PAT Testing
In this section you will find instructions for PAT testing Avolites Desks and Dimmers.
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Instructions for PAT testing Avolites’ Consoles
Instructions for PAT testing Avolites’ Consoles
Make sure that the desk is disconnected from the mains supply, and is not connected to any other equipment.
Only PAT test if qualified to do so, PAT testing can be hazardous if performed without due care.
Read the PAT tester instruction manual for further information on PAT testing.
The Avolites Azure, Pearl, Sapphire and Diamond desks are CLASS I appliances.
Earth continuity test
The earth continuity test can be performed with 100mA on all desk products.
When testing with 25A take care not to induce the current on any connector, also make sure that the DZUS fasteners are locked, as arcing may damage the panels.
The best place for the wander lead for the Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond is the grill of the PSU (the only mains operated part in the desk), for the Azure use the fastened DZUS head below the memory faders
Insulation resistance test
No special instructions apply for the Azure, Pearl, Sapphire and Diamond desks
Insulation should be greater than 19 M Ohm testing at 20 degrees Celsius and 30% relative humidity.
Run earth leakage current
Disconnect any outgoing cables including the DMX cables.
The run earth leakage current should typically be :-
Azure desk 0.01mA typ.
Pearl, Sapphire, Diamond desks 0.05mA typ.Flash Test
Flash Testing can result in permanent damage to the desk. Generally flash testing is not needed for this type of equipment. If however a flash test is needed please contact Avolites for further instructions.
Test Data
Tests performed at Avolites with INSTROTECH PAT 1900xi
Test Voltage Current Accuracy of reading Earth continuity test 130 mV dc open circuit 100 mA ± 10% Insulation test 500 V DC –0% +20%
2-7M Ohm1 mA ± 5% Earth leakage test 0-19,9A ± 10% Flash Test 1.5KV ac 3mA a.c ± 5%
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Instructions for PAT testing the ART 2000 Dimmer
Instructions for PAT testing the ART 2000 Dimmer
Make sure that the dimmer is disconnected from the mains supply, and is not connected to any other equipment.
Only PAT test if qualified to do so, PAT testing can be hazardous if performed without due care.
Read the PAT tester instruction manual for further information on PAT testing.
The Avolites ART 2000 system is a CLASS I appliances.
Earth continuity test
The earth continuity test can be performed with 100mA across the whole of the dimmer
Take care when testing with 25A as control panel connection is only rated at 16AInsulation resistance test
The Neon Indication Board on the control front sinks 0.4 mA into the earth to indicate the proper phase connections.
This current will cause the insulation test to fail, therefore the earth connection to the NIB needs to be disconnected before an insulation test is performed.
The NIB remains energized during the test as only the earth connection is disconnected
The ART2000 can be PAT tested without damage if the following procedure is followed.
Disconnect any outgoing cables including the DMX cables
Open the dimmer output Patch panel, ( the patch panel with the battery holder)
Disconnect the earth lead to the NIB board (marked “disconnect for PAT testing “ near the PSU)
Prop the manual relay actuator to the “I” position (i.e. using a cable tie)!! DO NOT USE A SCREWDRIVER FOR THIS !!!
Switch the Phase selector to “R”
Test the System for insulation resistance
The reading should be greater that 19 M Ohm when testing at 20 degrees Celsius 30% ,relative humidity
Reconnect the NIB. board earth lead and test again the insulation resistance should come down to 1.5M Ohm
!!Be aware that neon’s will light up during this test!Run earth leakage current
Disconnect any outgoing cables including the DMX cables
Switch the control mains selector to “R” and start the test.
The nominal earth leakage during runtime is 0.5mAFlash Test
Flash Testing can result in permanent damage to the dimmer. Generally flash testing is not needed for this type of equipment. If however a flash test is needed please contact Avolites for further instructions. Avolites Flash tests the dimmer bays during production to insure proper insulation.
Test Data
Tests performed at Avolites with INSTROTECH PAT 1900xi
Test Voltage Current Accuracy of reading Earth continuity test 130 mV dc open circuit 100 mA ± 10% Insulation test 500 V DC
–0% +20%
2-7 M Ohm1 mA ± 5% Earth leakage test 0-19,9A ± 10% Flash Test 1.5KV ac 3mA a.c ± 5%
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Instructions for PAT testing the FD Dimmer
Instructions for PAT testing the FD Dimmer
Make sure that the dimmer is disconnected from the mains supply, and is not connected to any other equipmentOnly PAT test if qualified to do so, PAT testing can be hazardous if performed without due care.
Read the PAT tester instruction manual for further information on PAT testing.
FD dimmers and FD dimmer systems are CLASS I appliances.
Earth continuity test
Individual dimmers:-
Can be tested with 100mA and 25A, take care not to induce 25A into the analog input pins, or M3 screw nearest to the earth bolt on the back of the dimmer as this will damage the electronics.Dimmers and distribution system in a rack:-
The earth continuity test can be performed with 100mA and 25A across the whole of the system.Decoders:-
Can be tested with 100mA only. The earth wire from the IEC to the shell is not rated for 25A test current.Insulation resistance test
FD dimmers;
No special instructions apply
Insulation should be greater than 19 M Ohm testing at 20 degrees Celsius and 30% relative humidity.FD Patch leg assemblies;
No special instructions apply
Insulation should be greater than 19 M Ohm testing at 20 degrees Celsius and 30% relative humidity.FD distribution;
There are two electrical systems affecting the readings of a PAT tester.Neon Indication Board
Volt meter between Neutral and earthThe Neon Indication Board on the control front sinks 0.9 mA into the earth to indicate the proper phase connections. This current will cause the insulation test to fail , therefore the earth connection to the NIB needs to be disconnected before an insulation test is performed.
The NIB remains energized during the test as only the earth connection is disconnected
The volt meter can be selected to measure between neutral and earth, thus lowering the insulation to the Volt meter’s impedanceThe FD distribution system can be PAT tested without damage if the following procedure is followed.
Disconnect any outgoing cables including the DMX cables
Slide distro unit about 15cm (6”) out of the frame
Remove the red volt meter selector switch (turn to N-E and undo slotted screw)
Remove the 6 M6 screws holding the “19” ears to the distro
Remove the distro front
Locate the earth wire to the NIB and slide of the connector (earth only)
Temporally replace the front
Assure that volt meter selector is turned back to 0
Assure breakers to dimmers and aux box are on
Test the distribution system
The reading should be greater that 19 M Ohm when testing at 20 degrees Celsius and 30% relative humidity
After the test re instate the earth connection to the NIB board and test again the insulation resistance should come down to 0.3M Ohm . Be aware that neon’s will light up during this test!FD rack decoders
No special instructions apply
Insulation should be greater than 19 M Ohm testing at 20 degrees Celsius and
30% relative humidity.Run earth leakage current
FD dimmers;
No special instructions apply, run leakage is 0,2mA.FD Patch leg assemblies;
N.A.FD distribution;
0.9 mA when neon’s connected
0.0 mA when neon’s disconnectedFlash Test
Flash Testing can result in permanent damage to the dimmer. Generally flash testing is not needed for this type of equipment. If however a flash test is needed please contact Avolites for further instructions.
Test Data
Tests performed at Avolites with INSTROTECH PAT 1900xi
Test Voltage Current Accuracy of reading Earth continuity test 130 mV dc open circuit 100 mA ± 10% Insulation test 500 V DC
–0% +20%
2-7 M Ohm1 mA ± 5% Earth leakage test 0-19,9A ± 10% Flash Test 1.5KV ac 3mA a.c ± 5%
