Insulation testing for hand tools

Where can I get the electricians insulated hand tools tested every 3 years as required in 70E ?

Never seen that requirement, have a reference? (Article)

Usually insulated hand tools are inspected before each use to check for damage. The toosl need to be rated for the voltages they will be used on and for the environment in which they are used. Most insulated tool manufacturer use 2 colors, if the inside color is visible the tool should be replaced.

Found my note for the 3 year test. I need to retrace for the source. Will get back.

Gloves every 6 months, blankets/sleeves/mats every year, hot sticks every 2 years. Never hear of anything for hand tools.

Testing for insulated hand tools

Not required other than inspection as Zog mentioned...

Try ASTM F1505-01 Standard Specification for Insulated and Insulating Hand Tools

Testing Protective Equipment

Found the 70E section .

250.2(B) TESTING. ... shall verify by the appropriate test and visual inspection to ascertain that the insulating capability has been retained....in no case shall the interval exceed 3 years, ....

Unclear what is the "appropriate test" is though or how to "ascertain the insulating capability".

Well what do you know, learn something new everyday. No idea what that testing would be though.

ASTM F1505
Abstract

This specification covers the testing and corresponding design and performance requirements for insulated and insulating hand tools used for working on, or in close proximity to, energized electrical apparatus or conductors operating at maximum voltage of 1000 V ac or 1500 V dc. The hand tools covered here are screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, nippers, strippers, cable cutting tools, cable scissors, knives, and tweezers. These tools shall be evaluated via visual and dimensional checks, ambient temperature and extreme low temperature impact tests, dielectric tests, indentation tests, adhesion tests for insulating material coatings, flame resistance tests, and mechanical tests such as bending, torque, and locking tests. Routine tests, acceptance criteria, and quality assurance plan for these tools are considered as well.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope



1.1 This specification covers the testing of insulated and insulating hand tools used for working on, or in close proximity to, energized electrical apparatus or conductors operating at maximum voltage of 1000 V ac or 1500 V dc.

1.2 The use and maintenance of these tools are beyond the scope of this specification.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test method portion only, Section 7, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This specification does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with the use of tools on, or in close proximity to, energized electrical apparatus.


2. Referenced Documents


ASTM Standards
D149 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies
D5025 Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
ASME/ANSI Standards
ASMEB18.3-2002 Socket Cap, Shoulder, Set Screws, Hex and Spline Keys
IEC Standard
IEC60900:2004 Live Working - Hand tools for use up to 1000 V ac and 1500 V dc
ISO Standards
ISO5744:2004 Pliers and nippers--Methods of test

Test labs

It seems a bit over the top for 120 volt control wiring changes under power.

I'll do some checking with some test labs to see if they have been doing this test procedure.

Tool testing

We have contacted multiple testing labs and no one does hand tool testing. Most did not know of any test.
Guess we will use the color changing handle as our inspection test.

Any updates?

I was wondering if anyone had an update concerning the testing of the hand tools every 3 years. I know it was said that the visual check would be used but what about the "appropriate test" as listed in 250.2 (B) Have there been any info that has come out since then telling if the tools have to be sent back out for the proper insulation test?

Insulated Hand Tools

The requirements of NFPA 70E 250.2 (B) suggest that the owner of the tools inspect daily, for cracks rips tears, puncture etc. 70E suggested to do this not more than 3 years, so that the tools tested to provide assurance that the tools are still 1000V rated. The way to get more details to look to the manufacturing standard ASTM F1505. The problem with looking here is that it is a manufacturing standard, not an in-service standard.

The conclusion from the ASTM F18 committee ( oversees F1505 ) after making self aware, and putting thought to the situation. The F1505 could be modified to provide enough information to allow a testing agency adequate information to do dielectric testing.

The total method would need to be a modification of one of type tests.
This would demonstrate that the tool is capable of passing a dielectric test.
This process so far is very expensive, unlike the gloves that have been required to be re-tested and dated with applicable information, for years and the process runs pretty smoothly. The insulated hand tool testing process has not been fully developed. But as of now most manufacturers should be able to test atleast their own brand of hand tools, as they are required to test.

Please feel free to contact me for more information.

Jeff Russo ( Cementex: www.cementexusa.com )

The forum looks and feels great! Thanks for the work. I really appreciate reading about the tools. We are preparing our Arc Flash Program, and I was wondering what the "In-service" requirements were. Thank you so much!

The "in-service" refers to the Specifications of Care and Use.... "ITEMS" under ASTM standards review.

Meaning that this is what is suggested by the ASTM standards committee members, more specifically the F18 committee
Insulating Rubber Gloves, Blankets and Sleeves all have an " in-service " program if you will.

The gloves, blankets and sleeves are all made of rubber insulating material and very item(s) must be reviewed, looking for cracks, rips, tears, punctures etc...

The inspection is visual and mechanical to prove that the rubber insulating protective device (item) is still a valid, retested, recertified.

After such testing is preformed those items are now marked and sent back out to the end user for daily or periodic use.
This process is one that is VERY difficult to duplicate as an insulated tool manufacturer.

The F18 committee oversees the ASTM F1505 standard as well and determined that a retesting program, doesn't fit within the scope of the standard.