4.7 Measurement of insulation resistance: general considerations
The measurement of insulation resistance is to be undertaken on each circuit with that circuit isolated from all sources of supply, and with due account taken of any equipment connected to the circuit which may either influence the value obtained or be adversely affected by the application of the test voltage, in which case such equipment should be disconnected prior to the commencement of the test or, where disconnection is not reasonably practicable, the line and neutral conductors may be connected together so that the test voltage is applied between the combined live conductors and the protective conductor only.
The test voltage applied should be appropriate to the nominal voltage of the circuit concerned, and the value recorded should be compared with the minimum value given in the relevant table, it being understood that the values obtained on circuits of considerable length, or on circuits having a number of parallel paths, will generally be lower than those obtained on individual items of equipment, and that this does not of itself indicate a defect.
Where a value lower than the minimum is obtained, the circuit should be subdivided and each part tested separately in order to establish the location of the fault, and consideration should be given to the possible presence of moisture, contamination, damage to cable sheaths or the connection of equipment not previously identified, before any conclusion is drawn as to the condition of the insulation, with the results of all such tests recorded on the appropriate schedule.
Attention is further drawn to the need to ensure that any surge protective devices, electronic accessories or sensitive control equipment are suitably isolated or otherwise taken into account, and that on completion of the test all conductors are reconnected and any temporary links removed, the circuit being restored to its normal condition before it is energised again.