What is polarity testing?


Polarity testing is one of the tests that are required for initial testing of the installation under IEC 60364 standard. 

This test will verify that all the switches installed in the system are connected in current carrying conductor and not in neutral. For example, if you isolate or switch the neutral of a circuit via a single-pole circuit breaker or switch, it would appear that the circuit is dead where in fact it is still live. 

source: TLC-Direct UK




If polarity is not correctly determined there may be a risk of electric shock during maintenance procedures. 


This would not be the case, as live conductors and connections would be present at fixed equipment, sockets and switches - this would be very dangerous.


There are three recognized methods of evaluation. All three methods have their advantages and possible dangers, if they are not carried out correctly. 

Methods of polarity testing


1. Polarity by visual inspection
By using your knowledge and sight, correct termination of cables relating to core colors can be established. 



Color Coding Sample
Source: IEC 


It is essential that polarity is checked visually during the process of installation, especially in cases where checking by testing is impractical.

2. Polarity by continuity testing
If visual inspection is not possible, you will need to use a low-resistance ohmmeter for this test. When you continuity test radial and ring final circuits, part of the process is to test and visually inspect the polarity of fixed equipment and socket outlets.

Polarity testing using low resistance ohmmeter
Source: City and Guilds

Steps:

  1. Switch off the circuit breaker supplying the circuit.
  2. From the specific circuit, put a temporary link that will connect the line conductor and the CPC or any equipotential bonding conductors. It will serve as a testing point for convenience
  3. Conduct continuity testing by placing the test leads across the line conductor and the nearest  CPC or any exposed conductive parts of the circuit.
  4. If the instrument shows zero reading (with continuity sound) then the switch is connected properly to the line conductor.
  5. If the instrument shows some significant ohmic value then the switch is not connected to the line conductor. Interchange the connections to fix the problem.



3. Live testing for polarity
If the two methods are not possible due to urgency we can perform live polarity testing by using the approved voltage GS38.


Steps:
1. Test between LINE and NEUTRAL terminals



2. Test between LINE and EARTH terminals.



3. Test between NEUTRAL and EARTH terminals















The test instrument should indicate full voltage (230V) between Line-Neutral and Line-Earth conductors. No voltage should be detected between Neutral-Earth.

Source:

  1. City and Guilds
  2. BS 7671
  3. TLC Direct

24 comments:

  1. I was looking for a perfect person who can handle the job of electrical wiring for our apartment in a risk-free manner, so I inquired about the services offered by CapeTownHandyman.com before finalizing the deal, and I am sure that I have made the right choice.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great you Are happy

    I've got one myself because like 10 decades. I like it as well, not modded as yours nevertheless.

    At this time it doesn't operate, it chokes if heat. Brought into a neigbour of mine and he'll find a deeper look at it.

    It feels like some have had trouble using the automated decompression valve, which does yours have this?

    Have a fantastic day!

    Chainsaw Sharpening Angles

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great you Are happy

    I've got one myself because like 10 decades. I like it as well, not modded as yours nevertheless.

    At this time it doesn't operate, it chokes if heat. Brought into a neigbour of mine and he'll find a deeper look at it.

    It feels like some have had trouble using the automated decompression valve, which does yours have this?

    Have a fantastic day!

    Chainsaw Sharpening Angles

    ReplyDelete
  4. Electricity powers their homes, lights, appliances, vehicles, machines and cellphones. If any one of them goes out, the flow of life gets interrupted. The value of electricians keeps on increasing due to increased dependency on electricity. emergency electrician edinburgh

    ReplyDelete
  5. Where looking for wholesale electrical wire. Though this is very helpful.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank you for writing and sharing this informative article. You are apparently very knowledgeable in this area and I have found this to be interesting and intelligent reading. Good job. Since 2009, Electrical Services Company, Positive Contractors, is providing both commercial & domestic Electrical Services emergency eletrician London.

    ReplyDelete
  7. In the wake of finishing the test note down the last length and information accomplished from the test.tensile machine

    ReplyDelete
  8. You've provided quite good information here. This is fantastic since it expands our knowledge and is also beneficial to us. Thank you for sharing this piece of writing. electrical tag testing

    ReplyDelete
  9. This article provided me with a wealth of information. The article is both educational and helpful. Thank you for providing this information. Keep up the good work. test and tag melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  10. Really an informative post. Your writing method is very nice. You have provided a great knowledge. Keep sharing. test and tag Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you so much for sharing this post. I’ve been looking for exactly this and you made it possible. Sending much gratitude. test and tag sydney

    ReplyDelete
  12. You're amazing since the article you've written is both engaging and informative. Thank you for sharing that. Keep up the good work. test and tag equipment

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great! Thank you so much for this informative and useful article. I'm interested with this item fluke Philippines.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for your sharing! This professionalism reminds me of sms isolation coat.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks for your cool guide. This is very helpful to me.

    ReplyDelete
  16. very informative post .Thanks for sharing post
    Climatic Test Chambers

    Environmental Chambers for simulation of conditions like temperature, humidity, corrosion, dust and rain to be used for various tests.Jost's provide the latest generation of Climatic Test Chambers with innovative technique and future-oriented design.
    <a href="https://www.josts.com/automotive-test-benches/>Automotive Test Benches</a>

    ReplyDelete
  17. It is truly a well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so engaged in this material that I couldn’t wait to read. Read more info about outside lighting. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  18. It's really nice sharing. it worked for me a lot. You can also visit this site for information about washing.
    [link=https://www.batterypressurewasher.com/]battery pressure washer[/link]

    ReplyDelete
  19. It's really nice sharing. it worked for me a lot. You can also visit this site for information about washing.
    [url=https://www.batterypressurewasher.com] battery pressure washer [/url]

    ReplyDelete
  20. It's really nice sharing. it worked for me a lot. You can also visit this site for information about washing.
    Battery Operated Pressure Washer Ryobi

    ReplyDelete
  21. Whether or not you are trying to find unfastened NECO expo 2023, the first-rate NECO expo runs, NECO exam runz, 2023 waec runs, accurate NECO solutions 2023, or NECO questions and answers 2023, you will get all of the questions and their correct answers for each of your problem to assist improve your performance.

    ReplyDelete