The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) are the essential document for electrical contractors in the UK, and are the controlling standard which electrical installations must comply with. This means most modern electrical testing instruments are designed to comply with the regulations and provide the capacity to carry out some or all of the required tests. A good example of this is the multi-function tester, which is one of the most popular test instruments used by an electrical contractor.
What is a multi-function tester?
A multi-function tester is a staple tool for most electrical contractors. It is a robust and versatile hand-held test instrument used to verify and maintain electrical installations. The multi-function tester is a single device capable of performing multiple tests, and specifically those stipulated by the 18th Edition wiring regulations. Hence, the multi-function tester is essential for compliance with the safety requirements for electrical installations, but is also a cost-effective option for electrical contractors as it removes the need to invest in multiple separate test devices, and also saves time swapping between different instruments and setting them up.
Standard tests required by the 18th edition wiring regulations
The 18th Edition Wiring Regulations mandate a standard range of tests on all electrical installations. These can be performed using a multi-function tester, such as the TIS MFTPRO supplied by Test Instrument Solutions. These include:
- Insulation resistance – Measuring the amount of resistance provided by insulation to ensure it is sufficiently preventing current leakage
- Continuity – Confirming that a continuous and uninterrupted electrical path exists
- Earth Fault Loop Impedance – Verifying that the circuit has sufficient protection in terms of the resistance of the earth fault loop
- RCD testing – Verifying that a circuit has sufficient protection against electric shocks, by testing the functionality of residual current devices (RCDs)
- Polarity checks – Ensuring that live and neutral conductors are properly connected and switches are located in the live conductor, to verify that an electrical circuit is correctly wired.
Additional testing requirements of the 18th edition wiring regulations
A multi-function tester, such as the MFTPRO+, is an ideal test instrument for compliance with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations because it prioritises key requirements of the standard. These include:
- Safety factors such as ensuring an installation is de-energised prior to testing, by isolating and locking-off
- Appropriate set-up procedures for each test
- Verifying the calibration status of the instrument before all tests to ensure accuracy
In addition, there is a greater focus on testing electric vehicle charging points in the latest (18th) edition of the Wiring Regulations. This includes the verification of functioning earthing systems as well as the regular range of standard tests, with a particular focus on insulation resistance given the physical interaction required between a charging cable and a vehicle. Some multi-function testers, such as the TIS MFTPRO+ has the capability to test electric vehicle installations also.
You can ensure your compliance with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations by ordering the TIS MFT-Pro today. This instrument is the professional, accurate and reliable test instrument you need to perform the measurements required for verification of electrical safety, as required by the 18th Edition regulations.
Product Demonstration Video
Below is a product demonstration video of the TIS MFTPRO+:
Please note that this section is for information purposes only. Anyone using equipment referred to in this section must be suitably qualified and/or experienced within the respective field. If in doubt before use, please consult a qualified electrician or engineer & thoroughly read all instruction booklets.