# Electrical testing and smart devices **URL:** \ **Category:** Questions & Help\ **Created:** [August 20, 2019, 4:52pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/electrical-testing-and-smart-devices/17129 "2019-08-20T16:52:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![vaderag](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/vaderag/32/150_2.png) [@vaderag](https://community.homey.app/u/vaderag)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2019, 4:52pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/electrical-testing-and-smart-devices/17129/1 "2019-08-20T16:52:38Z")
We’re having an extension on our house and we had asked the electrician to wire in a bunch of Fibaro devices into the light switches He’s now saying that he can’t do this as for electrical testing they have to push a high current/voltage/something through the circuit which would potentially blow the devices… Is this right? Seems a little odd that to test an electrical circuit you potentially have to do damage to items connected to it? What is the actual process to sign off electrics? Or is he just trying to get out of a job he doesn’t want to do? ---
**Author:** ![David\_K](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/david_k/32/10319_2.png) [@David\_K](https://community.homey.app/u/David_K)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2019, 5:31pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/electrical-testing-and-smart-devices/17129/2 "2019-08-20T17:31:27Z")
He cannot test before fibaro rather behind. He is talking about rcd and resistance test. So tell him to test instalation behind fibaro equipment. ---
**Author:** ![Joel\_Van\_der\_Kuur](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/joel_van_der_kuur/32/10162_2.png) [@Joel\_Van\_der\_Kuur](https://community.homey.app/u/Joel_Van_der_Kuur)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2019, 6:07pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/electrical-testing-and-smart-devices/17129/3 "2019-08-20T18:07:18Z")
I think they want to measure the insulation resistance, and use 500 volt for this. and its possible to blow up the fibaro switches. ---
**Author:** ![robertklep](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/robertklep/32/160628_2.png) [@robertklep](https://community.homey.app/u/robertklep)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2019, 6:07pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/electrical-testing-and-smart-devices/17129/4 "2019-08-20T18:07:36Z")
Insulation resistance tests (those are the ones for which high voltage is used) are typically done from the consumer unit, and might be mandatory before signing off on changes to the electrical system. However, AFAIK, it’s acceptable to use a lower voltage (250V instead of 500V or 1000V) is there’s a suspicion (or certainty) that appliances are connected to the circuit, which would apply if you have Fibaro’s installed. (however, I’m not an electrician, and different rules apply in different countries; perhaps signing off on _new_ circuits mandates testing with a high voltage, for instance) ---
**Author:** ![vaderag](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/vaderag/32/150_2.png) [@vaderag](https://community.homey.app/u/vaderag)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2019, 6:23pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/electrical-testing-and-smart-devices/17129/5 "2019-08-20T18:23:21Z")
Thanks guys, so sounds like he’s right that probably best to connect them after the test… I’m now a bit concerned he might blow some things on my existing circuit in the process… I’m also not sure how he’s going to wire up properly prior to their installation as I’ve only got momentary switches!! He’s supposed to be sorting some LEDs which will be driven by a 12v supply as well so presumably they need to be done afterwards as well, no? ---
**Author:** ![robertklep](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/robertklep/32/160628_2.png) [@robertklep](https://community.homey.app/u/robertklep)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2019, 6:49pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/electrical-testing-and-smart-devices/17129/6 "2019-08-20T18:49:55Z")
I think sockets and lights will be on different circuits, but I assume that he will make _sure_ that there are no devices connected to a circuit before zapping it with 500V. I think that he’ll start with a 250V test, and if that yields values that indicate that devices are connected, he won’t step up to a higher voltage. ---
**Author:** ![David\_K](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex025/user_avatar/community.homey.app/david_k/32/10319_2.png) [@David\_K](https://community.homey.app/u/David_K)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2019, 7:10pm UTC](https://community.homey.app/t/electrical-testing-and-smart-devices/17129/7 "2019-08-20T19:10:45Z")
Well I’m not working as electrician also but insulation resistance test should be done without equipment. First voltage is much higher, second if you test installation with regular bulb i.e. on the wire you will get completely wrong reading from the megger. So when we bring equipment to the controlled environment only cables, extension cords, distribution units are tested. This is at least in my line of duty.