Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407:body:0:p41
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 107919–110821

electrical safety when an inconclusive or incorrect result
      is obtained.

Checks carried out on test instruments
Test instruments that are to be used or connected to electrical equipment should meet the following conditions:
     * be suitable for the work in terms of their function, operating range and accuracy
     * be in good condition and working order, clean and have no cracked or broken insulation. Particular care must be taken regarding the condition of the insulation on leads, probes
       and clips of test equipment
     * pose no danger of electrocution to workers or damage to the electrical equipment during testing
     * have suitably insulated leads and connection probes that enable connection or contact
       with energised parts to be made with minimal risk to the electrical worker
    * provide suitable protection against hazards arising from over-voltages that may arise
      from or during the testing or measurement process.

AS 61010.1:2003 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use – General requirements provides a classification for instruments on the basis
of their immunity to over-voltage, which is liable to be experienced in different parts of electrical equipment. Devices should be rated as Category III or IV to enable their use on all parts of the equipment.
Test probes and other equipment should be designed and selected so that they cannot inadvertently short circuit between live conductors or live conductors and earth. The terminals
of test equipment should be shrouded and all other test sockets on measuring instruments should be designed so as to prevent inadvertent contact with any live test socket or conductor when equipment is in use. Where appropriate, test leads and testing devices need to be provided with suitable fuse protection. Testing equipment, where used in hazardous flammable areas, should
be designed and clearly marked as being suitable for use in these conditions.
Testing equipment used for detecting an energised source should be trialled first to prove that
it is functioning correctly immediately before and after the test has taken place. The standard test regime is to test a known source of energy, test the de-energised circuit for zero volts then test
the known source again. A faulty indicator will always read zero so must be proved before and after the test.

Proximity voltage testers
To confirm a positive indication and to establish the circuit voltage, the use of an alternative test instrument that incorporates a visual display should be used before commencing electrical work
on the equipment.
Testers for detecting an electric field surrounding an energised conductor may not be suitable
for testing cables that are surrounded by a metallic screen, enclosed in a metallic pipe or duct,
or cables carrying direct current and in some other circumstances.