The FAST Way to Test Ring Main Circuits!
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2024
- Testing a ring final circuit can be a time-consuming process. This new A2214 test adaptor from Metrel automates the complete testing process.
Joe Robinson demonstrates how to test a ring final circuit with this new adaptor works with the Metrel Mi3155.
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🕐 TIME STAMPS 🕕
00:00 Testing ring final circuits
00:59 Metrel A2214 ring continuity adaptor
02:23 Removing the resistance of the leads on the ring continuity adaptor
04:00 In the consumer unit
05:09 Connecting correctly to each leg of the ring circuit
06:05 measuring the end to end readings
06:22 r1, rn and r2 reading
06:59 Zeroing the plug in lead
09:02 Testing at the sockets
09:30 Testing for R1 + RN and R1 + R2 in one test
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📹 Presented by
Joe Robinson - Technical Editor eFIXX
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#efixx #electricians #metrel - Věda a technologie
I was using one of these about 10 years ago, haven’t missed it since going with other brands tbh
How times have changed. When I was an apprentice we tested a ring with a bell connected to a battery,testing end to end. And as I good measure we would then test for insulation breakdown using a Megger
That is all that is necessary
That looks like hard work
I’m sure I would of got that test done by the time you set up the and calibrated that thing
The original reason for inventing ring final circuits was to reduce the amount of copper required for power distribution. That was a big issue during post-WW2 reconstruction. As copper prices rise and green footprint becomes more important, that reason becomes more relevant than ever.
Not correct, less copper less current flow... so how do you save copper for power distribution?
Well worth the money . Metrel tester is on my list for my next mft . Great video
Really appreciate, it thanks a lot.
When testing around the house with probes how do you know when to swap from r1+rn over to r1+r2?
Looks a nice test kit to be fair seems as good as the Megger and fluke.
Good job thanks for info 👍.I wish to get one of those mi3155 but I already own metrel lower version mi3100s.The question is, can this A2214 ring adaptor be use onto Metrel mi3l00s ?
We will find out
Yes it can might need to update the meter firmware
Great for initial verification, not required for carrying out an EICR. I’ve chosen never to install RFC’s in any re-wire I do because they’re pointless. Also, when systems start converting from AC to DC over the coming years, RFC’s and in particular the way we wire will change and RFC’s will be a thing of the past. Out of curiosity has somebody really wired that grid switch like that next to the socket??
Good insights.
Hi, I see on min 6:21 r1, rn, r2 readings can not be saved but how did you get the screen on min 6:57 where the r1, rn, r2 readings can be saved?
Many Thanks
Great, will this make me want to go out and buy a METREL, NO. I find it to complicated. Much easier to turn a dial.
When they come up with some way of doing it with the DI_LOG 9118, Maybe I might be interested. Thanks for the video.
Been looking at doing a swap over to Metrel.. need to get my hands on one and see how the menu works.. i like the adaptor.. its a shame the leads aren't replaceable.. good video Joe.. p.s .. aint you finished that kitchen yet haha
😂 Working on it Torchy!👍
You must have a very forgiving Mrs R haha
I invested in the A1214 quite some time ago to go with my MI3152. It has red wires with heat shrink sleeving to indicate the usage. Strangely for a UK specific product, the line wires have grey heatshrink and black croc clips! The MI3152 has an auto sequence test which works with the A1214 but has no calibration option so the r1, r2 & rn results are not going to be much good. After getting readings at consumer unit, it gives the error IB020 and it is necessary to press another button to actually see the results. I took it to Metrel's UK office and left it with them for several months for testing but they did absolutely nothing and finally sent it back! Having just seen this video, I now know that there is a ring option in low resistance testing but this still does not have a calibrate option. I therefore upgraded the firmware (which deleted all my stored results) and after this, there is still no option to calibrate! It is hard to recommend this ring final tester based on my experience with Metrel - very disappointing!
Great insights, have you solved the issues with the MI3152 KC? I'm thinking of buying the A1214, any help appreciated.
What model meterel is that cheers handy but of kit
Looks good, hopefully an adapter is released so it can be used across all testers 🤞
We'll see!
not likley, need the software on the meter to support/match it.
Seems like a good idea but would really want something universal. I mostly use megger 1700 series.
Wow nice bit of kit, but I’m happy to do everything my self,Seems like an excuse not to use your brain and put pen to paper . People are to happy to let fancy machines do the thinking for them.
It is a nice bit of kit though
Shame the adapter is only available for the metrell, or is it
But who am I to argue i’am just a Humble spark who’s opinion means nothing.
Fantastic video as always Joe
👍👍👍👍❤️
If you have the older a1214 this update works for that item too now able to zero leads
Nice to know.
How does it deal with interconnects on the ring final?
The readings will be significantly lower in some places than others.
@@efixx that was my worry that the electronics might not see the bridge and interpret in a way that didn't show up on the meter.
I don’t install rings anymore, always 20A radial circuits, so much easier to test and faster
Same, I’m surprised amendment 2 didn't start recommending radials over rings given how AFDDs are steadily coming in.
Don't be such a wuss. 🤣
@@paulmatthews5470 AFDDs work just fine on rings. It's just that rings aren't as prone to arcing due to a break as radials are.
@@paulmatthews5470 So old fashon ring finals nowadays..
@@andrewcadby yes I know, but wait until the manufacturers start lobbying it with how rings defeat serial arc detection by design
Is this adaptor complatible with MI3152 EurotestXC ?
Yes
The ocd on those Croc clips is real.
looks good but doesn't seem compatible with my tester MI3152 according to their website?
A214 unit is compatible, however as yet we cannot Null the unit until they release the next firmware !! Considering they have been selling the unit for months and now only just releasing a firmware to Null is crazy......I have found Metrel Support Diabolical
@@stormuk69 The A1214 seems to have now been discontinued so no longer available (not in the UK at least). Guess this unit is the replacement version so will probably work with the MI3152 as I doubt the technology is different just now has the shorting outlet, subject to firmware though as you say.
@@Mark-xr4zt Yeah, I bet its exactly the same with the nulling unit built in. So bloody annoying, I only had mine 3 months. Still no big deal really I have a nulling unit in my toolkit.
Hi is this compatible for metrel mi3152 eurotest. Or would this work👐
Yes it is I use this with a MI3152
Yes but you have to get calibrated and need to send back to metrel but was time saver. Got to admit I do like megger x1 better but use the metrel for back up.😊
Very informative but the leads need to be replaceable on any device used professionally
That mft, doesn’t seem very user friendly! yes, it probably is a time saver after you got used to it. Great video Joe👏
It's surprisingly intuitive actually, I like it a lot. 😊
It takes a little bit of time to learn how to get the best from it, once regularly in use it becomes second nature and you don't think about it
Nope, it was called a ring main. They tried to retcon it as 'ring final' ... the term 'final circuit' didn't even exist when it was introduced. I HATE that people will say ring main is wrong. If a person can confuse the 11kv network with a socket circuit in a house, . that person has NO business being an electrician, or even alive
Haha 😂 A bit strong, but funny 😆
I agree its a ringmain always has been allways will be the same as twin and earth its always been called twin and earth and always will be look at the charts in BS 7671 very top line clearly says twin and earth . The earth conductor has alway been just that and always will be , CPC is just tosh
I suppose they are better off having passed away, rather than being brain dead.
@@CarlCosby it's how strongly i feel about how stuff is going, Gaz can give cutting edge input here, but i was taught that you LEARN , you can't be 'taught'... The constant changes in the names are a silly distraction UNLESS a good explanation is given, 'earth' changing for CPC, sounds minor, but the implication to me is obvious, it's to protect the circuit... other nomenclature changes need to be that self evident
@@CarlCosby A bit strong? death? 😁personally, I hate the often tired technical arguments electricians do. I remember at college our lecturer used to get everyone arguing by asking the simplest questions and I discovered then, that depending on what type of electrical work you do alters hugely your electrical language and position on even the simplest of installs.
With the cost of copper, you might see ring mains more often ;D
Does seem a little long winded but I would imagine that it would become second nature and very quick once you got used to the procedure.
Questions...
Does it retain the highest reading?
Does it remember the resistance of the test leads or does it jave the ability to self test/store them?
Great video Joe 👊
Yeah, after I'd done it the first couple of times it was really quick. I believe it does retain the highest reading, I think you tell it to store it when you find it. And it will store the nulled value as well I think. 👍
@@efixx thanks for the reply, might need to look at them although it would mean buying another tester to add to the collection.... 😁
I'm not a fan of poking in the CU for obvious reasons and especially if I've just dressed it all nice and tidy. I just head to the opposite end of the building and find a nice easy socket to do my end to end tests.
Surely if it’s a job you have done you would test the circuits before you second fix your board ?
How many outlet we use in ring final circuit ?
It's based on floor area. You'll find it in the regs.
Hi Hasan, You can have s many outlets as you want on one ring final circuit, as long as what you run from it does not exceed the maximum value of the
current caryting capacity of the cable you use. EG 2.5mm cable will take 27 amps. usually on a 32 amp breaker.
@@billsbasementworkshop1902 your right, but I was told when I was at college back in the 80s
You can have as many sockets as you want as long as the total load doesn’t exceed the design current, ie it doesn’t exceed 32amp ? Yet another instructor told us you can have upto a hundred sockets in an aria not exceeding 50 square meter’s?
@@seandempsey7351 you can have literally as many as you like within a given area (100m2) as long as you've given thought to how the circuit will be used in terms of loading (kitchens/utility etc) and where that load is on the ring i.e not all down one end. Having 100 sockets doesn't necessarily mean they're all gonna be used at once does it.
Yep seems really so much easier 🤦🏻♂️
Great so my A214 device is already out of date as it doesn't have the built in nulling plug. I also messaged them 3 months ago about the nulling procedure on the A214 and finally got a reply last week about the firmware being released soon. If I could go back I wouldn't bother with Metrel as the whole unit is very convoluted compared to Meggar and the support for such an expensive unit is diabolical.
Still waiting for a Firmware Update to add Calibration. They are now actively promoting the new version of the A2214 yet you still cannot calibrate it with the 3152. Piss poor support for a tester costing over £1,000.
@@stormuk69 The firmware for the 3152 / 2214 combination has been available for over 18 months as I have been using it since I purchased the 2214 in October 2022
@@georgeneil440 It wasnt at the time I purchased the original Ring Adapter. Anyhow I got rid of the tester ages ago due to dismal lack of documentation and training videos. Got a Megger X1 with EV Adapter which suits my needs perfectly.
Struggling to see how that saves much (if any) time!
Not a good demo of the 2214 as during the R1 + Rn and R1 + R2 tests the results of each test 9:05 to 10:20 are not committed so the meter cannot save the result. Once the test result is displayed the button below the soft test button should be pressed to commit the result once the test has been completed on the circuit the result can then be saved
There is definitely a case to be made for using 4mm for sockets supplied by a 32a breaker. Testing is much quicker. But this Metrel tester really is impressive.
If you were to test say, 10 sockets, would it remember the highest result whilst showing the most recent result? That would be the icing on the cake.
I've grown to hate the title 'ring main'. Customers don't know what it means, they only think they do. It's most often used by electricians that don't test. Or it used to be.
Customers thinking they know! - what are the chances!
Yeh but it all falls apart if you're not method c... And that's virtually impossible to achieve on your average socket circuit even if there isn't any thermal insulation. That's why my hand is forced back to rings on occasion. Just saying. 🤣
30 amp would be outcome for 4mm on a radial. 32amps would be a no go unless directly clipped to a wall. So the stated breaker for a 4mm t&e radial would be a 20 amp mcb or rcbo. Not forgetting you'd have a problem taking a spur. You'd have to find the final and take it from there or use a junction box.
@@rayc1503 🤣 although my house has 25a 4mm radials...
@@travoltasbiplane1551 Probably so, but 25 amp breakers aren't all that common. 😜
funny how no one calls a cooker circuit a radial final circuit, but always refer to ring circuits as ring final circuits, a little bit of knowledge is not always a good thing
Says more about quality of electricians these days.
Massive amount of test equipment available .
Massive amount of apps for cable calculations
Multi choice exam questions
Any more ?
Stop encouraging people to think about ring mains. Get rid of ring mains, for the love of GOD. A huge chunk of my work in remedial work for EICR’s was broken rings, splitting ring into radials. I hated it. 6 wires to mess around with in the fuse board. Can’t get to CPc because the numpty twisted them and single sleeved them. Can’t see which neutral is going where because the numpty just shoved 1m of singles into the board without trimming and labelling
Or the decorator who pull sockets off, or do it yourself Dave who changed all his outlets himself and disconnected multiple conductors when screwing back.
Words can not express how much I hate the ring main. It’s up there with not wiring lighting radials with neutral to switches first.
END THIS MADNESS NOW
But in all seriousness, it’s a good tool you’re showing here. Wouldn’t mind one myself.
Sounds like it's the numpty not the ring that's the problem! 😂
Seems like a faf
And the manual testing isn’t ? 🤪
Seems like an excuse not to use your brain and put pen to paper . People are to happy to let fancy machines do the thinking for them.
It is a nice bit of kit though
But who am I to argue, i’am just a humble spark who’s opinion means nothing.
or a few wagos :)
So it's the equivalent of making a little bit more effort and a pen and paper? Any ( well most)'idiot can connect a tester and press a few buttons . The skill is being able to interpret the results correctly and make a decision. You can prove anything with facts
It's more about only having to visit each socket once.
Most sparks have serious ocd 🤣🤣🤣
I fell asleep watching this
Ha! Soporific Joe. 😊
That installation tho 🤮
What I thought as well, looks shocking 😂
It's a A1 ring final
Finally got rid of AC RCD in 18th A2 , 18th A3 get rid of RING final.
But the old ones will be around for decades!
Won't happen. And besides. Honestly how many times have you seen a ring final circuit, even one that's been badly installed, cause a problem?
@@travoltasbiplane1551 agreed. Rings have a lot of advantages over radials. Can't see them ever being axed
I believe due to the push towards AFDD's, which I believe don't cover all arc faults on a Ring circuit. I believe they days are numbered. I haven't installed a Rings for at least 10 years nor a Dual RCD board.
Yes all the existing Ring circuits will comply with pervious version of BS7671 and be coded so.
BTW nice bit of testing equipment it would be a nice addition to my Metrel family 👍
@@azzurrielectrical2317 only a serial arc in one leg won't be detected and only because it's not likely to be at a dangerous enough level. Removing rings would be very problematic for many designs. To compliantly design you would need a LOT of radials. People have been saying rings will be gone soon for 30years. They're still here and there still aren't bodies in the streets. It's a total non problem. Radials can just as easily be abused. There's an argument to say that rings are safer with two CPC connections as well...
Seems a bit pointless really, not impressed with it
Rings should be made obsolete
I think the only person who would buy this would be someone who couldn't be bothered to test anyway... So they wouldn't buy it anyway!
Meh. I would rather do it the old way, just as fast. And these test meters with to many bells and whistles stop your brain doing the work.
Sorry Efixx but pointless🤷🏼♂️. I'm no fan of ring finals but they are easy enough to test .
We're going to have a legacy of RFCs for decades but we really should stop installing new ones. Young CZcams sparkies still fitting them. Please, just don't! They're not required.
Until someone over loads a radial with extension leads and everything they can plug into them, at least with a ring main your unlikely to draw any were near 32amp and over load the circuit.
I don't agree. They have their place.
@@travoltasbiplane1551 what about a 4mm2 Radial on a 32a rcbo? Rings rarely split the load evenly between legs. Playing devil's advocate as I still occasionally use RFCs. 😆
@@seanthespark as I said on another post. Yep fine. Only works if clipped direct though. Any insulation or even method b and you're not technically protected against overload. They need to do some figure fudging.
@@seanthespark re the load sharing... Well they should ish if it's done right... But also have you ever seen it be a problem?