Reduced cable cross-sections of portable earthing and short-circuiting devices (EaS devices), resulting from copper corrosion and breakage of conductor strands or increased resistances in the connections, may have fatal consequences when subjected to short-circuit currents. It is therefore critical that portable EaS devices are tested prior to each use and at regular intervals. This ensures that the installation is isolated from supply voltage while work is being carried out - even in the case of interference voltages, atmospheric surges or accidental reconnection. 

Simply hitting a switch for isolation from the supply is not enough. For this purpose, the following five safety rules in accordance with EN 50 110-1 must be observed:

• Disconnect completely;
• Secure against re-connection;
• Verify that the installation is dead;
• Carry out earthing and short-circuiting; and
• Provide protection against adjacent live parts.

Certified electricians know that the most essential rule of the above-mentioned five is earthing and short-circuiting, and that these guidelines can save their lives. However, this safety measure is also as safe as the device that has been used, as over a long period of time these devices may become worn out and become vulnerable.

DEHN AFRICA (PTY) LTD, the local subsidiary of Germany-based lightning and surge protection, earthing components and safety equipment manufacturer, DEHN + SÖHNE, offers a new, improved test which provides reliable information on the condition of EaS devices, based on static and dynamic measurements of the ohmic resistance.

Tested in three steps, DEHN starts this process by making a visual inspection of an earthing and short-circuiting device for visible signs of damage. Next, a static test is performed, measuring the absolute resistance value of the device when stationary. Finally, step three is a dynamic test, which ascertains the relative change in resistance of the moving earthing and short-circuiting device. The measurement of the resistance change value allows DEHN to detect local damage, such as to conductor strands in the conductor cable.

DEHN safety equipment is manufactured and tested in line with the requirements of relevant standards. The company also provides maintenance tests on voltage detectors, switching sticks, fuse tongs, insulating sticks and earthing sticks.
The market leader DEHN, a globally active family-owned electrotechnical company with more than 1600 employees worldwide, offers innovative products and solutions as well as comprehensive services in the field of surge protection, lightning protection and safety equipment. DEHN focuses on the protection of system and building technology, the transportation, telecommunication and process sector, photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, etc. The company's continuous growth is based on more than 100 years of tradition and experience as well as highest quality standards and consistent customer and market orientation throughout the world.