PAT Testing Equipment:
Information On PAT Testers

Recommendation For
Where To Purchase PAT Testers

Please Also See Other Pages In This Section:

PAT Test Main Page

Pat Testing Courses

If you are going to train your own staff to carry out PAT testing, you will need to invest in an appropriate piece of PAT testing equipment for them to use. There is plenty of choice available, so this section is meant to give you a bit of a head start in narrowing down your search to the type of equipment that will best suit your needs.

Types of PAT Testing Equipment - PASS/FAIL PAT Testers

These are the most basic type of PAT testing equipment and simply give a pass or fail result without any further details. This type of PAT tester will normally only carry out insulation and earth continuity testing, and tends not to offer selectable earth continuity test current. This is an important restriction unless you have a particularly limited selection of equipment types to test.

The problem is that the PAT testers with a higher current can not be used for testing IT equipment, and the testers with a low current are no good for properly testing general electrical appliances. You need the function to be selectable in order to carry out accurate tests on a range of appliances.

The other limitation of this simplistic type of PASS/FAIL PAT Testing equipment is that they have a fixed earth bond pass limit, allowing no adjustment. The result of this can be the failing of some perfectly good equipment just because they have long leads. Setting the limit higher to allow for this can contravene the IEE (Institute of Electrical Engineers) Code of Practice, and could still fail good appliances.

The benefit of simplicity is probably outweighed by the limitations of their use in practice.

Types of PAT Testing Equipment - Manual PAT Testers

The problems highlighted above with the simple PASS/FAIL PAT testing equipment are overcome by the greater functionality found in manual PAT testers. The flip side of this increased functionality, of course, is that much greater knowledge is required in order to interpret and utilise the functions properly. This means a greater investment in staff training.

The main advantage to look for in these PAT testers is the selectable earth continuity test current, so that IT equipment can be tested.

Types of PAT Testing Equipment - Downloadable PAT Testers

This type of PAT tester really comes into its own if you have large or complex premises with many portable appliances to test. The main advantage being that the process is automated and test results are stored ready for printing off or downloading to a PC. This sort of PAT testing equipment can have many useful features, and though some will be more relevant to your situation than others.

Some features will save you time, and therefore money, such as the ability to take true earth bond measurements. A tester that cannot carry out earth bond measurement where there are multiple earth paths (such as with a PC) will mean you have to completely disconnect the item from all other equipment before testing. This takes a lot more time, and therefore increases your costs.

How To Purchase PAT Testing Equipment

If you decide to purchase your own PAT testing equipment you will find a competitively priced selection of testers at Screwfix.

The following are a selection of the PAT testers that Screwfix offer, which cover the full range of requirements from in-house testing in a small business to an electrician providing a professional PAT testing service.

Kewtech KT71 Portable Appliance Tester

This is one of the lower priced PAT testers available and is particularly simple and straightforward to use. It is safe to use on IT equipment, which is an essential requirement for any business these days. There is a clear LED Pass or Fail signal is given, which is useful for non-professional testers, as no special interpretation of test results is required. This is a robust but portable and simple device, ideal for in-house testing. To find out more or purchase this item, click here.

Megger PAT32 Portable Appliance Tester

Another PAT Tester selected for its ease of use and the fact that it is safe to use on IT equipment as well as all other appliances. Suitable for testing all 240v or 110v appliances for earth bond continuity resistance, circuit test, insulation resistance and fuse test. Excellent price and a 3 year manufacturer's guarantee. Click here to Find out more.

Megger MFT 1500 Series Multi-Function Tester

Ideal for professional testers and electricians, this is a great all round electrical tester, and is particularly tough and rugged, to cope with the wear and tear of daily use on multiple sites. Perfect for testing all appliances compliant to 17th edition regulations. Other features include guaranteed non-tripping loop test range, illuminated switch probe, selectable touch voltage and a three year manufacturer's guarantee. Find out more on the Screwfix website.

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