Pat Test Query

[richardhammond]

hya, i have been asked to pat test everything in a local office, (im new to pat testing) and was wondering how to test their server without it being unplugged? the office manager says it cannot be unplugged and last time it was done the guy did not unplug it to test it.

any ideas how i can test it??

 

[acat]

Probably a sticker sticker than a tester the last time. I.T. equipment in an office only needs pat testing every 4 years. No idea how you are meant to test it plugged in sorry.



Chris

 

[Deleted member 9648]

You cant without unplugging it.....if they wont allow that carry out a visual on the appliance and lead and provide supporting paperwork stating the extent of the inspection.
Personally if they wont agree to unplugging I just dont bother with it,as it is never moved or touched there are unlikely to be any issues.

 

[matt12321]

if the server i less than 5 years just do a visual inspection. more than 5 years you will need need to power down the server best bets a late night/weekend call.

a formal visual inspection should be checking the full length of the mains lead, the pins and casing of the plug, and the rating of the fuse in the plug

 

[draelectricals]

hya, i have been asked to pat test everything in a local office, (im new to pat testing) and was wondering how to test their server without it being unplugged? the office manager says it cannot be unplugged and last time it was done the guy did not unplug it to test it.

any ideas how i can test it??

Hi

I have tested on many servers; you have 3 options...

1. Get the manager to allow you to turn it off at a time that suits them; lunchtime, or after hours then do the test (or when their IT people are there to oversee the switch back on), but consider the value of doing this against your costs if you have to return to the job
2. Do a visual only; and ensure you say this in the results, write it on the sticker too
3. Do nothing: If they say don't turn it off, that's up to them, but it can't be tested without being turned off. Sometimes worth mentioning in the paper that the server has not been done, and why.

The test can't be done "in-situ" as it can't be unplugged.

 

[mogga]

what ever route you take MAKE Sure to notify in your paper work method and reason but word it like "Impractical due to Impact on buisness "

Possibly if you are doing Fixed wire testing for same place suggest doing server ect at same time as the power will have to go off for PIR anyways

 

[pattester]

Hi Richard,

simply by visual inspection really. You can still asset tag all the cables, switches, hubs etc. All that would go on the report is that items were checked visually. Of course this is not as good as a machine test, but at least you would find any snags in the cable, damged extension leads etc etc. what you are looking for in a comms area is really the general condition, as most often the client would not want anything unplugged. you can still list the assets and/or talk about them in your report, they just wont have any readings per se.

Hopr that helps.

 

[draelectricals]

Hi Richard,

simply by visual inspection really. You can still asset tag all the cables, switches, hubs etc. All that would go on the report is that items were checked visually. Of course this is not as good as a machine test, but at least you would find any snags in the cable, damged extension leads etc etc. what you are looking for in a comms area is really the general condition, as most often the client would not want anything unplugged. you can still list the assets and/or talk about them in your report, they just wont have any readings per se.

Hopr that helps.

That's a really good answer, I appreciate your comments thank you