SEAWARD PowerTest 1557 Multi Function Tester Installation Guide
- June 16, 2024
- SEAWARD
Table of Contents
SEAWARD PowerTest 1557 Multi Function Tester
Product Information
The Seaward PowerTest 1557 is an electrical installation tester that combines multiple test functions into one instrument. It is a multifunction tester (MFT) which is the industry standard for installation testing. The PowerTest 1557 includes the following test functions:
- Earth Continuity
- Insulation Resistance
- Earth Fault loop
- RCD testing
Product Usage Instructions
Earth Continuity Test
The Earth Continuity test is used to verify the integrity of the protective
earth connection. To perform this test using the PowerTest 1557, follow these
steps:
- Connect the test leads to the appropriate terminals on the instrument.
- Connect one test lead to the earth terminal of the installation and the other lead to a suitable earth point.
- Press the Earth Continuity button on the instrument to initiate the test.
- Observe the measurement displayed on the screen. A low resistance value indicates a good earth connection.
Insulation Resistance Test
The Insulation Resistance test is used to measure the resistance of insulation
in electrical circuits. To perform this test using the PowerTest 1557, follow
these steps:
- Ensure all equipment is disconnected from the installation.
- Connect the test leads to the appropriate terminals on the instrument.
- Connect one test lead to the circuit being tested and the other lead to a suitable reference point.
- Press the Insulation Resistance button on the instrument to initiate the test.
- Observe the measurement displayed on the screen. A high resistance value indicates good insulation.
Earth Fault Loop Test
The Earth Fault Loop test is used to measure the impedance of the protective
earth circuit. To perform this test using the PowerTest 1557, follow these
steps:
- Connect the test leads to the appropriate terminals on the instrument.
- Connect one test lead to the phase conductor and the other lead to the earth terminal of the installation.
- Press the Earth Fault Loop button on the instrument to initiate the test.
- Observe the measurement displayed on the screen. A low impedance value indicates a good earth fault loop.
RCD Testing
The RCD (Residual Current Device) test is used to verify the operation of RCDs
in electrical circuits. To perform this test using the PowerTest 1557, follow
these steps:
- Connect the test leads to the appropriate terminals on the instrument.
- Connect one test lead to the line conductor and the other lead to the earth terminal of the installation.
- Press the RCD Test button on the instrument to initiate the test.
- Observe the measurement displayed on the screen. The result should indicate whether the RCD is functioning correctly.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Seaward
- Model: PowerTest 1557
- Test Functions: Earth Continuity, Insulation Resistance, Earth Fault loop, RCD testing
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom
- Contact Information:
- Address: 15-18 Bracken Hill, South West Industrial Estate, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8 2SW, United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 (0) 191 586 3511
- Fax: +44 (0) 191 586 0227
- Email: sales@seaward.com
- Website: https://www.seaward.com/gb/enquiry/
FAQ
-
Q: What is the purpose of installation testing?
A: Installation testing is carried out to ensure the safety and functionality of electrical installations. -
Q: Can I use single function testers instead of a multifunction tester?
A: While multifunction testers are now the industry standard for installation testing, some electricians may still prefer to use single function testers for specific tasks. -
Q: Where can I get further assistance?
A: For further help and assistance, please contact Seaward using the contact information provided above.
Installation Testing
Why carry out Installation Testing?
It is a fundamental principle of the Wiring Regulations (BS7671) that all
electrical installations must meet two basic criteria, first they must be safe
and second, they must perform their intended function, ie. they must work. In
the early days of electrical installations this was simple to achieve, because
electrical installations were very simple in nature and safety requirements
very basic by today’s standards. Later, as the electrical industry grew, most
electrical installation work was carried out by local electricity boards using
time served tradesman, who were not hurried by the time and cost pressures
experienced by modern electrical contractors.
As a result, most installation work was performed to a high standard and therefore the checks carried out on this work was minimal. Fast forward to today and we see modern, highly complicated electrical installations, installed very quickly using teams of installers, many of whom will not be time served electricians. Add to this the increasing demands placed upon us to improve health and safety and the growing culture of claims and litigation. It is therefore essential in the modern world, that the safety and correct functioning of electrical installations is not just taken for granted, but is thoroughly proven by a rigorous process of inspection and testing. Out of this basic need has grown the art of inspection and testing, the subject on which this article is based.
To perform electrical installation testing the electrician will require an
electrical installation tester like Seaward’s PowerTest 1557. The PowerTest
1557 is a multifunction tester, this means that Seaward have combined the
individual test functions, such as; Earth Continuity, Insulation Resistance,
Earth Fault loop and RCD testing into one instrument. Multifunction Testers or
MFTs are now the industry standard for installation testing, but some
electricians still like to use single function testers for specific jobs.
If you require more help, please contact us at https://www.seaward.com/gb/enquiry/.
15-18 Bracken Hill, South West Industrial Estate, Peterlee, County Durham, SR8
2SW, United Kingdom
t: +44 (0) 191 586 3511 | f: +44 (0) 191 586 0227 | e:
sales@seaward.com
seaward.com
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>