What is Voltage Testing?

Voltage testing is an essential procedure that should be completed before carrying out any work on an electrical installation.

Ensuring the absence of voltage can be vital for safety reasons and the main purpose is to limit the risks that live electrical circuits and equipment can pose to individuals.

Voltage testing is part of a broader process, consisting of four stages aimed at carrying out the electrical lockout of an installation:

1. Separation: De-energising the installation
2. Lockout: Using lockout systems for safe isolation
3. Identification: Identifying the device requiring intervention
4. Power: Ensuring the device is powered off

Due to the potential hazards involved, voltage testing requires certain items of personal protective equipment to be worn or used. The necessary PPE includes:

• A helmet or face shield
• Protective goggles
• Insulating gloves
• Safety shoes
• An insulating floor mat

The procedure for checking the absence of voltage is as follows:

1. Verify the correct operation of the voltage tester using the self-test function
2. Take a ground reference measurement of all the component terminals
3. Measure each phase and the neutral
4. Immediately verify the correct operation of the voltage tester using the self-test function

Once the absence of voltage has been verified, work can be carried out on the installation with the power off and any work needed on the device can safely begin.