runs test

[morph]

just looking at the ins and outs as i will neeed to do some pats soon

do most people do a seperate runs / leakage / function test or do you just take the value given at the end of the first test

ie plug it in put probe on metal press button get 3 readings
continuity
I/R
leakage test



do you then plug in the mains lead to the tester and do the runs test ( appliance starts up and gives current drawn)

thanks

 

[morph]

anyone?

or is everyone too busy being negative and slagging other people off

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Some organisations specify Run tests in their PAT contract agreements e.g. MOD, NHS, Local Authorities, Local Education Authorities, BT, BMI, e.t.c. However, it makes sense to do final run test, (or at the very least plugging the appliance into a socket and running it) where practical, because otherwise you have no idea whether it actually works. Obviously some appliances should not be run tested without additional measures, kettles for example need to be filled with water to protect the element from possible damage, some power tools are dangerous to test and operate at the same time and may require an assistant.

 

[ohreally]

Conduct a run test as the first and last test you do.

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Conduct a run test as the first and last test you do.

No! You should NOT conduct a run test as your first test as you have not confirmed it's safe to do so via the earth bond (Class 1) and insulation resistance and/or leakage current tests.

 

[morph]

thanks peeps
another question if i may
do you use the forms as in the appendix of the book of words ie with some 32 pieces of info to input or is there a more simple form that would suffice?

 

[ohreally]

No! You should NOT conduct a run test as your first test as you have not confirmed it's safe to do so via the earth bond (Class 1) and insulation resistance and/or leakage current tests.

I do not conduct the test for any reason associated with safety - it is for me to establish the appliance operates, or not as the case may be, and i'm not open to accusation of a test conducted by me being the cause of an appliance failing to operate.

I've done this since the '90's and will continue.

 

[morph]

I do not conduct the test for any reason associated with safety - it is for me to establish the appliance operates, or not as the case may be, and i'm not open to accusation of a test conducted by me being the cause of an appliance failing to operate.

I've done this since the '90's and will continue.

take it the test is not done with IT equipment though??

 

[ohreally]

take it the test is not done with IT equipment though??

IT equipment is likely to be in service at the time of testing/ inspection anyway.

 

[Patman]

Does that mean you walk away from IT equipment ?

When accessable - Earth bond at 100mA then insulation only. If you do "runs" test then poor ol' thing won't know if its coming or going - PC processor in particular will be trying to boot-up then suddenly starved of power before being allowed to complete. Danger then of a system crash.
Of course with the right tester, (i.e. Seaward Supernova Plus) earth bond tests can be carried out with equipment still running. Visual and earth bond will be the only inspection /test possible to carry out, but better than nothing.

 

[ohreally]

Does that mean you walk away from IT equipment ?

If this is directed at me, no I don't walk away from IT.

The op was enquiring (i think) if I do a before and after run test with IT equipment - the reply meaning I wouldn't conduct one before as the equipment is likely to be running anyway at this point.

 

[morph]

Does that mean you walk away from IT equipment ?

When accessable - Earth bond at 100mA then insulation only. If you do "runs" test then poor ol' thing won't know if its coming or going - PC processor in particular will be trying to boot-up then suddenly starved of power before being allowed to complete. Danger then of a system crash.
Of course with the right tester, (i.e. Seaward Supernova Plus) earth bond tests can be carried out with equipment still running. Visual and earth bond will be the only inspection /test possible to carry out, but better than nothing.

HI , sorry i dont fully understand...
i have a seaward 250 it will do 3 tests in sequence
1) earthcontinuity
1) I/R (after flashing lo load and then i press the button again it conducts the test)
3) then moves on to do a leakage test

would you allow the tester to carry on with the leakage test or you would interupt it once it had done the I/R test
thanks

 

[Patman]

Hi Morph - don't know if your Seaward 250 is menu driven - I could look it up I suppose. But yes you'd have to interupt if necessary.

The Supernova has an "IT Class I" in its menu. When used, program will only carry out earthbond and insulation (in addition to Visuals of course).

 

[ohreally]

BTW, I don't wish to encourage folks to step outside their comfort zone, most IT kit will meet BS EN 60950 and you should be able to conduct high current and 500v tests without causing damage.

I've done my domestic pc's and not suffered any ill effects, however I appreciate someones business pc may cause some trepidation.

 

[morph]

Hi Morph - don't know if your Seaward 250 is menu driven - I could look it up I suppose. But yes you'd have to interupt if necessary.

The Supernova has an "IT Class I" in its menu. When used, program will only carry out earthbond and insulation (in addition to Visuals of course).

thanks
what would happen if i allowed it to do the leakage test? does this test not just put some current down the line conductor and monitor for leakage to earth ( this is with out the mains lead in so the pc will not start)

as for menu driven ? not sure bute but it does all three tests in one go and then gives a reading and result