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PAT Testing Avolites FD Dimmers 
(including Rack decoders and FD distribution systems)

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.

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 earth

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.

  1. Disconnect any outgoing cables including the DMX cables
  2. Slide distro unit about 15cm (6”) out of the frame
  3. Remove the red volt meter selector switch (turn to N-E and undo slotted screw)
  4. Remove the 6 M6 screws holding the “19” ears to the distro
  5. Remove the distro front
  6. Locate the earth wire to the NIB and slide of the connector (earth only)
  7. Temporally replace the front
  8. Assure that volt meter selector is turned back to 0
  9. Assure breakers to dimmers and aux box are on
  10. Test the distribution system
    The reading should be greater that 19 M Ohm when testing at 20 degrees Celsius and 30% relative humidity
  11. 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 disconnected
 
Flash 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 Ohm		 1 mA ± 5%
Earth leakage test   0-19,9A ± 10%
Flash Test 1.5KV ac 3mA a.c ± 5%
 
 

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