Electronics > Beginners
Wire testing, OK or not
IvoS:
A friend of mine who is an electrician told me that he tests all circuits with high voltage of 10kV.
He does that to check if the wire was nicked or somehow damaged during construction before they start closing the walls.
A typical Romex 12-14AWG wire used for wiring the house has insulation voltage rating of 600V. Is it OK to stress the insulation on the wire with 10kV?
ataradov:
It is fine, but probably pointless. What exactly are they looking for in that test? And what is the source of that 10 kV voltage?
IvoS:
primarily looking for insulation integrity, if the wire was cut or the insulation is somehow compromised
ataradov:
Yes, but what is observed/expected when the voltage is applied? Do they apply high voltage and run around looking for discharge/sparks?
ataradov:
This also assumes that there is only wiring and no other devices including RCDs and may be even light switches. Otherwise you are just asking for trouble.
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