How to PAT test a computer monitor

If you want to know how to PAT test a computer monitor you may find these videos helpful; they were made using Seaward 100 and 300 machines, which we used when the videos were recorded. They are home made videos, done using a camera phone. 

They were filmed by our engineer when doing a job; we are not a training company 

We are not a training company and this article although entitled ‘how to PAT test a computer‘ is not intended to provide training or to educate in how to carry out a portable appliance test on a computer.

We recommend that you arrange for us or another company to carry out PAT testing for you, or you complete a PAT testing training course.

apple computer monitor

We often get asked the question “how do you PAT Test a Computer Monitor?

The main reason for this question, is a lot of new PAT Testers don’t realise the monitor is a class 1 item, but it is. The monitor does have exposed metal parts, such as the connectors that connect it to the hard drive. You can use your earth bond lead on here to get a reading.

Some monitors however are class 2, such as those working off a PSU or Apple computer monitors.

When we refer to PAT testing IT equipment, we are covering all kinds of components of computer systems including computers, screens, printers etc. Where a workstation is concerned the system is likely to have a tower or desktop computer with a monitor and maybe a printer. A larger system may include hubs, switches, routers and external hard drives. Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS) and servers will also be present.

All of the these require a power to supply them. 

Monitors and computers are Class 1 earthed appliances and are powered via an earthed IEC 3 core 230 V power lead, although there are exception which are powered from low voltage PSUs which can be Class 1 or Class 2 double insulated products.

Some IT appliances have a PSU usually fully encased in plastic with an IEC; the PSU will only need a visual inspection in most circumstances. 

When PAT testing IT equipment, the process is much the same as standard appliances but care must be taken to not use an excessive test current. 

When testing the computer or monitor it should be fairly straightforward and easy to find an accessible earth point on the appliance, such as the back of the PC or screen, perhaps where the VGA / DVI socket is located. 

Video showing how to PAT test a computer monitor

This video shows how to do a simple PAT test on a computer monitor, using a Seaward 100 tester:

Another video showing how to PAT test a computer monitor

This video shows how to do a PAT test on a computer monitor using a Seaward 300 PAT tester:

Please note: we are not a training company and this video is not meant as an education source. We take no responsibility if you copy the content then have an accident.

If you need your computers and monitors PAT Testing don’t try to do it yourself unless you’ve had proper training – contact us today to get your computers and monitors PAT tested. 

Contact us today…

We will respond as soon as possible, to help you. If you prefer you can call our office on 01916661009 or 07778416850