Functional checks are measurements, tests and inspection.
Each functional check shall be planned by the Work planner. The Work planner shall in its planning and risk management make sure that the suitable measuring equipment and PPE is available and that personnel have the right competence.
For each functional check, the Work planner shall nominate a PCWA.
Measurements are all activities to measure physical data within an electrical installation.
It is essential that the PCWA has the right measuring equipment, good knowledge if the measurement procedure and that the activity is planned thoroughly.
When carrying out measurements within electrical installations, suitable and safe measuring instruments shall be used. These instruments shall be checked before use and where necessary after use.
Instruments and measuring aids shall be checked regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and with regard to safety.
Where there is a risk of contact with bare live parts, the personnel carrying out the measurements shall use PPE and take precautions against electric shocks, and the effects of short circuit and arcing.
Where necessary, the rules according to one of the work procedures shall apply.
PCWA duties during measurement:
- Check the instruments and tools used
- Perform RISK-W including 1) what is to be measured, 2) the measuring instruments and aids, 3) what measurement performance is required, 4) safety distance, and 5) whether additional PPE is required
- Make certain that the instrument 1) is approved for the measurement in question, 2) has test leads which are complete, dry, clean and sound, and 3) has the correct measuring range set
Testing is defined as – all activities designed to check operating status or condition of an electrical installation. This includes electrical, mechanical or thermal conditions, as well as effectiveness of electrical protective and safety circuits.
Performing a test may require measurement, which shall be carried out according to Measurement.
When testing during normal operating conditions, the relevant working procedures shall apply. When testing an installation that has been made dead, the testing shall be carried out in accordance with the rules of Dead working.
If it is necessary to open or remove earthing and short-circuiting devices, appropriate precautions shall be taken to prevent the installation from being re-energised and to prevent electric shock for the personnel.
When testing using an external source of supply, precautions shall be taken to ensure that:
- The installation is isolated from any sources of supply used during normal operation
- The installation cannot be re-energised by any other source of supply than a dedicated external source of supply
- Safety measures against electrical hazards are taken during the tests for all personnel present
- The points of disconnection have adequate insulation characteristics to withstand simultaneous application of the test voltage on one side with working voltage on the other side.
The purpose of inspection is to verify that an electrical installation is in accordance with safety regulations and specified technical requirements of relevant standards; the inspection may include verification of the normal state of that installation. New electrical installations as well as modifications and extensions of existing installations shall be inspected prior to their being brought into operation.
The inspection may include
- visual examination,
- measuring and/or testing in accordance with the requirements of Measurements and Testing.
Inspections shall be carried out with reference to relevant electrical drawings and specifications.
If defects constitute an immediate danger, these shall be rectified without delay, or these faulty parts shall be disconnected without delay and secured against reconnection.
Inspections shall be carried out by skilled persons with experience in the inspection of similar installations. Inspections shall be carried out with suitable equipment in such a way as to prevent danger whilst taking into account, if necessary, the constraints imposed by the presence of bare live parts.
The result of an inspection shall be recorded. Suitable corresponding remedial actions shall be taken where necessary and the results recorded in accordance with national and local requirements.