UK 66 comment
IEE SHIPS REGULATIONS SECTION 27
TESTS AND INSPECTIONS OF COMPLETED INSTALLATIONS
1 Before new installations, or alterations of or additions to an existing installation, are put into service the appropriate inspections and tests specified in 2 to 7 inclusive, should be made. Such tests should be in addition to, and not in substitution for, the acceptance tests of the individual items of plant at the maker's works.
These inspections and tests are intended to indicate the general condition of the installation at the time of completion and form part of the assessment of the acceptable condition of the installation. They do not in themselves necessarily ensure that the installation is satisfactory in all respects. The test methods and their results should be recorded to assist with subsequent and periodic assessment of the condition of the installation.
Tests which simulate conditions to establish the integrity of the apparatus and circuits may be used provided that the effect is the same as the specified tests and/or conditions.
During the life of an installation, it is necessary to systematically inspect and test its apparatus and circuits to ensure that it is maintained in a sound condition and any undue deterioration that may have taken place can be detected. Whereas the initial tests are to demonstrate that the system has been designed and installed in an acceptable manner, the subsequent tests and inspections are to demonstrate that the equipment has not deteriorated. These tests may not necessarily be as stringent or the same as those conducted initially. The frequency of the periodic checks will depend upon the type of installation, experience obtained from previous checks and any Statutory or similar requirements.
All defects thus discovered should be made good as soon as possible.
Care should always be taken when carrying out tests on apparatus and circuits to ensure that no adverse effects are experienced by any persons in the vicinity of the apparatus or circuits being tested or by other equipment or parts of the system or systems.
This is especially relevant where circuits are in or pass through hazardous areas.
2 Insulation resistance
(1) The insulation resistance should be measured, preferably by self-contained instruments such as a direct-reading insulation resistance tester applying an appropriate voltage.
This voltage should be d.c. at the test values shown in Table 1 or as recommended in the relevant British Standard.
