SPARKYSTUDY NOTES
SPARKY STUDY NOTES sparkystudynotes.co.uk/learn/the-test-finger-ip4x-and-ppe-for-live-testing

Free notes

The test finger, IP4X and PPE for live testingWhat rating does the top of a consumer unit need?

Free from the notes: Sparky’s video on it, the section word for word as members see it, and a PDF to keep.

From Sparky’s full video lesson. Members get the whole lesson on every notes page.

The notes

Exactly as they are on the site.

Download these notesPDF · free to keep

The test finger and IP4X

A short detour, because the test finger belongs with IP ratings and the question comes back round. The one to know:

The top of an enclosure: IP4X — not IP2X

IP4X on the top of a consumer unit keeps out solid objects of 1 mm and larger — a wire or a small tool should not be able to get in.

✋IP4X is not a dust rating. Dust protection is IP5X (dust-protected) and IP6X (dust-tight). IP4X is about wires and small objects.
It is not in Guidance Note 3. The test finger is not in this book — GN3's index is poor compared with the others. Look for it with the IP ratings instead.

PPE for live testing

Worth saying plainly: thin latex gloves are not good enough for live testing on site.

WhereMinimum
Any live testingGloves
Large boards, industrialGloves plus glasses or a face shield — a fault can arc and catch you in the face
Specific high-risk workArc flash PPE
✋Take the jewellery off. A gold chain or a watch can cause an arc. Gold is one of the best conductors there is, and metal on you makes you a better path to earth than you want to be.
It is law, not advice. Personal Protective Equipment at Work sits under the Health and Safety at Work Act, alongside things like Noise at Work.

Free section from Sparky Study Notes. The full Level 3 notes, 1,463 practice questions and the video lessons: sparkystudynotes.co.uk

Test yourself on it

The tests are in the members’ area. Get one wrong and it shows you why, and where to revise.

Get access

Get new notes and exam tips from Sparky

About one email a fortnight. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy notice

That was one section. There are 583.

Sparky Study Notes is the whole Level 3 syllabus written up like this: the explanation, the worked example, and where it is in your book. With a video lesson for every part and a practice paper for every exam.

  • 583sections of written notes
  • 35video lessons
  • 1,463practice questions
  • 146diagrams, redrawn
  • 18th Edition
  • Building Regs
  • PAT
  • Fundamental Inspection & Testing
  • Initial Verification
  • Periodic Inspection & Testing
Get access — £100 12 months. One payment. See what’s inside