[carpdad]

I used the check the cable with just a battery continuity tester-in the roll before using any. But with arc fault breakers, is there more or another test?

 

[joecaption]

What's an Arc fault breaker have to do with testing for continuity on a new roll of wire?
What made you think of even testing a new roll of wire?
Not trying to give you a hard time, just asking.
Sounds like there may be more to this story.

 

[rjniles]

A megger. Test the cable after you install it. That will detect any faults you have caused.

 

[Know A Little]

As noted a Megger (brand Name) actually called an insulation resistance tester is meter utilized to verify the any insulation utilized in electrical distribution. An inexpensive tester is the Supco.

After installation and with all conductors spliced prior to installing drywall

Test Hot to neutral, neutral to ground, hot to ground and hot to hot in 3-wire circuits WITH POWER OFF.

I'd test again after the work is completed BUT do not test with smokes, dimmers and such connected.

http://www.amazon.com/Supco-M500-In...?ie=UTF8&qid=1464915265&sr=8-2&keywords=supco

 

[carpdad]

:smile::smile:
There is nothing more to this, really. But being a layman, sometimes I think up something ridiculous to the pros. This question felt lousy even as I was typing, but decided to post it anyway. What I know about AFCI is 0.
Since I wire the house myself, I test the roll when it's in one piece and simple. I probably take 5 times more time to wire, never yanking it, snug staples, using the metal plates probably more than needed, etc. But if cheap enough, I will get the megger and use it.
AFCI being a different kind of "sensor" and I don't know about the quality of wire insulation, I thought the pros may have a tester that makes certain that the cable is good. I just bought 5 rolls of 14 and 12-2. With gas price going up again, I think I will save a few cents.:smile:

 

[oleguy74]

well a megger will run from 300$ to several thousand.

 

[rjniles]

well a megger will run from 300$ to several thousand.

The megger in post #4 costs ~$83. Admittedly it is a basic unit but it will do the job.

 

[oleguy74]

for ocasianal use,price is good.

 

[Know A Little]

for ocasianal use,price is good.

It does the job quite adequately per electricians that own one. Myself I use a megger regularly and would not ever energize any circuit without testing first.

 

[carpdad]

Thanks for all answers. What is the reason behind not testing with the dimmer, alarms, etc? One guess is internal transformers? Im not sure, but does this apply to all circuit boards? This is academic, since I think Id be testing after the wiring and no applicance is connected, but fluorescent lights, electric ballast, anything with gauge that works on changing resistance? I am asking because I think itll help with problem solving afterwards.

 

[rjniles]

A megger is testing for resistance. Any connected device will add resistance. Also, a megger sends out a high voltage spike that could damage any connected device.

 

[Know A Little]

A megger is testing for resistance. Any connected device will add resistance. Also, a megger sends out a high voltage spike that could damage any connected device.

:thumbsup:

The ultimate smoke test is testing a circuit with electronic equipment connected as I noted above.:vs_shocked:

 

[Know A Little]

Thanks for all answers. What is the reason behind not testing with the dimmer, alarms, etc? One guess is internal transformers? Im not sure, but does this apply to all circuit boards? This is academic, since I think Id be testing after the wiring and no appliance is connected, but fluorescent lights, electric ballast, anything with gauge that works on changing resistance? I am asking because I think itll help with problem solving afterwards.

Loads will show as a short between neutral and the hot.
Electronics can fry as noted.



An Insulation resistance test (megger) puts stress on the insulation, at 1000 VDC (standard test for 600 VAC equipment) most electronics cannot handle this high level of voltage.

Many meggers have several test levels 50, 100, 250, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 VDC. Normally I start with the 50 VDC level to verify the circuit is safe to test if there is a short at 50 VDC I verify there is no the equipment on the circuit, if clear then we test at 1000 VDC. The 5,000 and up level meggers are utilized for testing medium voltage electrical equipment and could damage 600 VAC rated equipment.

 

[carpdad]

Holy smoke. Its a good thing I asked. I would have read the manual but users words explain better. Thanks!