ACS practical exam

[Masood]

One thing I`ve seen on at least a couple of boards, is an earth wire attached to the pipework, then disappearing through a hole in the board so you cannot see where it goes and cannot check it. Is that a fault or a red herring? Also on one board, there was a rectangular metal plate behind the pipework. Is that an issue? Does pipework have to be a certain distance from unrelated metals?

Both those answers are in the books. We could tell you but then all we'd be doing is spoonfeeding you. I'd rather you did the research yourself, as in the process you'll learn other stuff too. It'll make you a more knowledgeable engineer in the long run.

 

[SteveWannadoGas]

Ok thanks. I`ve got the Domestic Gas Safety On Site Guide with the NICEIC logo on the front and the picture of a hob burner. Can you tell me please where I`d find that in the book? I have books one and two. I`ve looked through the book but can`t find those.

Many thanks!

 

[Last Plumber]

TBH, a lot of what you're asking comes from common sense and what you should have learned by now.
You'd be better off thinking through it yourself.
If people tell you answers you won't remember them and situations you come across in a work environment will still confuse you.
No one knows all the answers but you should know where and how to find them.
That's the point of testing you.

I hope this helps

 

[jtsplumbing]

Seems clear that the OP has not had enough hands on experience to find the faults, if the centre he is using has a 3x3 board with all the faults he needs to find and still can-not do it he needs more experience out in the field, The centre I use has the bays set out just like you would find on site with pipe work running behind things, through walls etc.. and you have to do a tightness test locate a leak & list faults, on a3x3 board it would be easy to do, if he has done his homework.

 

[Masood]

Ok thanks. I`ve got the Domestic Gas Safety On Site Guide with the NICEIC logo on the front and the picture of a hob burner. Can you tell me please where I`d find that in the book? I have books one and two. I`ve looked through the book but can`t find those.

Many thanks!

Come on, think about it! Is every cable always visible throughout it's run? Why would you need to separate dissimilar metals? What's the reasons behind it? That will help you decide whether you need a gap, and will also help you when running gas pipework!

 

[SteveWannadoGas]

Many thanks! Yes I can see no reason but I`m not a seasoned engineer. I`d seen that mysterious disappearing earth cable on two different rigs, but maybe that`s just a particular red herring they like to throw in!

 

[Masood]

Many thanks! Yes I can see no reason but I`m not a seasoned engineer. I`d seen that mysterious disappearing earth cable on two different rigs, but maybe that`s just a particular red herring they like to throw in!

It's not a red herring. If there were NO equipotential bonding, it'd be a fault. Not every single aspect of the installation will be a fault. Some parts will be fine, otherwise it would be too easy to find 3 faults or whatever it is they require...

 

[Jehannum]

One tip to remember when you're asked to do a visual inspection in ACS assessments is to really look; not just glance at things. Whether it's gas pipes or flues, look closely and in detail, not just at the front but around and behind. Take your time.

With the pipework task I would suggest checking the following:

Sleeving: if the pipe comes through the wall is it sleeved correctly? Is the sleeve sealed with the correct type of compound?

Electrics: is the pipe too close to cables? Is it to close to electrical equipment such as consumer units and electric meters?

Clipping: is the pipe supported at the correct intervals? Are the clips of the correct design?

Open ends: is there an open ended pipe or fitting? This would include pipe / fitting that has been capped with an incorrect fitting.

Compression fittings: have they been used correctly within the restrictions of their use?

Is there any damage or corrosion visible on the pipe?

Earth bonding: is it in the correct place? Has the correct cross-sectional area wire been used?

Is any pipe obviously undersized (i.e. such that you can tell visually, without calculation)?

Fittings: are they suitable for gas?

Meter anaconda: is it the correct side of the meter?

ECV: does it fall to off? Is it unobstructed? Are the ON / OFF positions labelled?

Are any flexible connectors used correctly?

These days, as well as spotting the faults you also have to classify them within the Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure. Make sure you learn the correct classifications, and whether any of the faults would be RIDDOR reportable (generally ID faults which are caused by bad workmanship).

 

[SteveWannadoGas]

Most helpful, thankyou!

 

[Masood]

When are you doing the assessment Jase??