megger meter

[ceb]

Some one help me out. I am about to start a partical rewire on a home with fire damage. I talked with head elect. inspt. today when I went to get my permit. I ask him to meet me at job site to go over what the ins. co. has said needed to be rewired befor I begin work to get his input on what was to be done. He said no problem be glad to but that he wanted a megger test done on all circuts at the final. someone please explane the megger test better than I understand it. I know it will test the insulation on the wireing.do you do the test with all devices in place? do you test for hot leg to net.?

 

[websparky]

Re: megger meter

If the AHJ is requiring a megger on all existing circuits that will be reused, then you may want to consider replacing all of the circuits that are most likely affected. On the ones that you intend to reuse, I would megger them first, with no devices connected. I would invite the AHJ for the test (that way you and he will be in agreement) and you will be good to go.

 

[ceb]

Re: megger meter

Yes the AHJ will be there for the test. But help a dumb country boy out on the test its self. If their is a remaining circut with say 10 recpt. on it do you check the circute with the recpt. wired in or meg. the home run then meg. each jump?

 

[websparky]

Re: megger meter

Yes. The best way is to eliminate all devices. Devices are not rated to carry the voltage applied by a megger. If you happen to have one some-what faulty device, your test will not pass.
Meggers are intended for testing wire insulation only!

[ August 22, 2003, 10:06 PM: Message edited by: websparky ]

 

[ceb]

Re: megger meter

To be honest if any of the devices are bad I want it to show up. What the ins. co. has said is that the recpts. in the adjoning room do not need replacing just cleaned and would not pay to have them replace. This fire started in a living room and had intence heat as a mater of fact the fire dept. did not spray water it smothered its self out because it melted the thermostat and shut dowm the a/c unit. my concern (even though its in the contract the old work is not warented) is having a bad recpt. that could cause a problem down the road. and its not that I want to "stick it to the ins.co." but I would never accept what the ins. co. is saying if it were my home.

 

[websparky]

Re: megger meter

I understand your position.

My opinion;

Do not test with devices in place. The test will stress them. Explain to the home owner the procedure and since it is the same amount of labor to remove and re-install the old receptacle as a new one........ all he would need to do is pay for the new device. Not a bad investment for peace of mind and future resale value!

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: megger meter

I don't see any problem in using a megger with the devices installed. You do have to make sure there are no loads connected.
Don

 

[ceb]

Re: megger meter

I could not see a problem with the devices the way it was explaned to me was by someone who did it in a mobile home plant. it would be like 1000v but only 1 or 2 amp. and they were looking for staples through wire,nicks ect.

 

[brian john]

Re: megger meter

WEB:

Meggers can test any number of devices, switches, outlets, circuit breakers, transformers, ect any electrical distribution equipment on the circuit under test.

As for cleaning the outlets I would recommend replacing.

There is an excellent book A STITCH IN TIME by Biddle, you can purchase this from AMAZON.COM.

I would recommend (if you’re not sure what your are doing) to hire a testing firm that is familiar with the test equipment and procedures involved. Your electrical inspector should know of firms and may not need to be on site while the firm performs the test.

 

[george t. everett]

Re: megger meter

I agree with Don, I see no problem with using the megger with the devices installed. If it tests OK then you are good to go.