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#1 Posted : 19 May 2008 12:54:00(UTC)
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Posted By MICHAEL CRAWFORD
Please pardon my ignorance but can PAT testing damage a computer in any way?

Thanks for any help ,

Michael
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#2 Posted : 19 May 2008 14:05:00(UTC)
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Posted By graham cleator
Unless you have the correct testing equipment it is not advisable to carry out any voltage checks on computers to avoid damage to hard drives or onboard memories
I would advise doing visual checks only
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#3 Posted : 19 May 2008 14:14:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ian Gardner
It certainly can if done incorrectly.

A lot of PAT instruments nowdays are able to perform 'soft' versions of the electrical tests (ie. an earth bond test with a test current of 20-200mA rather than 25A; a protective conductor/touch current test rather than an insulation resistance test) that are designed for delicate & sensitive equipment such as IT.

Above all, the person conducting the tests should be sufficiently competant to know what tests are & are not appropriate for any given appliance, to minimise the risk of damage.
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#4 Posted : 19 May 2008 14:14:00(UTC)
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Posted By Smiff
The insulation test of a PA tester will use a high voltage that MIGHT damage IT equipment. For this reason the training courses for this kit advises against it's use on computers.
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#5 Posted : 19 May 2008 14:34:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ian Gardner
Any IT equipment that complies with BS EN 60950 ('Specification for safety of information technology equipment including electrical business equipment') will not be affected by a 500V insulation test. For all other IT equipment, one should perform the protective conductor/touch current test in its place.
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#6 Posted : 19 May 2008 16:35:00(UTC)
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Posted By GeoffB4
I would advise that in general office conditions it is not necessary to test a computer - visual inspection only is required.
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#7 Posted : 19 May 2008 16:52:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ian Gardner
The latest edition of the IEE Code of Practice recommends, for initial frequencies of inspection & test, for IT equipment in offices & shops:

Class I:
Formal visual inspection: 24 months
Combined inspection & test: 48 months

Class II:
Formal visual inspection: 24 months
Combined inspection & test: none

These are *initial* frequencies, and can be changed by the tester upon review and re-assessment.
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