How to check the wiring in an apartment: devices, methods and sequence of actions

Initial inspection after purchase

If you just bought a house or apartment, the first thing you need to do is check the condition of the wiring, because... Even the slightest malfunction can subsequently lead to electric shock or fire. In a new and old house, the inspection technology will be different, so we’ll look at both methods separately. We immediately draw your attention to the fact that before checking the electrical wiring, it is necessary to turn off the electricity in the panel. Working under voltage, especially for inexperienced electricians, is strictly prohibited!

New building

It is most often necessary to check the electrical wiring in a new building after installation after purchase, before major repairs - finishing the walls and arranging furniture. The importance of this event lies in the fact that if you do not inspect the cable line from the very beginning, in the future it will be much more difficult to check the wiring under a suspended ceiling or behind plasterboard sheets.

First of all, you must calculate the total power of the electrical appliances that you will use, based on which, calculate the cable cross-section by power and compare this value with the cross-section of the conductor already laid in the walls. If the cross-section is insufficient, be sure to replace the electrics, however, as experience shows, such problems do not arise in new buildings.

The next step is to check the condition of the hidden electrical wiring. The insulation must not be damaged, and all wire connections must be made using terminal blocks or other connectors (for example, PPE caps), but not by twisting. Twisting is prohibited; see the list of permitted connection methods in Chapter 2.1. PUE clause 2.1.21. It is also important to determine the cable cross-section and check the ratings of the sockets. The socket group must have copper conductors with a cross-section of at least 2.5 mm2, the rating of the circuit breaker of the socket groups must not be greater than the rated current of the sockets, usually 16A.

If all the above requirements are met, the last thing left to do is to check the wiring in the apartment for load. In other words, you need to check yourself whether the switchboard is assembled correctly. When all equipment is connected and all lamps in the rooms are turned on, the machines should not operate.

If a circuit breaker trips, it means the electrical wiring is not able to withstand the load from the connected electrical appliances, as a result of which it will be necessary to replace the circuit breakers, divide the electrical wiring into groups, etc. If the circuit breakers in the panel do not turn off after turning on the load, then the home wiring is correct. It wouldn’t hurt to additionally check the reliability of the connection of the machines in the panel, as well as checking the ratings with the load that comes to them.

Testing electrical wires and cables at the installation stage

Installing new home wiring is always associated with certain difficulties, due to which the integrity of the conductors may be compromised even before the main line is used.

The new line is most often laid inside the grooves, or simply on top of the wall, which is then covered with a layer of plaster and subjected to other finishing work. The initial check of the electrical wiring is carried out before the groove is sealed or the wall is plastered.

If the master is too lazy to do this, then it is possible that, after an unsuccessful attempt to turn on the light or use the socket, he will have to chisel the plaster or open a groove in the thickness of the wall.

A wire break at the initial stage can occur due to the fault of both electricians and finishers. To avoid unpleasant consequences and unnecessary work, it is necessary to lay the electrical line according to a diagram drawn up in advance. Before burying wires in the wall, you need to check the electrical wiring for breaks.

How can you make sure the wiring is working properly?

First of all, you need to make sure that the phase and neutral cables, as well as the ground wire, are not in contact with each other - that is, there is no short circuit. If the quality of the conductor insulation leaves much to be desired, then under the influence of high voltage it can be damaged, which will most likely lead to a short circuit. Therefore, when buying an electrical wire, you should not save too much and purchase the cable, focusing on the lowest price. If you doubt the integrity of the insulating layer, check the line with a megohmmeter.

Having laid the line, you should not seal the groove and plaster the wall without first inspecting the surface of the cable along its entire length to ensure there are no mechanical damages.

If the line is not closed, and a visual inspection reveals no damage, it is called for a break.

How to check the wiring during installation is shown in the following video:

Old housing

It is more difficult to check the condition of the electrical wiring in an old house or apartment, especially if you have just bought a home and have no idea how the electrical wiring is done in the rooms. So, an audit of the electrical network must be performed using the following method.

Find all distribution boxes by room

By opening the cover, you can understand which cable is used for the hidden electrical wiring: aluminum or copper, as well as what cross-section of the wires. You should also immediately check the condition of the insulation - if the wiring is old, even the slightest bend in the cable will cause the insulating layer to begin to crumble or crack. Such electrical wiring must be changed without any reservations.

It would be correct to check the insulation resistance with a megger (so to speak, for breakdown and current leakage). Its resistance must be at least 0.5 MOhm. But not everyone has such a device, so “for the sake of decency” you can at least measure the resistance with a multimeter, although this can hardly be called a normal test. If the insulation resistance is poor, leaks will occur and the RCD may trip if you upgrade the electrical panel. It is equally important to immediately inspect all wire connections - there should be no damage or twists, especially aluminum and copper.

If necessary, you should immediately connect the wires with terminal blocks instead of twisting them. We talked in detail about how to find a junction box in the wall of an apartment building in the corresponding article.

Check sockets and light switches

In sockets, it is necessary to inspect the integrity of the wires and insulation, and also determine the rating for which they are designed. If three-wire wiring is connected to the sockets, it is imperative to determine where the phase is, where the zero is and where the ground is. To do this, you will need a multimeter or an indicator screwdriver, and we provided the technology for determining phase and zero in the corresponding article.

What to check

Multimeter design
Using a multimeter, they check devices - lamps, switches, sockets - and electrical wiring. Measurements are taken both locally and throughout the room.

How does a multimeter work?

The outer panel contains a display and a switch. The numbers show serviceability and voltage. The following symbols are located on the outside:

• OFF – on/off;
• ACV – voltage (variable);
• DCV – voltage (constant);
• DCA – current (direct);
• Ω – resistance indicator.

There are connectors for probes and for testing transistors.

Before starting work, it is important to correctly position the probes: black - COM, red - up to 200mA in VΩmA, above 200mA in 10ADC.

Checking the circuit for open circuit

Testing is a way to find out whether current is passing through wires. The multimeter is connected and a discharge is released. The device shows resistance. If there is no break, the device will beep and the screen will show zeros.

The resistance level depends on the cable length. There should be no contact between the wires of a multi-core cable product - this is checked by a multimeter.

Conductor integrity check

You can monitor the integrity of the cable using a multimeter. In this case, the amount of current passed does not matter - the voltage either passes or does not. The measurement error is not important.

The stranded wire is first separated, then each is checked with probes. If everything is in order, the device will emit a sound signal, and there will be no short circuit between the individual wires.

If the machines don't work

Checking the light bulb
Sometimes problems appear due to a power surge and automatic shutdown of the machines on the meter. If everything on the panel is in the on mode, faults should be looked for in the socket, lighting device and switches.

1. Check the voltage on the machine.
2. The device is tested for serviceability - the ends of the wires are short-circuited.
3. Remove the lamp from the socket.
4. One probe touches the base, the other touches the center.
5. If a signal appears and a value on the screen other than 0 or 1, the device is working properly.
6. They check the cartridge - disassemble the device, check the integrity of the contacts and wires.
7. They check the switches - remove the protective cover, unscrew the bolts, and pull them out of the wall; carry out an inspection; The ends of the multimeter are connected to the contacts - if there is a sound and a value, the device is working properly.

Such a check will allow you to identify faults in devices (lamps, sockets, etc.).

If the machines are triggered, it is necessary to test the electrical wiring in the apartment with a multimeter.

If the machine worked

Distribution box
First of all, the housing is de-energized by turning off the general apartment circuit breaker. Perform the following actions:

1. Use a screwdriver to disconnect the conductor.
2. Unscrew the incandescent lamp from the socket.
3. Touch the conductor with one probe and the “zero” with the other.
4. If a signal appears, the electrical is shorted;
5. You need to find the junction box at the top, under the ceiling.
6. Separate the wires, check with probes, then check the cables again on the apartment panel.

If the signal sounds when checking from the panel to the box, then the problem is in this area. If not, the check continues.

Checking the outlet

Any multimeter – analog or digital – is suitable for testing the socket. The device will allow you to determine the performance and voltage level. The meter is prepared - turned on, set the knob to alternating voltage. For domestic premises, a level of 750 Volts is suitable.

When three zeros appear on the screen, insert the probes into the holes (red on the left, black on the right). Standard voltage is 220 Volts. The value may differ within 10% (according to GOST).

Method for checking the condition of electrical wiring

The check is carried out in several cases - after the initial electrical installation, after purchasing the premises, in case of malfunctions. There are several ways to check the electrical wiring in an apartment. Each one helps in certain cases.

Insulation fault check

The insulating layer - its quality and condition - has an impact on the operation of the electrical system. Problems may occur during manufacturing, transportation, or operation. The main ways to check electrical insulation in an apartment:

• periodic, independently or with the help of professional electricians;
• automatic, through special devices throughout the entire technical cycle.

In the first case, a multimeter is used. It is mandatory to assess the external condition of all accessible cables. Insulation is checked through measurement and testing. In stranded wires, the absence of short circuits between them is checked by connecting them alternately.

Checking the integrity of a single piece of wire

Broken wire is one of the most common wiring problems. There can be a lot of reasons; the testing methods depend on which cable needs to be examined:

1. Cutting (the wire lies on the table) - touch both ends with probes (parameters for “Ohm” or “Ω”, value 1000 Ohm). If there is a malfunction, the device will show EL or a very large number.
2. Hidden wiring - the wires are de-energized, separated from the devices, and the ends are connected with a separate wire to create a whole circuit for testing. Next, each is examined with a multimeter.

When working with a cable (even without power), do not touch it with your hands or other parts of the body. Devices and probes are protected by special plastic attachments by which they should be held.

Determining the presence of a short circuit

Knowing how to use a multimeter and how to check the electrical wiring in an apartment, you can find the location of the short circuit. Sometimes devices turn off for no obvious reason. It is necessary to determine the presence or absence of contact.

A short circuit is a connection between the neutral and phase wires without appropriate resistance. Thus, it is enough to check only these two cables. In addition to de-energizing, switches are removed, lamps and appliances are turned off. Check in a junction box or a non-working outlet.

How to ring a wiring

Testing the socket with a multimeter
The easiest way is to contact a specialist. If you master the rules and techniques, you can cope on your own.

Rules for safe wiring

Operations with electricity require compliance with technical safety standards. In addition to maintaining health, the rules allow you to complete the job quickly and accurately. The main points include:

• de-energizing the circuit;
• the ends of the wires must be secured with lugs - “crocodiles”;
• When checking long wires, it is important not to touch them with your fingers;
• Multi-core cables are separated and stripped.

The last rule is important when working with circuits that are designed for high voltage networks. If the load is small, you can simplify the process.

How to check wiring during installation

Laying the cable in a groove
The wires are laid in special grooves (notches) or along the walls. This is followed by the stage of plastering and finishing. Checking the wiring in an apartment or other premises is carried out up to this point.

Builders and electricians make mistakes. In the first case, it is necessary to carefully monitor and check the work. In the second, use the prepared diagram and promptly check the wiring in the apartment (before plastering and finishing). Checking the electrical wiring begins with the following activities:

• visual inspection;
• short circuit test;
• checking with a megohmmeter;
• ringing

Electrics are one of the most important elements of any renovation. Poor quality wiring cannot withstand stable or high voltage.

How to test wiring with a multimeter

To test the wires in an apartment, the easiest way to understand the operating diagram is to use a multimeter. If we assume that the electrical system was initially installed according to all the rules, the check will not take much time.

When a light bulb goes out in a room, the first thing you need to do is check if it is working properly. De-energizing the room is the initial stage. Testing the wiring with a multimeter is a quick and safe way to check the electrical system in an apartment. If you follow the rules and safety requirements, you can do this yourself.

Timing for replacement of electrical wiring

After the electrical wiring has reached the end of its service life, it needs to be completely replaced without testing or inspection. The timing of inspection, replacement or interval between major repairs is established by VSN 58-88(r) (departmental building codes) and is:

• for hidden indoor networks 40 years;
• for open 25 years;
• for main wiring between apartments and input and distribution devices 20 years;
• for production and technical premises and lighting of public places 10 years.

Checking the electrical wiring in an apartment or private house, despite its apparent complexity, if you have the necessary knowledge and a minimum set of tools, you can do it yourself, without inviting a qualified electrician.

Diagnostics of electrical wiring in an apartment and the cost of the service in Moscow

Diagnostics of electrical wiring (electrical network) is the most important stage of repair work in the house.
If problems are discovered in the network after repairs, it will be necessary to provide access to the electrical wiring, and for this you will have to ruin the new wallpaper. That is why all work related to electrical wiring must be carried out in a timely manner.

At the same time, a complete replacement of the wiring during repairs is not at all necessary if it has already been changed and there are no complaints about its operation. However, if your house in Moscow was built more than 10 years ago, it makes sense to think about completely replacing the electrical network in the apartment.

Attention!

Under no circumstances should you check the electrical wiring yourself. If the test is carried out by an unprofessional electrician without permission to work on the electrical network, then he can not only damage the wiring, but also risk his own health and even life.

Wiring diagnostics is a complex set of works that require high qualifications, experience and professional equipment.

In what cases is wire testing carried out?

This question can be answered in a few words - if the current-carrying core breaks or the integrity of its insulation is compromised.

Let’s clarify this answer and consider typical situations:

• Let's say an outlet or switch stops working. After you have made sure that the problem is not in the connections (including the junction box) and not in the light bulb (lamp), it is advisable to ring the wires in this area. If the integrity of the wiring is compromised, the multimeter will signal this.
• Developing the first example, it can be noted that such situations are not uncommon during repair work (drilling holes) and short circuits due to dilapidated wiring and network overloads.
• An atypical, but quite effective use of multimeter testing is to determine the required conductors on large sections of wiring. This method is appropriate when the color marking of the wires does not allow you to accurately identify the desired conductor.
• Also, in everyday life, dialing allows you to determine the integrity of electrical appliances (lamp, iron, switch, fuse). And if you are well versed in electronics, then when soldering, repairing printed circuit boards and other devices, testing circuits is a mandatory step.

Security measures

It is important to remember that dialing is working with electricity. Therefore, care must be taken during this procedure. The rules are as follows:

• Use crocodiles that increase the reliability of contact.
• Disconnect the circuit from the power supply before making the dialing; even the batteries must be removed.
• Avoid touching parts of the cable (wire) with your hands.

Do not touch the wires with your hands.
There are a number of most common mistakes:

• Incorrect setting of measurement modes on the device.
• Incorrect connection of probes.
• Voltage does not meet the required parameters.
• Confusion with instrument scales.

It is important to eliminate the malfunction in a timely manner.
Testing cables and wires is an integral stage of electrical installation work. This procedure has a dual purpose: either to check the wire (cable) for any problems, or to determine the location of the breakdown. There are quite a large number of ways to make a call. To do this, you can use professional instruments (tester and multimeter).

It is also possible to carry it out using improvised means. It is important to remember that dialing involves working with electricity. This imposes the need to comply with fairly strict safety regulations. If such rules are strictly followed, then the likelihood of injury is minimal. The dialing itself will minimize the risk of damage to equipment, which is often very expensive.

Electrical diagnostics

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The MosMontazh company offers a range of diagnostic services for electrical wiring, circuit breakers, and power transformers.
For any person, obvious that electrical diagnostics must be carried out regularly, in accordance with the regulations established in the safety . This will protect it from problems due to breakdowns, and possibly prevent accidents. Electrical equipment that is not diagnosed in a timely manner is dangerous to life and health!

Thus, cable diagnostics is a process of several stages: in particular, visual inspection and measurements of the resistance of the insulating coating. The most common cause of fires is a failure in cable insulation, and fires can result in human casualties. Cable diagnostics will determine the exact location of the break or damage. If damage or breakage is detected, the insulating coating is damaged, as well as after the expiration date or for other reasons that prevent the cable from being used in the future, this cable must be replaced. Then mandatory control checks are carried out.

Automatic circuit breakers ( circuit breakers or RCDs ) are designed to protect cables from overloads and voltage surges. Naturally, they also require a lot of attention. Verification of the circuit breaker is carried out using measurements of the “ phase-zero ” circuit, as well as regular tests. Such tests are carried out only in a specially equipped electrical laboratory by appropriately qualified specialists.

Electrical grounding diagnostics involve a series of measurements that allow you to find the location of damage or loose contacts in order to then eliminate the malfunction .

Diagnostics of transformers and testing of electrical equipment is primarily required by an enterprise operating outdated devices that were installed, say, in the distant sixties, or even earlier. For example, diagnostics of transformers will allow timely identification of any problems, contamination and damage and, accordingly, will help prevent equipment failure Diagnostics of power transformers is doubly important, because the uninterrupted operation of this equipment ensures the supply of current to all other areas in the power system. Diagnostics of power transformers is carried out only by professionally trained specialists using special equipment.

Electrical equipment that has not been repaired for a long time, the diagnosis of which is being carried out for the first time in a long time, will, as a rule, work much worse, and it ’s not worth talking reliability

Diagnostics of electrical equipment , as well as testing cable insulation, allows us to identify vulnerabilities in an electrical network of any scale. At any industrial facility, such places are sure to be discovered, so you shouldn’t flatter yourself with the hope that it will “sweep away”, that everything is fine with you! For example, diagnostics carried out by specialists using special equipment will even detect a cable that is laid deep underground or in a wall. Moreover, this does not require digging up anything or destroying walls.

Diagnostics of electrical equipment , in addition to searching for possible damage and malfunctions, also involves carrying out subsequent control tests in an electrical laboratory after repair work.

Don’t put off diagnostic work too long! Protect yourself and your loved ones! Order a complete electrical diagnostic from us! Highly qualified specialists will diagnose the electrical system of your home, cottage, apartment, office, warehouse, garage and any other building, and draw up a detailed report in accordance with the standards established by the highest authorities.

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