Insulation Resistance problem with elektra underfloorheating

[dannyhull]

Hi,

Can anybody help just tried testing 2 brand new coils of elektra underfloor heating cable and got a dead short reading of 0.0 mega ohms between live conductors and a reading of greater than 1000 between live conductors and earth on both cables has anybody had a similar issue or can anybody advise getting no answer from the manufacturer and supply uheat as it is weekend

 

[DHTiling]

The ohms test is between the live and neutral.. not earth..?

 

[dannyhull]

Hi Dave,

Thank you we have tested between the live conductors at 1000v expecting to see a reading of above 10m ohms and got 0.0 ohms is this normal

 

[Stewart]

What equipment are you using to test the mats......... some of the larger mega testers sometimes have problems reading the ohms of the mat, try using a smaller tester. The reading should be similar to the one stated for that size of mat + or - 10 ohms, they're never exact. If you are still getting a a 0 ohms reading then the mat may be faulty. The tester i use cost me a fiver and i have never had any probs with it. I also use a continuity alarm whilst installing, to make sure I know right away if i damage the mat.

 

[DHTiling]

Try upping the resistance and see if you get a reading.. have you got a spark to do the final test..

Not sure on the electra if a continuity test works on that are just a resistance reading... If you are stuck then we can pass you onto a our sparky forum to get faster qualified advice.. Electricians Forum | Electrical Advice Forum | An electrical forum for electricians in the UK

 

[dannyhull]

Thanks for the help.
My brotherinlaw is a qualified electrician and he has tested it with a very good tester and he suggests its faulty.
So I thick my best option is to unfortunatly wait until Monday to speak to elektras technical department.

 

[DHTiling]

I think so as well.. let us know how you get on plz..

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

Hi and :welcome: hope you get sorted

 

[White Room]

Hi and welcome

 

[Dan]

Thanks for the help.
My brotherinlaw is a qualified electrician and he has tested it with a very good tester and he suggests its faulty.
So I thick my best option is to unfortunatly wait until Monday to speak to elektras technical department.

That might be the issue though, seems funny both mats are faulty. Large mega testers often can't read the small amount of ohms that well. A cheaper smaller tester with not such a high capability can often be what's needed.

If you've been posted out two brand new heating mats and BOTH are faulty, I'll eat my hat.

Please do report back tomorrow.

 

[Stewart]

That might be the issue though, seems funny both mats are faulty. Large mega testers often can't read the small amount of ohms that well. A cheaper smaller tester with not such a high capability can often be what's needed.

If you've been posted out two brand new heating mats and BOTH are faulty, I'll eat my hat.

Please do report back tomorrow.

Do you have a picture of the hat by any chance............... just in case.

 

[pjrich]

Insulation resistance should not be done between live & neutral, you will get a reading of zero because the resistance of the heating cable is low.

Insulation resistance is checked between live+neutral & earth.

Trust this helps.

 

[dannyhull]

Thank you eveybody for your help

Spoke to uheat today very helpful people, told me to test between the live/neutral and earth which as the correct reading so my cables are fine:hurray: I will fit the cable and tiles and let you all know my comments on how the heating performs but so far seems very good and looking forward to warm feet.:cheesy:

 

[Dan]

Thank god I don't have to eat my hat! It's freezing outside and I've shaved my hair too short as the clipper head fell off!

The hat was one like this one:

I'd give your sparky mate a slap too! (only kidding).

 

[DHTiling]

Insulation resistance should not be done between live & neutral, you will get a reading of zero because the resistance of the heating cable is low.

Insulation resistance is checked between live+neutral & earth.

Trust this helps.

Is this just on your heat mats..?

All the ones i have installed, i use my multi meter and check continuity between live and neutral and do an Ohms reading this way as well and i always get the same reading that is on the tag or in the booklet.. never a 0 reading..