Download Test equipment requirements

Test equipment requirements
Testing is a high-risk activity that can be carried out safely by following the appropriate standards (e.g.
AS/NZS 4836:2011 Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment) and
regulations.
When purchasing testing equipment, or choosing the right test equipment for the job, it is important to
determine both whether the device is fit for purpose, and if the operator has been trained in the correct
operation of the device.
For test equipment verification and suitability of equipment please check the following:
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Category ratings of test equipment (including test leads)
Check the device is within test
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Does the test equipment operate correctly?
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Is the selected instrument correct for the job?
Is the equipment in good condition, is clean and has no cracks or broken components?
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Is the insulation on leads, probes and clips of test equipment in good condition?
Category ratings
Look for the correct category ratings on test tools. If the wrong tester is used for the job, there is a high risk
of serious burns to the person using the tester or destroyed testers.
CAT ratings on test tools are different than hazard/ risk category ratings that you find on PPE gear. Cat
ratings are determined by the prospective fault current (KA) in the workplace that a connected test tool might
experience. PPE requirements are determined by the surface energy level a user might experience.
Instruments designed with the correct category rating have sufficient clearance between critical parts to
prevent an arc from creating the initial breakdown when a transient occurs.
NB: Please be aware that category rating could vary with the voltage rating of the test equipment e.g. Cat III
at 300V may only be Cat II at 600V.
There are the four Categories:
Cat I
Test tools are used for electronic items e.g. protected electronic equipment, equipment connected to circuits
in which transient over voltages are limited to an appropriately low level, and any high voltage/low energy
source derived from a high-winding resistance transformer.
Cat II
Test tools are used for single phase receptacle connected loads e.g. appliances, portable tools, and other
household and similar loads.
Cat III
Test tools are used for three phase distribution, including single phase commercial lighting e.g. equipment in
fixed installations, such as switchgear and polyphase motors, bus and feeder in industrial plants, feeders and
short branch circuits, distribution panel devices, lighting systems in larger buildings and appliance outlets
with short connections to service entrance.
Cat IV
Test tools are used for three phase at utility connection, any outdoor conductors e.g. refers to the “origin of
installation” i.e. where low-voltage connection is made to utility power, electricity meters, primary over current
protection equipment and outside.