In this section you will find instructions for PAT testing Avolites Desks and Dimmers.
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.
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
Disconnect any outgoing cables including the DMX cables.
The run earth leakage current should typically be :-
Make sure that the dimmer is disconnected from the mains supply, and is not connected to any other equipment.
The Avolites ART 2000 system is a CLASS I appliances.
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.
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.
FD dimmers and FD dimmer systems are CLASS I appliances.
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.
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.
The 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 impedance The FD distribution system can be PAT tested without damage if the following procedure is followed.
FD rack decoders No special instructions apply Insulation should be greater than 19 M Ohm testing at 20 degrees Celsius and 30% relative humidity.
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 disconnected
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.
Tests performed at Avolites with INSTROTECH PAT 1900xi