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DNaga
17-09-2013, 02:46 PM
Hello. I've got an electrician who will PAT test my gear. In order to save his time, and therefore my money, he has advised me to make a list of all my kit that needs testing for him. So, do Speakon cables need testing?
DNaga
17-09-2013, 02:50 PM
Also, what about USB powered items. Like controller and external hard drives?
surround sounds
17-09-2013, 03:15 PM
Speakon cables do not need to be done.
All electrical items with there plugs need doing and leads with plug in to your equipment eg kettle leads
Corabar Steve
17-09-2013, 03:59 PM
Speakon, no (it is in effect the same as saying should I test XLR or Jack to Jack leads)

Powercon, yes as they carry mains voltage

USB powered? Not if the power comes solely from a USB source. If it's an external drive that runs off mains electric then certainly the lead that carries the power will have to be tested.
DNaga
17-09-2013, 05:04 PM
Thanks for the replies!
Excalibur
17-09-2013, 09:31 PM
Unsurprisingly, Steve is absolutely correct. If I may perhaps clarify things a little bit, let's consider a laptop, which we plug into the mains. Except, it doesn't get mains voltage, it's a low voltage item, supplied by a transformer. Thus, the laptop itself doesn't need testing, but the transformer does. Similarly with a powered hard drive, or such like.

Basically, anything that's plugged into a mains voltage needs testing.
ukpartydj
18-09-2013, 11:09 AM
Basically, anything that's plugged into a mains voltage needs testing.

"needs testing" is subject to the great PAT debate.

They will probably charge you for each removeable lead as well as each item.
Excalibur
18-09-2013, 11:20 AM
"needs testing" is subject to the great PAT debate.

They will probably charge you for each removeable lead as well as each item.

A whole subject in itself. One which I refuse to be drawn into, except to say that the only downside to testing each individual component is cost. It's impeccable practice, if perhaps a tad over zealous. Perhaps.
coley
20-09-2013, 02:37 PM
You can not test a transformer you can only test the lead feeding it. you would risk damaging it
Excalibur
20-09-2013, 04:05 PM
Hello Guy, and welcome to the forum. It would be helpful if you popped across to the Newbies forum, and introduced yourself, that way we have a better idea of who we're conversing with. Ta.

As to testing transformers, a quick Google leads me to consult further with some folk I know.
coley
20-09-2013, 04:25 PM
Sorry about that I thought I had said hello I have been a member for ages.
DAVESOUNDS SERVICES
24-09-2013, 08:07 PM
As an Qualified Electrician of 35 years standing ( pat testing for around 10 years)
"transformers" or Power Supplies DO Need testing .
any problems ask to see your testers copy of the IEE
code of practice Cheers

http://www.pat-testing-books.com/

this may help
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/ra/about/accesstorainfo/rainternal/portelectrical.pdf