Choosing a PAT tester can be confusing regardless of your qualifications or experience. This guide aims to help you make the correct choice for your needs. As there are no hard and fast rules or laws regarding PAT testing, it may be helpful to ask yourself the following questions before investing in a portable appliance tester.
Quick Links:
- How many appliances will I be PAT testing per year?
- What type of PAT tests do I need to carry out?
- How will I store the results of PAT Testing?
- Do I need to test 110V industrial equipment?
- What is my PAT Tester budget?
- Further Information
1.) How many appliances will I be testing per year?
This question may seem daunting but no one expects you to answer with a high degree of certainty, a rough estimate is all that is required. As a general rule, if you will be testing fewer than two hundred appliances per year then a less-expensive, less-complex PAT tester is recommended; for example, a simple, economic PASS/FAIL PAT checker.
PASS/FAIL PAT Testers
These PAT testers/checkers are ideal for those testing a few appliances of the same type. They function by simply displaying whether the equipment under investigation has passed or failed.
First Stop Safety BattPAT Simple PAT Tester
- 5th Edition compliant
- PASS/FAIL LED indication
- Test class I and class II appliances, power leads, and 20m+ extension leads
- Suitable for testing IT equipment
- Suitable for testing 230V and 110V appliances
- Suitable for testing surge-protected mains extension leads
- Rechargeable Li-Ion batteries
- Dedicated buttons for each test
- Tests earth continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity
- Ideal for smaller offices, schools, charity shops, and other low-volume testing
However, be cautious when purchasing PAT checkers as they are not suitable for testing large volumes of different appliances, and are ill-suited to testing extension leads or long cables. This is because these PAT testers include pre-set pass marks which cannot be altered. As a result, the instrument may indicate that an appliance has failed when it is safe.
UNI-T UT527 PAT Tester
- 5th Edition compliant
- PASS/FAIL indication only
- Test class I and class II appliances and power leads
- Suitable for testing IT equipment
- Provides all basic tests including earth continuity and insulation resistance
- Can test 110V equipment when used with an adapter
- Mains socket testing function
- One-touch testing
- Clearly labelled test buttons
- Portable
- Simple, three-button interface
- Large LCD screen
- Mains socket port
- Highly recommended for those new to PAT testing
Furthermore, you should still consider the questions below even if you only have a few appliances to test. Do these appliances need more comprehensive testing to be deemed safe? If so, it is unlikely that a PASS/FAIL PAT tester will provide you with this assurance and it may be more sensible to invest in a manual tester.
Seaward PrimeTest 50 PAT Tester
- 5th Edition compliant
- Simple PASS/FAIL indicators
- Suitable for testing Class I and Class II appliances and power cords
- Suitable for testing IT equipment
- Earth continuity
- Insulation resistance
- IEC lead and power socket tests
- Simple, one-button testing
- Battery operated
- Handheld, portable
Manual PAT Testers
Manual PAT testers allow the user to perform an array of tests but will not automatically record the results. The values displayed must be noted in an appliance test record booklet, making these instruments ideal for low-volume testing.
A majority of these testers are battery-operated and will perform a multitude of tests before the cells need to be recharged or changed. Additionally, they are portable and can be easily transported across and/or between worksites.
UNI-T UT528 PAT Tester
- 5th Edition compliant
- Performs all tests with minimal effort from the user
- Shows results alongside a PASS/FAIL indication
- 250V and 500V insulation test
- Earth continuity test
- Special long lead mode
- Suitable for testing IT equipment
- Suitable for testing Class I and Class II appliances and IEC and extension leads
- Three, clearly labelled test buttons
- Ideal for those new to PAT testing or with a small number of appliances to test
Yet despite their practicality and comprehensive test features, manual PAT testers are only suitable for those with less than two hundred appliances to test per year. Attempting to use these testers for high-volume applications becomes tricky and time-consuming owing to the need to record each result manually. Therefore, if you will be testing over two hundred appliances per annum, a downloadable PAT Tester may be preferable.
Downloadable PAT Testers
Downloadable PAT testers remove the need to record results manually. There are many downloadable PAT testers with various memory sizes available. Some models allow for the storage of up to 50 000 records along with each result’s test status and date as well as the user’s information.
Seaward Apollo 600+ PAT Tester
- 5th Edition compliant
- Store up to 50,000 records and 2000 images
- Print 2D barcodes and QR codes
- Download data to a USB flash drive
- Download data to a PC via a USB lead
- Safety tests ensure compliance with 5th Edition
- Interchangeable rechargeable battery
- Built-in digital camera
- Create up to 100 user-configurable electrical tests and visual inspection sequences
- Built-in universal risk assessment tool
- Additional health and safety certificates
- Point-to-point measurement (Rpe & IR)
- Bluetooth, scanner, and printer compatible
- Remote data transfer
- High-definition colour display
- Full QWERTY keyboard
- Use for with (2D) QR codes
- Fast boot-up
- Ideal for high/mid-volume PAT testing
Often, data can be transferred to your PC via a USB cable or wireless Bluetooth. Alternatively, some PAT testers interface with a dedicated app, wirelessly transferring and saving data to said application.
Kewtech SMARTPAT PAT Tester
- PASS/FAIL PAT tester that can be converted into a downloadable PAT tester using Kewtech's KEWPAT App
- Changing screen colour indicates PASS or FAIL
- Large, backlit, LCD
- Earth bond at 200mA (IT Safe)
- Quick check continuity
- 5-second continuity
- 250V insulation test (ideal for testing surge-protected extension leads)
- 500V insulation test
- Substitute leakage test
- Extension lead test
- Portable RCD tests
- Run leakage tests at 110V or 230V
- Test 10mA and 30mA RCDs without tripping
- Automatic test sequences for Class I and Class II appliances
- Function buttons for automatic test sequences
- Create personalised test sequences using the KEWPAT App
- Test lead nulling
- Appliance status pre-check
- Battery operated
These testers are ideal for those with mid to large volumes of appliances to check and/or appliances that require comprehensive testing.
Seaward Apollo 500+ PAT Tester
- 5th Edition compliant
- New Class 2 FE test sequence
- Store up to 10 000 records
- Safety tests ensure compliance with 5th Edition
- Interchangeable rechargeable battery
- Create up to 100 user-configurable electrical test and visual inspection systems
- Point-to-point measurement (Rpe & IR)
- Bluetooth, scanner, and printer compatible
- Remote data transfer
- High-definition colour display
- QWERTY keyboard
- Use with (2D) QR codes
- Fast boot up
- Built-in risk-based calculator
- Ideal for mid-volume PAT testing
2.) What type of PAT tests do I need to carry out?
To know which tests you need to perform, you must first identify the class of the appliances you plan to test.
Identifying the Class of a Portable Appliance
Again this may seem confusing but there are some rules that can help. The most obvious way to identify whether an appliance is Class I or Class II is to look at its rating plate. If a double box (a smaller box inside a larger one) is present it may be assumed that the appliance is Class II; if the double box is not present, this suggests that it is a Class I appliance.
It is important to note that the presence or absence of a double box cannot guarantee that the appliance belongs to either of these classes. You should also consider whether it has any of the following features:
- Fuse in the plug = Class I
- Made of metal = Class I
- Three core cables= Class I
- The plug has a metal earth pin = Class I
- Plastic case = Class II
Identifying the Necessary PAT Tests
Different tests are required for different appliance classes. You must purchase a PAT tester that can perform all of the necessary tests to ensure the equipment under investigation is safe. The table below should help you identify which tests are required based on the class and construction of your appliance.
| Earth Continuity | Insulation Resistance | Polarity | Inspection Only (no tests required) | |
| Class I (Metal) | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Class I (Plastic) | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Class II | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| 3-Core Power Cord | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| 2-Core Power Cord | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ |
A majority of manual and downloadable PAT testers can perform the above tests. However, when it comes to earth continuity and insulation resistance, different PAT testers are optimised for testing different instruments.
Earth Continuity Test
(A.K.A Earth Bond or Earth Resistance Test)
The main question to consider here is: are you going to be testing IT or electrical equipment? If the answer is yes, pay particular attention to whether your chosen PAT tester emits a low test current, either 100mA or 200mA. Fortunately, most PAT testers can perform this low-current test.
If you also require a higher test current, some PAT testers include an option for 4A, 6A, 10A, and 25A or 26A tests.
Megger PAT420 Downloadable PAT Tester
- 200mA/10A/25A earth bond/continuity test
- 250V/500V insulation test
- Substitute, differential, and touch current leakage tests
- Operational VA test
- Earth bond test
- Insulation test
- Polarity test
- Extension lead test
- Portable RCD tests
- Manual testing mode with adjustable testing times and pass limits
- Automatic testing mode
- Built-in 110V connector - no need to use an external 110V adapter
- Built-in memory with the capacity to save up to 10,000 results
- Download results to a PC in a CSV format
- QWERTY keyboard
- Function keys
- Built-in lead storage pouch
- Full colour, large VGA screen
- Can be used with optional barcode scanners and printers
Insulation Resistance Test
(A.K.A Insulation Test)
It is required that all PAT testers perform a 500V insulation resistance test. This is adequate for most types of electrical appliances. However, if you test a surge-protected extension lead then, unless you use a 250V insulation test, the lead will appear to fail.
Some PAT testers will deliver a 250V insulation test but not all. When making your selection, pay attention to the product description, technical data, and/or datasheet to check if the PAT tester offers this feature.
Fluke 6500-2 Downloadable PAT Tester
- 250V/500V insulation test
- Test Class I, Class II, IT equipment, and leads
- Protective earth conductor current test
- Touch current test
- Substitute leakage current test
- RCD tests
- Appliance power tests (kVA)
- Appliance load current tests
- Polarity checks
- Automatic test sequences with one-touch test activation
- Dedicated IEC and mains plug connection ports
- 110V tester for testing 110V appliances
- Downloadable memory with the capacity to store over 1000 records
- USB stick for storage
- USB port for downloading data
- Large, backlit LCD
- QWERTY keyboard
- Integrated site, location, and description codes for faster data processing
- Optional barcode scanner and printer available
Other PAT Tests
It is also worth considering which other tests you may need to perform before purchasing a PAT tester. A professional will require an instrument that performs all the tests above and those listed below:
- Leakage
- Extension lead/cable
- Flash
- 110 volt
Megger PAT450 PAT Tester
- 1.5kV/3kV flash test
- 200mA/10A/25A earth bond/continuity test
- 250V/500V insulation testing
- Substitute, differential, and touch current leakage tests
- Operational VA test
- Earth bond test
- Insulation test
- Polarity test
- Extension lead test
- Portable RCD tests
- Built-in 110V connector - no need to use an external 110V adapter
- Manual testing mode with adjustable testing times and pass limits
- Automatic testing mode
- Built-in memory capable of storing 10 000 records
- Download results to a PC in a CSV file
- QWERTY keyboard
- Function keys
- Large, colour VGA screen
- Built-in lead storage pouch
- Can be used with optional barcode scanners and printers
3.) How will I store the results of PAT testing?
As detailed above, different PAT testers offer different methods of recording results. Manual PAT testers and PASS/FAIL PAT checkers require the user to record results manually, making them suitable for low-volume PAT testing.
Martindale HPAT500/2 PAT Tester
- No memory capacity
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Dedicated test buttons for Class I, Class II, and leads
- PASS/FAIL indication and full testing results
- Large, high-contrast, backlit display
- Simple connection diagrams on the case
- Suitable for testing IT equipment
- 200mA DC earth bond with two pass levels
- 250V/500V insulation test
- Suitable for testing 240V and 110V appliances
- Earth bond
- Insulation resistance
- IEC/extension leads and fuse
- Rechargeable batteries
- Mains rechargeable for low running costs
- Ideal for beginners and those with a small number of appliances to test
However, downloadable PAT testers record results automatically, saving the user time when checking a multitude of appliances. Professional users will find a downloadable model more suited to their requirements.
Metrel MI3311 GammaPAT Pro PAT Tester
- Downloadable memory with the capacity to store up to 1500 results
- LED PASS/FAIL indicator
- 2 levels of auto sequences - 1 for beginners and 1 for advanced users
- Backlit LCD screen
- Integrated help screens
- Barcode scanning function
- Integrated PAT checkbox
- Earth continuity resistance
- Insulation resistance
- Substitute leakage current
- Functional/visual inspections
- IEC cord polarity tests
- True-RMS voltage
- Upgradeable design
- Rechargeable batteries
4.) Do I need to test 110V industrial equipment?
This question has become a bit redundant as all our PAT testers are capable of testing 110V equipment provided they are used with an appropriate adapter.
Still, it may be useful to consider this question when budgeting. If you do not need to test 110V instruments it is not worth investing large amounts of capital into a product designed for this purpose.
Kewtech EZYPAT PAT Tester
- Not specifically designed for testing 110V appliances
- Ideal for performing manual dead tests
- Appliance status pre-check
- 1-second continuity test
- 5-second continuity test
- 250V/500V insulation tests
- Substitute leakage test
- Selectable substitute leakage test limits
- Extension lead test
- 200mA earth test
- IT safe
- Test lead null setting
- Automatic test sequences for Class I, Class II, and extension leads
- Large, easy-to-read, backlit display
- Red and green PASS/FAIL screens
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic
- Extension lead adapter
- Earth continuity test lead, probe, and crocodile clip
- Battery operated
- Can be used with Kewtech's KEWPAT App
Conversely, if you know that testing 110V equipment will be a regular requirement, it is sensible, if not essential, to invest in a tester optimised for this purpose.
Martindale MicroPAT Plus PAT Tester
- Test both 240V and 110V equipment
- Test Class I, Class II, and IT equipment
- Flash testing
- Automatic and manual testing
- Compatible with barcode scanners
- Large memory with the capacity to save up to 1250 results
- Download results to a PC
- Built into a protective case
- Run test
- Earth leakage test
- Earth continuity test
- Insulation test
5.) What is my PAT tester budget?
Having considered your answers to all the above questions you should budget appropriately for your PAT tester. The PAT testing market includes a wealth of instruments optimised for everything from occasional, quick, in-house checks to regular use in professional PAT testing businesses.
If you require your tester for infrequent, basic safety checks, an inexpensive, simple PASS/FAIL or manual model is right for you.
If you anticipate testing a small volume of instruments comprehensively, then a manual or less expensive downloadable model may suit your requirements.
If you intend to make a career out of PAT testing or need to perform comprehensive tests on a large amount of equipment, then a more expensive downloadable model is a must.
Further Information
For more help and advice, please don't hesitate to contact our Sales team on 01642 931 329 or via our online form.
In the meantime, please browse our comprehensive collection of PASS/FAIL, manual, and downloadable PAT testers, including models by leading brands such as First Stop Safety, Fluke, Kewtech, Martindale, Megger, Metrel, Seaward, and UNI-T. You will also find an extensive selection of PAT testing kits.
