Easter's wrapped, the budget dropped, and there’s been more going on in the past few weeks than most PAT Testers see in a year.
From gear being shuffled or moved during site shutdowns to big changes ahead for EOFY, April's delivered plenty worth knowing. Here’s what’s worth knowing as we round out April 2025.
Instant Asset Write-Off Scrapped - What It Means for You
Buried in the latest federal budget was a change that could hit harder than most realise: the $20,000 instant asset write-off won't carry over into the next financial year.
This is a real pain if you're a sole trader, small business owner or running a test and tag operation - especially if you were timing a gear upgrade to claim the full deduction.
How it works right now:
- You can instantly deduct the full cost of eligible assets under $20,000
- Applies to PAT testers, printer kits, accessories - anything used to earn business income
- You must have the gear installed and ready to use by 30 June 2024
- If you're unsure, make sure you talk to your accountant to confirm - especially if you're leaving it late in the financial year
What’s changing:
- The government has not announced an extension into 2024–25
- Unless that changes, any test and tag equipment bought after 1 July 2024 will need to be depreciated over several years, rather than claimed upfront
If you’re planning to buy new gear and want to claim the full deduction, don't leave it too late - act before EOFY to stay eligible under the current rules.
If you want extra information, read our Full Budget Breakdown.
Jaycar USB Adaptor Recall – What You Need to Know
You might’ve seen this one going around - Jaycar has issued a recall for their Powertech 30W USB mains adaptors due to a serious risk of electric shock.
Here’s what you need to know:
- It’s a low-voltage USB charger, so it’s not covered under AS/NZS 3760 and doesn’t require testing.
- But if you come across one on-site, it should be removed immediately for safety reasons.
- These were sold nationally through Jaycar stores and online.
Recalls like this are a good reminder: just because something isn’t required to be tested under the AS/NZS 3760 Standard, doesn’t mean it can be ignored - especially when you're inspecting a worksite and checking appliances.
Read the Official Recall Notice
Metrel Users: Two Common Issues to Check
1. Tablet Autofocus - Critical for Scanning
If you’re using a Metrel DeltaPAT with a tablet, don’t overlook this: your tablet must have a camera with autofocus. No autofocus = no working barcode or QR scanning. It’s not a nice-to-have in this scenario - it’s a dealbreaker.
Most newer tablets have it built in, but plenty of budget models that are older don't have it, which is especially relevant since a lot of users buy second-hand or low-cost tablets purely for test and tag work. If your scans are failing or slow, check the camera spec first - not the tester or software.
2. Firmware Reminder - Better Bluetooth Performance
Metrel released a firmware update for the DeltaPAT 3309 BT (within the last year) that noticeably improved Bluetooth stability - especially when paired with the Zebra ZQ521 printer.
It’s not brand new, but if you haven’t updated, it’s worth doing.
You’ll likely see fewer dropouts, faster printing, and smoother pairing overall.
Thinking About a Printer Kit? Here’s the Breakdown That Sums it Up
Not all printer kits are built the same - and some setups make your life a whole lot easier than others. The printer kits on the market right now vary more than you'd think - so we've done the proper side-by-side comparisons of the most popular options right now.
It lays out what’s actually inside, what you’re paying for, and what makes sense for different types of test and taggers.
We’ve also broken down the real-world factors that make a difference on-site:
- Battery vs Mains Power: Battery kits are great for mobile jobs and large sites where power’s not always nearby.
- Tag Durability: Thermal Transfer tags last longer and handle harsh conditions better. Direct Thermal is more affordable but fades, especially in the sun.
- Bluetooth Scanners: Go wireless for faster testing and few headaches - especially if you're scanning a high volume of test tags
- QR vs Barcode Re-testing: QR codes store more info and scan faster, making retests smoother.
- Modular vs All-in-One: Some testers are modular and flexible (like the Primetest Pro), others come pre-wired in a rugged case (like the TNP 500).
If you’re about to drop serious cash on a full kit, this guide will help you make the right call - not just the most expensive one.
2025 PAT Tester Reviews: Field-Tested, Blunt, and Updated
We’ve refreshed our PAT Tester reviews over at Appliance Testing Supplies - with the latest information, real-world performance insights and the specs that matter most.
These aren't copy-paste summaries - they’re practical guides for people who actually use this gear on the job - not in a showroom.
What’s new?
- More detial on build quality, quirks and day-to-day performance
- Clearer breakdowns of who each tester is suited for (and who should avoid it)
New test and tag machines reviewed in 2025:
- Primetest 125 EL
- TNT EL
- Trisan S8
- Trisan S8 DL
- PAC3760 DL
- DeltaPAT 3309 BT
- DeltaPAT & Godex Complete
- Primetest Pro
- Primetest Elite+
- TNP 500
- DeltaPAT Go Print Kit
If you're in the market - or just curious what's changed - browse all 2025 PAT Tester Reviews.
Featured in the Australian Mining Review
We were recently featured in the April 2025 edition of the Australian Mining Review (AMR), where we shared our insights into the real-world impact of test and tag across the mining sector - from maintaining compliance on high-risk sites to reducing equipment downtime and improving operational safety.
With larger operations under increasing pressure to meet compliance obligations and avoid costly disruptions, the role of regular testing and tagging is more critical than ever.
If you're managing equipment across multiple sites, dealing with site audits, or simply want to lift safety standards, it's worth a read.
Read the article in the Australian Mining Review
That's a Wrap for April
That's it from us this month. Whether you're back on the tools or just catching up on changes, we hope this helped keep you in the loop.
Face-to-face training courses are currently getting booked out ahead of time - especially in QLD, WA, and VIC - with spots in NSW and SA also starting to fill. If you're planning to book in, it's worth locking it in ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
We'll be back next month with more updates that matter!
