The Rise of Test & Tag Franchises
- Franchise growth is forecasted at an annualised rate of 0.9%, with franchise employment expected to grow by 1.3% annually.
- There's an increase in the number of businesses outsourcing testing and tagging
This surge in franchising suggests it’s effectively addressing the key challenges faced by Test and Tag professionals, mostly by reducing the headaches of running a business. Generally speaking, franchises offer increased flexibility, streamlined administrative tasks, lower marketing costs, and just simplifying the day-to-day operations involved in testing and tagging.
A Gap in the Market: More Test & Taggers Needed
What's driving this shift? The industry is facing a noticeable gap between the growing demand for test and tag services and the number of qualified individuals available to fill these roles.
This gap highlights a clear positive trend - more businesses are recognising the importance of compliance and are prioritising regular testing and tagging. The changes to the Standards in 2022 played an important role in putting test and tag requirements top of mind, which then increased awareness and encouraged businesses to take workplace safety more seriously.
For test and tag professionals, this is a golden opportunity. The market is hungry for people who are capable of testing and tagging and is offering lots of opportunities for those looking to enter or grow in the industry. Whether you're joining a franchise or operating independently, it's clear that the demand for test and tag means there's plenty of work out there.
Customer Favourites: Standout PAT Testers in 2024
With another year wrapped up, we’ve taken a deep dive into the key Test & Tag trends to spotlight the standout PAT testers of 2024. As Australia and New Zealand largest Test & Tag training provider, and with exclusive access to the biggest range of PAT testers through Appliance Testing Supplies, we’re uniquely positioned to share these insights. Based on customer feedback and preferences, here are the clear winners and losers of the year.
Delta Pro Print Pack - Metrel
We received a lot of feedback on this kit and it’s one of the clear winners for 2024. This kit took the top spot thanks mostly to its overall reliability, lack of software subscription (people were extremely happy about this point) and ability to offer a 'complete solution’. The typical people using this kit were those testing daily, and the seamless 3-phase functionality, without needing extra adaptors made it a standout choice. You can read a full review of the Delta Pro Print Pack if you would like to know detail.
Primetest Pro Kit - Seaward
Another favourite among test and tag professionals, the Primetest Pro Kit offered exceptional data reporting capabilities and also integrated 3-phase testing. Its reliability and ability to streamline workflows made it a go-to for frequent Test & Taggers. It’s no surprise here that the higher rated appliance testers were rated as highly reliable, and with less overall problems - after all, no one wants a lemon. You can also read a review of the standalone Primetest Pro in more detail.
The Unpopular Picks
Not every PAT Tester shone this year and we certainly heard your feedback. Wavecom models like the TNT EL and TNT RCD certainly struggled. Our customers specifically raised concerns with build quality (including rattling components) and with many of the testers having inconsistent test values. This seemed like a consistent problem throughout the year and it certainly was a stark contrast to the Seaward and Metrel models. Additionally, the Kyoritsu 6205 PAT Tester was the other one with a fair few problems. It struggled specifically due to outsourced servicing, which deterred many users due to the long wait time for calibrations, repairs etc.
Insulation Test: A Handy Trick for Older Appliances
If you’ve been testing and tagging older appliances, here’s a useful tip: monitoring insulation test readings can reveal wear and tear. Over time, declining readings can indicate aging insulation or failing components (like heating elements), even if the appliance appears fine externally.
Key takeaways from this:
- Keep records of insulation readings, not just pass/fail results.
- Look for trends in readings to catch potential failures early.
This small step can help you stay ahead and prevent serious faults down the line.
You can also read our full article about Insulation Test Readings if you would like to learn more.
A Big Thanks for 2024
As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank all the hardworking Test & Taggers out there. You’ve played a vital role in keeping workplaces safe and compliant throughout 2024.
Whether you’re wrapping up jobs or already enjoying a well-earned break, we wish you a fantastic holiday season. Here’s to a safe and successful 2025 - we’ll be here to support you every step of the way! Stay tuned for more updates and trends as we head into the new year.
Speaking of staying ahead, if you’re running low on test tags or accessories, now’s the perfect time to restock. Appliance Testing Supplies is offering up to 40% off on a variety of test and tag essentials, including electrical test tags and printable tags. But hurry - this offer disappears on 17.12.2024 at 4:00PM, AEST sharp. Don’t miss out!