A19(f)

Segregation and insulation

resistance tests

A19(f) Circuit Nominal Test Voltage Minimum insulation A19(f

A1
Voltage (d.c.) resistance (M ohms)

SELV and PELV 250 0.25

up to 500 V 500 0.5

1. Insulation resistance should be checked between all live conductors,

and between live conductors and Earth. For SELV and PELV systems,
insulation resistance should be measured between the Extra-Low Voltage
and higher Voltage conductors at a d.c. test Voltage of 500 V.

2. The test instrument should be capable of producing a d.c. test Voltage

of 500 V when loaded to 1 mA and be capable of measurement
of up to 200 M ohm.

3. The minimum acceptable value of insulation resistance for any test is 0.5 M
ohm for LV systems and 0.25 M ohm for SELV and PELV systems.

4. The supply should be disconnected and all current-using equipment

switched off (including neon indicator lamps, Luminaires, voltmeters,
electronic devices such as dimmer switches, starters, RCDs with amplifiers
etc). Alternatively, a limited test can be carried with the phase and neutral
conductors connected together and testing to Earth.

5. The method of testing requires the connection of all three phases and
neutral bar to Earth using temporary Earth wires.

6. The test measures the insulation resistance of each conductor wire with all
other conductors connected to Earth. The test is done with all phase wires,
all neutral wires and all Earth wires and the values recorded in installation
testing report, refer to Appendix A20(d).

7. This test method checks the segregation of the conductor from all other
wires. Care is to be taken when testing the insulation resistance of the Earth
connections to ensure that there is no continuity between the equipment
and containment systems.

8. Insulation measurements should be made at each Distribution Board.

194 The Electricity Wiring Regulations (Third Edition)