Electrical test equipment for use on low voltage electrical systems GS38

[edit] Introduction

Electrical test equipment for use on low voltage electrical systems was published in 2015 by the Health and Safety Executive. It is widely referred to as Guidance Note GS38 (fourth edition).

[edit] Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

GS38 is part of a series of electrical safety guidance notes associated with mandatory requirements set out in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. These regulations cover aspects such as design, installation and use of electricity in places of work.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require tradespeople, technicians, contractors and other professionals in control of all or part of an electrical system to ensure it is safe to use and that it is maintained in a safe condition. These requirements impose legal duties on electrically competent people to ensure that all aspects are covered.

Beneath these mandatory requirements sit other codes of practice and guides including GS38. Compliance with these, whilst not mandatory, can contribute significantly to proving that relevant parts of the mandatory requirements of the Electricity at Work Regulations have been met.

[edit] Specifics of GS38

Guidance included in G38 is intended for electrically competent people who use electrical test equipment on low voltage electrical systems and current test equipment. It is meant for those who may be involved in electrical testing, diagnosis and repair.

GS38 provides advice about how to select and use equipment in a safe manner for circuits with rated voltages not exceeding 1000V ac. Equipment covered in the guidance includes:

• Test probes.
• Leads.
• Lamps.
• Voltage detecting devices.
• Measuring equipment.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Electrical safety in the private rented sector.
• Electrician.
• Electrical safety.
• Electrotechnical Assessment Specification.
• Electrotechnical assessment specification for use by certification and registration bodies.
• Electrotechnical Assessment Specification guidance for installers.
• Safe isolation for low voltage.
• Safety.

[edit] External resources

• Health and Safety Executive, Electrical test equipment for use on low voltage electrical systems GS38.