Great video as always, I believe for the assessment this is completed on a bulkhead light. The way they set out identifying the circuits is the assessor will tell you what to isolate, you then need to identify this from the spec sheets you have to know what breaker to isolate. The bulkhead is normally above your head so, you need to ensure a clear workspace when setting your ladders up to make sure you are working safely during the safe isolation. This is the start to the fault finding section so gives you time to settle into your testing process by achieving this element successfully and competently. This part is watched directly so get comfortable doing this on a range of circuits with someone watching you to not get freaked out on the day. This advice is just my pennies worth and hopefully helpful to someone. Circuits I would make sure I was ok with would be: The lighting circuit scenario shown A CO2 detector A ring circuit A DOL starter A 3 phase isolator Heating controls on a boiler circuit. There may be others but the circuits you cover are all listed on your pre AM2 checklist paperwork
Gaz, nice video, my son is learning to become a electrician, I introduced him to both your channels. He thinks you explain things more clearly then some college tutors. 👍🏻
Hi Gaz, What an amazing motivation again! I cannot wait for a more advanced installation where a lighting circuit is switched by relais or plc. ( The purpose of this video is to show that 1 test to prove a 230 volt AC single phase circuit is not enough in some cases. )
Great video, thanks, the only thing I would say is that I would have checked the connections at both points - the base of the light fitting and the light fitting itself just to be absolutely certain - you only get one chance.
Just failed my AM2s on single phase isolation as I didn’t test the switches in the correct order 😂 wish I saw this video first. I had a bulkhead light fitting and must have tested about 20 different switching combinations but due to them not being in the correct sequence regardless if it is safe, still counts as a fail (little unfair if you ask me ☹️) So my advice would be to follow this video exactly.
Great video and advice, but I can’t see why you operate all three switches ? Intermediate switching by it’s very nature any on switch will turn the lights on or, so if the circuit is isolated then you will only need to operate one of the switches as the other two won’t matter ? Point . You have switched of the MCB ? You go to the ceiling rose undo the cover and with your voltage indicator you probe between the three conductors you think it dead ? You then go to one of the switches and operate that switch you go back to the ceiling rose and probe the three conductors again it’s dead . Operating the other switches make no sense or difference ? Great video as always Gaz 👍❤️⚡️
If the lamp doesn't illuminate at the start, the conductor(s) could be broken at any point in the circuit. We can test the lamp as much as we like, but the circuit up to the break could be live surely? In the case you CAN'T see the lamp operating at the start (e.g. fault finding), would it be prudent to also test at the first point after the consumer unit (e.g. the first switch)?
What if the connections from the blocks to the back of the lamp are faulty or loose? Wouldnt testing from the blocks be more conclusive that the wires to the light are dead? Cheers
Dose it matter which way you put your testing leads? As I always use the one with the probe with the terminal rather then the "com lead" to test line in?
Making sure a point is isolated and hasn’t just been switched by someone or a lamp has failed and is actually still live is no joke. I once went to change two lights either side of a sliding fireman pole. Isolated the circuit, came back to see that the lights were off and preceded to take down the first fitting after testing it for dead. I went to change the second fitting with the sliding pole in one hand and very quickly became aware that the conductor in my other hand was live. That really gave me a kick up the ass
Single pole does only disconnect the line but testing with voltage indicator proves any voltage on neutral or cpc terminal. A previous polarity and earth continuity should have been confirmed in the greater scheme of things (assessment of general characteristics...etc)
Hi gaz, If I'm doing this as my end assessment, I'm stood in the bay with the only lighting circuit in that DB and it's turned off, would I still need to operate every switch and prove dead? For example, the light was on, I turned off the mcb, operate one switch twice and done my safe isolation would that suffice?
Why does the process need to be repeated after operating each switch? Surely testing before and then operating one switch and repeating the test will be fine as it’s an intermediate lighting circuit? Thanks
@@GSHElectrical so The AM2 and Am2s assessment is about getting the candidate to carry out test that are pointless and a complete waste of time , and if you don’t waste your time or you disagree with the assessor he will fail you . Fantastic idea 👎 . Sorry to be negative on this Gaz . But I think teachers should jump on this and tell the assessors that they not going to teach the students tasks that are pointless and a waste of time , and this is just one example. I don’t care what anyone says you only need to operate one of the three switches the the other two make no difference .if you are carrying out the insulation resistance test test then yes you must operate all switches. But to not to prove dead . That is a nonsense. Again sorry to be negative No disrespect to you Gaz
@@Dog-whisperer7494 I am sorry to say sean, but Gaz is right in this video. In a real life scenario you need to test all the switches because you cannot see how the installation is wired.
@@darkdepth1991 I’am not saying Gaz is wrong . I just can’t see the need to operate all three switches on an intermediate switch circuit when safe isolating . Like I said for insulation resistance test then yes we must operate all switches so as to test every bit of cable. But not for proving dead , you switch the MCB off you test at the light it’s dead ? Operate one of the switches test at the light again it’s dead so why do you need to operate the other two switches. I don’t care how the circuit is wired if it’s dead the other two switches will not make a bit of difference they will not magically make the circuit live . There is no reason or need for it The same for two way switching . What bout a ring main ? Switch the MCB off test a socket it’s dead do you go around and test every socket and operate the socket switches no you don’t because there’s no need to you have proved dead .
Hi, this may be a silly question, however I'm not an electrician. Whilst testing (9:46) - the Live and CPC, I noticed that the ( + ) Probe is on the CPC and the ( - ) Probe is on the Live. I always thought you'd put the ( - ) probe on the least dangerous cable - in this case the CPC ( and on the Neutral/ Live test - it would be ( - ) on the neutral and ( + ) on the Live).....or does this matter?
When measuring AC, it doesn't matter which way the probes go. When measuring DC voltages, the red positive probe goes to the positive side of whatever is being tested. When measuring resistance, ensure there is no power applied to the resistance being tested. It doesn't matter which way the probes go.
Can you please make a video of how to carry out the Polarity Test (dead test) when using the Megger Multi function tester. Thank you Much appreciated 🙌
This playlist should help 👍🏻 Electrical Testing Dead Tests City and Guilds 5357, 8202, 2365, AM2, AM2S, AM2E and EAL Diplomas ua-cam.com/play/PL2Ea5r9gxUUdi6vjph2Wn0SiEYgHV5BnG.html
@@GSHElectrical thank you and I've seen most of the videos within the link you have sent which demonstrates how to carry out Polarity by doing the previous dead tests etc. But I was wondering if it would be possible to make a separate video showing how to confirm Polarity (Dead Test) with a use of a Megger Multi function tester as their aren't many videos based on it.
@The UK Electricians Show But if it's supposed to simulate site work you could have left the room and gone somewhere else, so shouldn't you technically reprove? What's the difference if i use the tester in one room, then 20 minutes later use it in a different room, do i have to prove the tester the second time?
All good but come on we know it don't get done its just to satisfy training providers no one drives the way they should none realistic world don't get me wrong that's how it should be done but don't happen in the real world but you are good at what you teach watch you video alot very interesting throughout
Unless using DP CBs, which clearly looking at the DB they are NOT, then checking the Earth/neutral will cause the RCD to trip and subsequently disconnect the circuits you so carefully avoided disconnecting earlier. Maybe Im a jaded cynic but I'd say this guy needs to be more interested in electrical test and inspection that doing as he is told.
isolation and locked off...I don't like the way the consumer units cover is not completely closed...anyway better to be safe than sorry.Great lesson though...may be it would be better to lock off the cover as well.
Very informative Gary. However in the video at 10.34 I think you contradict yourself by probing the Light terminal blocks Live/line terminal and leave the other earth probe of the proving instrument unconnected with any thing. Only an observation by a non electrician.
Dont get fooled nto the idea that your padlock is going to stop Schmolockan dry liners (on price) from cutting you silly little padlock off and energising the circuit and killing you. Likje they did to my colleague.
Great video as always, I believe for the assessment this is completed on a bulkhead light. The way they set out identifying the circuits is the assessor will tell you what to isolate, you then need to identify this from the spec sheets you have to know what breaker to isolate.
The bulkhead is normally above your head so, you need to ensure a clear workspace when setting your ladders up to make sure you are working safely during the safe isolation.
This is the start to the fault finding section so gives you time to settle into your testing process by achieving this element successfully and competently.
This part is watched directly so get comfortable doing this on a range of circuits with someone watching you to not get freaked out on the day.
This advice is just my pennies worth and hopefully helpful to someone.
Circuits I would make sure I was ok with would be:
The lighting circuit scenario shown
A CO2 detector
A ring circuit
A DOL starter
A 3 phase isolator
Heating controls on a boiler circuit.
There may be others but the circuits you cover are all listed on your pre AM2 checklist paperwork
Massive thanks for such a great comment Craig - this will help others taking on AM2 and AM2S 👍🏻😃. All the best to everyone undertaking an assessment 🦾
Hi Craig, "you need to ensure a clear workspace when setting your ladders up to make sure you are working safely during the safe isolation." So true !
Once again, another brilliant tutorial video. Thank you.
Excellent content - Many thanks - very helpful for the up and coming AM2 assessment.
Gaz, nice video, my son is learning to become a electrician, I introduced him to both your channels. He thinks you explain things more clearly then some college tutors. 👍🏻
Thanks for the fantastic comment 🦾
Really appreciate the detail you go into with your videos and this is critical for learning.
Hi Gaz, What an amazing motivation again! I cannot wait for a more advanced installation where a lighting circuit is switched by relais or plc. ( The purpose of this video is to show that 1 test to prove a 230 volt AC single phase circuit is not enough in some cases. )
Great video, thanks, the only thing I would say is that I would have checked the connections at both points - the base of the light fitting and the light fitting itself just to be absolutely certain - you only get one chance.
Just failed my AM2s on single phase isolation as I didn’t test the switches in the correct order 😂 wish I saw this video first. I had a bulkhead light fitting and must have tested about 20 different switching combinations but due to them not being in the correct sequence regardless if it is safe, still counts as a fail (little unfair if you ask me ☹️) So my advice would be to follow this video exactly.
Great video and advice, but I can’t see why you operate all three switches ? Intermediate switching by it’s very nature any on switch will turn the lights on or, so if the circuit is isolated then you will only need to operate one of the switches as the other two won’t matter ?
Point . You have switched of the MCB ? You go to the ceiling rose undo the cover and with your voltage indicator you probe between the three conductors you think it dead ? You then go to one of the switches and operate that switch you go back to the ceiling rose and probe the three conductors again it’s dead . Operating the other switches make no sense or difference ?
Great video as always Gaz 👍❤️⚡️
Nice clear explanation, cheers Gary.
Thanks 👍🏻
If the lamp doesn't illuminate at the start, the conductor(s) could be broken at any point in the circuit. We can test the lamp as much as we like, but the circuit up to the break could be live surely?
In the case you CAN'T see the lamp operating at the start (e.g. fault finding), would it be prudent to also test at the first point after the consumer unit (e.g. the first switch)?
Gaz and the GSH team will have me flying through my exams
Thanks for the kind words 👍🏻
Really great videos by GSH
Thanks 👍🏻
Great video, thanks 👍 What a palaver, no wonder people find it difficult 🤷♂️
What if the connections from the blocks to the back of the lamp are faulty or loose? Wouldnt testing from the blocks be more conclusive that the wires to the light are dead? Cheers
That's is so clear and informative. Thank you
How would you go about doing safe isolation of a dol starter with 3 phase motor ?
Very helpful 👌 now on Diploma L3 C&G 2365 . All good 👍
All the best with your level 3 👍🏻
Brilliant video! Really informative.Thank you Gaz.👍
Ah that old adage how many safe isolation steps does it take to change a lamp fitting.
I would like to have it explained exactly what might go wrong if you did not toggle every switch. Wiring diagram might be good.
Dose it matter which way you put your testing leads? As I always use the one with the probe with the terminal rather then the "com lead" to test line in?
Cheers pal, nans passed her am2
Making sure a point is isolated and hasn’t just been switched by someone or a lamp has failed and is actually still live is no joke. I once went to change two lights either side of a sliding fireman pole. Isolated the circuit, came back to see that the lights were off and preceded to take down the first fitting after testing it for dead. I went to change the second fitting with the sliding pole in one hand and very quickly became aware that the conductor in my other hand was live. That really gave me a kick up the ass
It’s like a driving test. Once a person passes, naughty habits creep in. I’ve seen it a lot.
👍🏻
Thank you mate
Would you not take the cover off and confirm the MCB is also dead? Or leave it on and check the light only as the system is energised?
Sorry you’ve failed the test.
What's the opinions on some of these tester's that are self proving?
Can anyone help clear up something, I’ve been told a few times single pole isolation isn’t sufficient as the neutral can be live is this correct?
Single pole does only disconnect the line but testing with voltage indicator proves any voltage on neutral or cpc terminal. A previous polarity and earth continuity should have been confirmed in the greater scheme of things (assessment of general characteristics...etc)
Hi gaz, If I'm doing this as my end assessment, I'm stood in the bay with the only lighting circuit in that DB and it's turned off, would I still need to operate every switch and prove dead? For example, the light was on, I turned off the mcb, operate one switch twice and done my safe isolation would that suffice?
Yes 👍🏻
why not drop the first switch and test there ,
Hi GAZ how have you powered the cu mate
Why does the process need to be repeated after operating each switch? Surely testing before and then operating one switch and repeating the test will be fine as it’s an intermediate lighting circuit? Thanks
That’s the requirements at AM2/AM2S I think I covered the reasons in the video 👍🏻.
@@GSHElectrical you may well have, will watch back again. Top man Gaz 👍🏼
@@GSHElectrical so The AM2 and Am2s assessment is about getting the candidate to carry out test that are pointless and a complete waste of time , and if you don’t waste your time or you disagree with the assessor he will fail you . Fantastic idea 👎 . Sorry to be negative on this Gaz . But I think teachers should jump on this and tell the assessors that they not going to teach the students tasks that are pointless and a waste of time , and this is just one example. I don’t care what anyone says you only need to operate one of the three switches the the other two make no difference .if you are carrying out the insulation resistance test test then yes you must operate all switches. But to not to prove dead . That is a nonsense.
Again sorry to be negative
No disrespect to you Gaz
@@Dog-whisperer7494 I am sorry to say sean, but Gaz is right in this video. In a real life scenario you need to test all the switches because you cannot see how the installation is wired.
@@darkdepth1991 I’am not saying Gaz is wrong . I just can’t see the need to operate all three switches on an intermediate switch circuit when safe isolating . Like I said for insulation resistance test then yes we must operate all switches so as to test every bit of cable. But not for proving dead , you switch the MCB off you test at the light it’s dead ? Operate one of the switches test at the light again it’s dead so why do you need to operate the other two switches. I don’t care how the circuit is wired if it’s dead the other two switches will not make a bit of difference they will not magically make the circuit live .
There is no reason or need for it
The same for two way switching . What bout a ring main ? Switch the MCB off test a socket it’s dead do you go around and test every socket and operate the socket switches no you don’t because there’s no need to you have proved dead .
Hi, this may be a silly question, however I'm not an electrician. Whilst testing (9:46) - the Live and CPC, I noticed that the ( + ) Probe is on the CPC and the ( - ) Probe is on the Live. I always thought you'd put the ( - ) probe on the least dangerous cable - in this case the CPC ( and on the Neutral/ Live test - it would be ( - ) on the neutral and ( + ) on the Live).....or does this matter?
When measuring AC, it doesn't matter which way the probes go. When measuring DC voltages, the red positive probe goes to the positive side of whatever is being tested. When measuring resistance, ensure there is no power applied to the resistance being tested. It doesn't matter which way the probes go.
but why doing all that in all the switches , when you could done that on one switch ,because the number one switch goes to bough of the other 2 ?
Can you please make a video of how to carry out the Polarity Test (dead test) when using the Megger Multi function tester.
Thank you
Much appreciated 🙌
This playlist should help 👍🏻
Electrical Testing Dead Tests City and Guilds 5357, 8202, 2365, AM2, AM2S, AM2E and EAL Diplomas ua-cam.com/play/PL2Ea5r9gxUUdi6vjph2Wn0SiEYgHV5BnG.html
@@GSHElectrical thank you and I've seen most of the videos within the link you have sent which demonstrates how to carry out Polarity by doing the previous dead tests etc.
But I was wondering if it would be possible to make a separate video showing how to confirm Polarity (Dead Test) with a use of a Megger Multi function tester as their aren't many videos based on it.
When you work on the circuit and touch neutral together red will turn off
I wonder how many electricians do all this after they are qualified.
none
Probably the 'electricians' that do my EICRs...
No one ... even they work with live ...😂
How about when there are more then one lamp holders? Do I have to check them all or only the furthest point?
All switches and all lighting points 👍🏻
Shouldn't you technically reprove the unit before each of the 4 tests, since you've put the fitting back, walked away, etc?
@The UK Electricians Show But if it's supposed to simulate site work you could have left the room and gone somewhere else, so shouldn't you technically reprove? What's the difference if i use the tester in one room, then 20 minutes later use it in a different room, do i have to prove the tester the second time?
All good but come on we know it don't get done its just to satisfy training providers no one drives the way they should none realistic world don't get me wrong that's how it should be done but don't happen in the real world but you are good at what you teach watch you video alot very interesting throughout
So, when can we start our actual heist to break in the bank?
Unless using DP CBs, which clearly looking at the DB they are NOT, then checking the Earth/neutral will cause the RCD to trip and subsequently disconnect the circuits you so carefully avoided disconnecting earlier.
Maybe Im a jaded cynic but I'd say this guy needs to be more interested in electrical test and inspection that doing as he is told.
isolation and locked off...I don't like the way the consumer units cover is not completely closed...anyway better to be safe than sorry.Great lesson though...may be it would be better to lock off the cover as well.
At AM2 and AM2S you have to isolate via the MCB hence the video.
Very informative Gary. However in the video at 10.34 I think you contradict yourself by probing the Light terminal blocks Live/line terminal and leave the other earth probe of the proving instrument unconnected with any thing. Only an observation by a non electrician.
Single pole? Neutral is still live
Dont get fooled nto the idea that your padlock is going to stop Schmolockan dry liners (on price) from cutting you silly little padlock off and energising the circuit and killing you. Likje they did to my colleague.
And this is why you charge £100 for changing a light bulb haha only in Britain
Correction £100 for lamps 😂👍🏻
Will we fail if we don't ask for a valid calibration certificate?
I would ask for proof of calibration 👍🏻