Test before Touch on 25kV conductors

There are still E&P professionals struggling with the concept of the 'TbT' life saving rule, their concern is that the rule implies that conductors are free from induction, when a positive test result is given. They point out that neither existing resistive or capacitive testers have this function so how can we say that it is 'safe to touch'.

A couple of points to help with this debate;

Firstly the full 'life saving rule' is 'never assume equipment is isolated - always test before touch'. So the full statement is about making sure that your conductors are free from 25kV, recognising that induction is dealt with by earthing not isolation. History tells us that it is straying outside the isolation   that is the biggest risk that we need to reduce.

Secondly, staying with the history theme, ask yourself what would you have done prior to this life saving rule....

Of course wouldn't it be great if there was a single magic test that warned us of all hazards. I don't know of anyone using such a device to prove the state of conductors as part of the safe system of work. The world wide practice is to prove the absence of system volts with a high voltage indicator or to visually trace the conductor to a close by CME.

The incidents of earthing live feeders in error is decreasing which is a great sign that teams are getting to grips with both the 'Test before Earth' rule and the newly approved test equipment. The momentum needs to keep going with further engagement in 'TbT' for 25kV conductors, particularly for the E&P teams.