Where did the idea come from?
Following significant interest in the R1R2 Link, it was a natural progression to develop additional products to assist electricians when testing. Taking the conductors out of an RCBO to complete a 250 V Line and Neutral to Earth test has become an inconvenience for many as the test has gained popularity. It can be very frustrating for electricians removing conductors for Initial Verification after meticulously dressing consumer units during installation.
Are there any other scenarios where the IR Link is useful?
The IR Link is equally as useful on EICRs. It’s common to have lots of sensitive equipment installed in modern day installations that could influence the test results or become damaged when testing at 500 V Line to Neutral. The IET has produced very clear guidance on how to test Insulation Resistance in Guidance Note 3 – Inspection and Testing Chapter 2.6.7, and the IR Link complements that process.
Why did you not use PZ bits, like on the R1R2 Link?
Continuity testing generates very low resistance results. Testing through a magnet directly adds too much resistance to this test and could have a significant influence on the results achieved. That’s why the R1R2 Link has a magnet behind the PZ bit.
The greater cross-sectional area of the PZ bit guarantees a negligible amount of resistance across the connection. The magnet isn’t part of the circuit so adds no additional resistance, giving reliable results every time.
For Insulation Resistance testing this isn’t an issue, therefore the IR Link can test through the magnet. This gives a very strong connection onto the RCBO terminal and ensures that we can have a ‘one size fits all’ probe.
How is the IR Link different to other magnetic probes and test leads?
The IR Link brings two probes into one banana socket which means that one test lead can now be used to connect Line and Neutral (as recommended in Guidance Note 3) when you have sensitive equipment installed.
This means that when you’re conducting the test you can clip one test lead onto the earth bar, attach the IR Link probes to the Line and Neutral of the RCBO and have both hands free to operate the test equipment.
Are the leads CAT rated?
Yes, the leads are CAT III rated.
Are the magnets strong?
The magnets are very strong and guarantee that a good connection is made on both line and neutral terminals. The probes have been carefully designed to fit all brands of RCBOs.
Is there any other information that you would like to provide?
Users must remember that the 250 V Line and Neutral connected together to Earth test should not be used in isolation on an Initial Verification. All cables must be tested at 500 V during first fix, including Line to Neutral, and then can be tested at 250 V with the Line and Neutral together after second fix where sensitive equipment is installed.
Why did you work with Super Rod?
Having already experienced success with my first invention thanks to Super Rod, there was no one else I would’ve trusted with this new project. The team’s high level of engagement and my involvement in every decision to bring the product to market, combined with their robust manufacturing base and distribution network, made Super Rod the perfect partner!
Do you have a clever idea for the next ‘must have’ tool? Contact Developmentideas@super-rod.co.uk
For more inforamtion on the Super Rod IR Link tool (SRIR), click here
Find more ‘Diary of an Inventor’ articles here
