CABLE TESTING. HOW TO TEST CONTINUITY AND INSULATION RESISTANCE

When assessing electricians we have sometimes found areas of knowledge that were not fully understood or appreciated.
Why do we test both continuity of conductors and test the insulation resistance?
What happens during a test and how do I know if I have set my meter correctly?
What is a good reading and what is a fail for each type of test?
What are the differences between the tests and how will the tests detect problems before I even turn the power on and energize the system?
These are all perfectly valid questions, if you’ve never been shown, how will you know.
So in this video we will discuss all these points with simple explanations.
Completing the tests correctly, once understood, takes only a few minutes and will give you the confidence that the installed cables are intact and undamaged and that the installation or circuit is safe for use.
Plus, if you intend registering with a Part P Domestic Electrical Installer scheme, your assessor will expect you to carry out this part of the practical testing assessment correctly and to the book.

To view all our videos, click on the following link

[learnelectrics]

To view a list of all our LearnElectrics videos, click on the link below.
There are many videos on many electrical topics including Installation, Part P, 18th Edition, Testing, Certification, Lighting, Sockets, Ring Circuits and much more.

[riaaaz]

This was the most clear & easy to follow video on this subject I have come across. Most channels only show how to test but don't explain clearly or give examples of why we're conducting the test in the first place. As a visual learner I really appreciate the pictures as well. Looking forward to more videos please keep them coming. Thank you.

[highhurstfarmandholidaycot]

Great video guys and a must to do just after the plastering. I recently checked a ring final circuit and found the continuity was fine but the Insulation resistance failed. Eventually narrowed it down to a plastered board screw through a cable in a stud wall. Other trades can be your worst enemy, so always check and where possible protect the cabling from potential damage. Test, test, test...

[Zam]

Simply the best video tutorials. better than any class room!

Thanks a bunch!

[zedzed]

One of the best and clearest explanations of these tests, definately subbed. 👍

[smellthecoffee]

Excellent instructional video - one the best I have ever seen, and I've watched 100's, many even 1000's.

[abdulsafi]

I would like to thank you for the helpful videos that you are making them. Watching them, really helped me to understand more then College. Once again thanks

[mutawadada]

I found this video very helpful from learn electrics.

I am now more confident as Dave is great teacher.

[koenchristiaens]

This was the most clear & easy to follow video on this subject I have come across, good job, thx a lot

[Mr-qtgq]

Your teaching is the best, I have learnt a lot form your videos. Many thanks.

[michaeloneill]

Another great video from this fantastic channel, invaluable for people trying to retain knowledge and for young people in the industry starting out

[bashiruosman]

Mr. Dave, you make learning about electricity easy.
Well done.
I hope to watch and hear more from you.
❤

[arayated]

Well I have watched it recently and I am very impressed by the quality and deeply explanation on continuity and IR Testing . Fabulous 🎉video

[donmoore]

Thank you for your clarity and understatement. I wish to learn, not to be entertained. What a breath of, as you say, fresh air.

[Mrn]

Thank you. Very grateful to you for your excellent explanation. I started the job in corrosion control equipment, and some electrical operations were hard for me. But now I get the point.

[hussmortada]

Once again no one explains things better. Thank you! Very easy to follow and retain the knowledge at the end.

I recently tested an installation after changing some face plates and light fittings as well as extending some sockets outlets. One of circuits passed the continuity test but failed the insulation resistance test however the RCD has was not tripping although it is mechanically sound. It doesn’t make sense so I am going back to re-test the circuit as I think I must have made a mistake like leaving something plugged in or a bulb or maybe some other mistake I made as I was tired. It would be great if you can do a video on insulation resistance testing at DB, single circuit and whole installation.

[JohnSmith-kbku]

Thanks Dave. Each video always informative and checking the neutral as part of the continuity is not something I would usually do. I think you have shown it is well worth doing. I will be doing that too. It might one day save a lot of hassle.

[inibehealfred]

A precise and on point video. Simple to understand and complete

[Mr-qtgq]

Your videos are really helping me to understand electricity. Can you please make a video on HOW TO READ ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION DRAWINGS, eg on Building site. Many thanks.

[joefix]

I am very exciting of best video presentation . I clear about all testing that you displaying in video presentation . Thanks for sharing your knowledge .