadeastodamagethetubing Notbeburieddirectlyintheground

7.CURRENTRATINGSAND VOLTAGEDROPFORCABLESIN GENERALUSE

7.1VOLTAGERATING

7.2VOLTAGEDROPFORCABLES
The voltage drop for any particular cable run shall be such that the total voltage drop between the consumers terminals and the otherendofthecircuitdoesnotexceed3%of the declared nominal voltage when the circuit iscarryingthedesignedfullloadcurrent.

7.3AMBIENTTEMPERATURE
7.3.1 The current ratings given in the tables Annex D arebasedonanambientairtemperatureof30C 7.3.2 For cables laid directly in ground or run in single way underground ducting, the current ratings are based on a ground temperature of 28C at depth of laying,0.5mbelowgroundlevel.

7.4CIRCUITGROUPING
For groups of more than one circuit of single core cables, the appropriate rating factor (see tableD.2A)shouldbeapplied.

7.5.1SINGLECORECABLES

7.5CABLESINSTALLEDUNDER DEFINEDCONDITIONS

7.5.2MULTICORECABLES

8.INSTALLATIONOFELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

8.1RATINGOFEQUIPMENT
All apparatus shall be rated for a voltage not less than the maximum steady RMS voltage likely to be applied. All apparatus shall be rated for a current not less than the maximum steady RMS current likely to flow throughit. Every fuse and circuit breaker shall have on its case or cover, or in an adjacent conspicuous position, an indelible indication of its current and voltage rating appropriatetothecircuit,whichitprotects.

8.2SELECTIONOFAPPARATUS

8.3EXPOSURETODAMAGE

8.4HAZARDOUSSITUATIONS
Flameproof enclosures or intrinsicallysafe apparatus shall be used where risk of explosion wouldotherwiseoccur. In all instances where a rotating electrical machine may be exposed to a flammable concentration of gas or vapour, it shall be of flameproof construction; or such arrangements shall be made for the internal pressurisation or ventilation of the machine as will effectivelypreventtheingressofsuchgasorvapour.

8.5APPARATUSINGARAGES
In places where motordriven vehicles are stored, serviced or repaired, every fixed item of apparatus shall, unless of a totally enclosed or flameproof type, be fixed at a height of at least1200mmabovethegeneralfloorlevel.

8.6HEATINGEFFECTS
Every item of apparatus, liable to cause dangerous overheating shall comply with the requirements of 8.6 to 8.15. Fixed apparatus of rating exceeding 60 watts, other than lamps, shall be adequately ventilated and either enclosed in a suitably designed incombustible enclosure or so mounted that no wood, or other combustible material, not protected by incombustible material is within 25cm measured vertically above, or 12.5cm in any other direction,fromtheapparatus. Where the temperature of any part of the enclosure of fixedapparatusisliabletoexceed80C,thecaseshallbeso located or guarded as to prevent accidental contact therewith.

8.7LEAKAGEOFOIL
Where indoor electrical equipment contains more than 76 litres of liquids that will burn in air, means shallbeprovidedfordrainingawaysurplusliquidtoa safe containment /disposal area and for preventing the escape of liquid into any other part of the building. Indoor electrical equipment containing more than 185 litres of liquids that will burn in air shall be placed in a chamber of fireresisting construction, ventilatedtotheoutsideofthebuildingonly.

8.8LAMPHOLDERS
Lampholders for filament lamps shall normallybeused inlowvoltageand extralow voltagecircuitsonly. Where centrecontact bayonet or Edisontype screw lampholders are used, the outer or screwed contact shall be connected to the neutralorgroundedconductor.

8.10RECEPTACLEOUTLETS
In residential buildings there shall be installed in each room, except bathrooms, at least one receptacle outlet for every 4 metres of the total distancearoundtheroom. Mounting height for surfacemounted receptacle outlets shall be a minimum of 30cm above finished floor. Mounting height for receptacle outlets above countertopsshallbeaminimumof15cm. All receptacle outlets shall have a contact for grounding and the socketoutlet and cap shall be polarized.

8.9PENDANTSUSPENSIONS

8.11CONTROLOFFIXED APPLIANCES

8.12CONTROLOFMOTORSANDMOTOR CIRCUITS
Every electric motor shall be provided with efficientmeans for starting and stopping, the means of stopping as to be easily operated by the personinchargeofthemotor. Every motor and its starting and control equipment shall be provided with a disconnecting means, which will open all ungrounded conductors.Ifthismeansofisolationisremotefromthemotor,then: (a) an additional means of isolation adjacent to the motor shall be installed (b) a lockout device which will prevent the application of current to the motorshallbeinstalledadjacenttothemotor (c) provision shall be made for the remote means of isolation to be lockedintheoffposition. This means of isolation shall be rated at not less than 115% of the full loadcurrentratingofthemotor.

8.13RATINGOFMOTORSUPPLY CABLES
The cables carrying the starting, accelerating and load current of a motor shall be of rating not less than 125% of the fullload current rating of the motor. Each ungrounded conductor of a motor circuit shall be provided by an overcurrent device. Where the overcurrent will not permit the motor to start, the rating or setting may be increased to a value not exceeding 300% of the fullload current rating of the motor.

8.14STEPUPTRANSFORMER

8.15AUTOTRANSFORMER

9.GROUNDING

9.1METHODOFPROTECTION
Electrical apparatus operating at a voltage exceeding extra low voltage shall be protected against dangerous ground fault currentsby: (a) insulation which encloses the apparatus and is durable and substantiallycontinuous (b)doubleinsulationoftheappliance (c)groundingofexposedmetalparts (d) isolation of metal in such a way that it is not liable to come incontactwithliveparts. Circuits with voltages of less than 50 volts need not be groundedexceptasfollows: (a) where supplied by transformers from systems of more than 150voltstoground (b)wheresuppliedbytransformersfromundergroundsystems (c)whererunoverheadoutsidebuildings.

9.2CONNECTIONBYGROUNDING CONDUCTOR
All wiring installations shall include the consumers ground terminal or the equivalent to which a grounding conductor shallconnectthefollowing: (a) all metal work associated with the wiring system; including cablesheaths,armour,conduit,ductsandboxes (b)exposedmetallicpartsofapparatus (c)groundterminalsofreceptacleoutlets (d) one point of the secondary winding and of the metallic partsofanytransformerusedintheinstallation,exceptwhere thetransformeriscontainedwithinanapparatus.

9.3SPECIALREQUIREMENTSFOR BATHROOMS
The following requirements for grounding shall apply in a bathroom containing a fixed shower, bath, sink or washbasin where electricity is usedatavoltageexceedingextralowvoltage. Those parts of a lampholder likely to be touched by a person replacing a lamp shall be constructed or shrouded in insulating material and fitted withaprotectiveshield. Every switch or other means of control or adjustment shall be so situated as to be out of reach of a person in contact with the shower, bath, sink or washbasin. No provision shall be made for the use of portable appliances, except for the use of electrical dry shavers only, by installing the shaver outlet out of reachofapersoninafixedshowerorbath. The use of receptacle outlets shall be permitted in bathrooms for the purpose of supplying heaters provided that the outlets are installed at a minimumheightof2.5mabovefloorlevelandmountedonthewallabove the shower. All such receptacle outlets shall be controlled by a switch, inaccessibletoanypersonusingthebathorshower.

9.4GROUNDFAULTCURRENT

9.5SIZEOFGROUNDING CONDUCTOR
The cross sectional area of every grounding conductor shall be equal to at least one half thecrosssectionalareaofthecurrentcarrying conductor subject to a minimum of 2.5mm and a maximum of 70mm (see NFPA 70 NationalElectricCode:1999,Table250122)

9.6PROHIBITEDGROUNDING MEANS
The effectiveness of the continuity taken between any grounded material and the grounding electrode shall not exceed a resistance of 1 ohm. Members of structural steel work shall not be used to form part of thegroundingconductor.

9.7PROTECTIONAGAINST MECHANICALDAMAGE
Every grounding conductor shall be protected where necessary against mechanical damage andagainstcorrosion.

9.8CONNECTIONTOTHE GROUNDINGELECTRODE
The connection to the grounding electrode or other means of grounding shall be readily accessible and soundly made by the use of thermo weld joints or substantial clamps of nonferrous material and whereconnectionismadetoametalpipeofexternal diameter not exceeding 100mm, clamps of an approvedtypeshallbeused.

9.9GROUNDINGCONDUCTOR
The grounding conductor shall be connected to the line side of the consumers main disconnecting means, to an effective groundingelectrodeburiedintheground.

9.10GROUNDINGOFMETAL FRAMES

9.11GROUNDINGOFMETAL FIXTURES

9.12GROUNDINGOF ACCESSORIES

9.14GROUNDFAULTCIRCUIT INTERRUPTERS

9.13GROUNDINGOF EQUIPMENT

As an alternative to the above requirements for grounding, where, owing to the high impedance of the circuit, it is impracticable to ensure operation of a fuse or overload circuit breakers before a dangerous current flows, one or more ground fault circuit interrupters shall be provided for all parts of an installation to which the requirement of grounding applies; such areas include bathrooms, outdoorreceptacles,garagesandcountertops.

9.15VOLTAGEOPERATED GROUNDFAULTCIRCUIT BREAKERS

10.TESTINGANDINSPECTION

10.1GENERALREQUIREMENTS
Every installation and every alteration to an existing installation shall, on completion, be inspected and tested in accordance with the requirements of this section to verify, as faraspracticable,thattherequirementsofthisstandardhave been met. In case of an alteration, both the new work and that part of the existing installation related thereto shall be inspectedandtested. The following sequence shall be carried out for the testing andinspectionofinstallations: (a)visualinspectionofworkmanship (b)verificationofpolarity (c)insulationresistancetests (d)testsofeffectivenessofgrounding (e)testforcontinuity

10.2VERIFICATIONOFPOLARITY
Averificationofpolarityshallbemadeanditshallbe ensuredthat: (a) all fuses and singlecore control devices are connectedintheliveconductoronly. (b) centrecontact bayonet and Edisontype screw lampholdersincircuitshavingagroundedconductor (neutral) shall have their outer or screwed contacts connectedtothatconductor. (c) wiring has been correctly connected to the receptacleoutlets.

10.3MEASUREMENTOF IMPEDANCEOFGROUNDING CONDUCTOR

10.3.1 A separate test of every grounding conductor in accordance with Annex A shall be made by the contractor

10.3.1.1 Where ground fault protection relies on the operationoffusesorcircuitbreakers,theimpedanceor resistance between the consumers grounding terminal andtheremoteendofeverygroundingconductorshall notexceedavalueof1ohm.

10.3.1.2 Where metal conduit or pipe forms part of or the whole of the grounding conductor, the impedance orresistancebetweentheconsumersterminalandthe remote end of every grounding conductor shall not exceedavalueof1ohm.

10.4TESTSOFEFFECTIVENESS OFGROUNDING

10.4.1 Where ground fault protection relies on the operation of fuses or excesscurrent circuit breakers, the contractor shall test the effectiveness of the grounding of each completedinstallationoralteration,bymeansof a groundloopimpedance test in accordance withAnnexA.

10.4.2 Where ground fault protection relies on the operation of a ground fault circuit breaker, its effectiveness shall be tested in accordance with Clause A3ofAnnexA.

10.5INSULATIONRESISTANCE TESTS

10.6COMPLETIONAND INSPECTIONCERTIFICATES

10.7PERIODICINSPECTIONAND TEST

ANNEXA

GROUNDINGTESTSAND MEASUREMENTS

A.1D.C.TESTOFA.C. INSTALLATION
Ifitisnotconvenienttousea.c.forthetesting of an a.c. installation, d.c. may be applied instead, provided it has been ensured by inspectionthroughoutthewholelengthofthe grounding conductor that no inductor is incorporated.

A.2GROUNDLOOP IMPEDANCETESTS

A.2.1Testsinlinegroundloop
Thesetests maybe achieved by an instrument which determines the current flowing when a known resistance is connected between the live conductor and consumers grounding terminal.

A.2.2TESTINNEUTRALGROUND LOOP
Except when the system is grounded by Protective Multiple Grounding, it is permissible to test the neutralground loop instead of the lineground loop. This may be achieved by a method which injects current into the neutralground loop, preferably by means of a transformer fed from the mains, or alternativelyfromad.c. source,thepolarityofwhich israpidlyandcontinuallyreversed.

A.3TESTOFGROUNDFAULT CIRCUITBREAKERS
For the purpose of this test a voltage not exceeding 45 volts, obtained from a doublewound transformer connected to the mains supply, shall be applied across the neutral and ground terminals (or neutral and frame terminals of a voltageoperated, ground faultcircuitbreaker)andthecircuitbreakershalltrip instantaneously. The transformer shall preferably have a shorttime rating of not less than 750 VA (see AnnexF).

A.4MEASUREMENTOF CONSUMERSGROUNDING ELECTRODERESISTANCE

A.4.1FIGUREF.1

A.4.2 Analternatingcurrentofasteadyvalueshallbepassedbetween thegroundingelectrodeXandanauxiliarygroundingelectrodeYplaced atsuchadistancefromXthattheresistanceareasofthetwoelectrodes donotoverlap.AsecondauxiliarygroundingelectrodeZ,whichmaybe a metal spike driven into the ground, shall then be inserted halfway between X and Y and the voltage drop between X and Z shall be measured. The resistance of the grounding electrodes is then the voltage between X and Z divided by the current flowing between X and Y, provided that there is no overlap of the resistance areas. To check that the resistance of the grounding electrodes is a true value, two further readings shall be taken with the second auxiliary electrode Z moved 6m further from, and 6m nearer to X respectively. If the three results are substantially in agreement, the mean of the three readings shall be taken as the resistance of the grounding electrode X. If there is no such agreement the tests shall be repeated with the distance betweenXandYincreased.