We were excited to welcome Chemelex to our Mullingar office recently for some hands-on training in Insulation Resistance (IR) Testing for Raychem Self-Regulating Heating Cables. The session was packed with practical tips on why IR testing matters, when it should be done, and how to carry it out safely. Our team also got a real feel for interpreting results, staying safe, and using calibrated equipment correctly!
Some key takeaways:
• ✅ Chemelex Raychem now recommends 500 VDC for Test B (braid-to-metal), not the 2500 VDC in some older guides.
• ✅ Minimum pass: insulation resistance >100 MΩ
• ✅ 500 VDC is enough to check the cable sheath without risking damage.
• ⚠️ “Just passing” isn’t enough: it could signal early issues down the line.
• 🛠️ Good installation, testing, and record-keeping are critical for long-term reliability.
• 🔁 Accurate test records form the baseline for inspections across the system’s 15–20 year lifespan.
In short: careful handling, proper testing, and keeping detailed records aren’t just “nice to have”, they’re essential to make sure fire protection circuits work when you need them most. A quick pass now could lead to expensive repairs or system failures later.
Long-term reliability matters. Let’s make sure every cable we install stands the test of time. 💪
#Training #ProfessionalDevelopment #ElectricalSafety #HandsOnLearning #TechnicalExpertise #HeatingCables #FaultDetection #TestingStandards #WorkplaceSafety