Electrical testing under the EU microscope

EN50191:2001 "Erection and operation of electrical test equipment" has implications for all manufacturers: any area where electrical testing is undertaken may fall within the scope of the standard.

EN50191:2001 "Erection and operation of electrical test equipment" has implications for all manufacturers: any area where electrical testing is undertaken may fall within the scope of the standard.

The safety requirements of equipment test areas were previously only specified by the general requirements of PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulation) and the interpretation put on the requirements by the local enforcement officers.

The new standard now defines precisely what the requirements are for areas where testing is undertaken and the level of protection that is required.

The standard defines five categories of test station: test station with automatic protection against direct contact; test station without automatic protection against direct contact; test laboratory; experimental station; and temporary test installation.

The standard requires test areas to be separated from work areas and passageways, using barriers positioned to prevent persons not directly involved in the testing process from reaching the hazardous areas.

The distance of the barrier from the hazard is dependent on the voltage at which the tests are undertaken and the height of the barrier.

The standard also requires the installation of warning signs and signal lamps to indicate the status of the test area.

Emergency disconnect devices that isolate the test equipment from the source of electrical energy, from both inside and outside the test area are also required In areas where high voltage testing is undertaken (flash testing) or where the equipment under test operates at a voltage greater than 1kV additional requirements are listed.

Only personnel with the required skill may work in test areas and written records of their training must be maintained.

Companies need to act now to ensure they meet requirements in the most cost-effective way.

TUV International UK offers assessment of test areas to this standard and the PUWER requirements.

TUV International UK also provides testing and certification of products to European and international standards.

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