How to Choose a PAT Tester in 2025

Choosing the right Portable Appliance Tester (PAT Tester) can be overwhelming, with so many brands, features, and price points to consider. Whether you're buying your first PAT tester or looking to upgrade to a better model, making the right choice can save you time, effort, and money in the long run.

To help you find the appliance tester for your needs, we’ve broken down the key factors to consider before making a purchase.

What are Your Testing Needs?

Before diving into price, features, specs etc. you first need to determine how often and where you’ll be using your appliance tester.

Ask yourself:

• Are you testing only your workplace appliances?
• Do you need to conduct 100’s of tests per week for clients?
• Will you be testing in one location, or taking your tester between sites?
• Do you require automation, or will manual entry be sufficient?
  

Your answers will essentially shape what type of PAT Tester you need and help narrow down the options. If you’re only testing your own equipment, you may not need a high-end appliance tester. However, if you’re running a test and tag business or testing a lot of items, investing in automated features (i.e. a printer or scanner) will save you hours. 

Set Your Budget: What’s Your Limit?

Portable appliance testers range in price from under $700 to over $3000, and the cost generally determines the features, automation and efficiency you’ll get. 

Here’s what to expect at different price points:

Entry Level Appliance Tester (Under $1000) – Basic Testing Needs

Best for: small businesses, in house testing, low-volume testing

Common features: 

• Manual data recording (so results need to be written down)
• Very limited automation – so no barcode scanning or printer
• Most are battery-powered these days (better portability than older mains only models)

PAT Testers in this range:

• Seaward Primetest 125 EL – one of the most popular options in this price bracket, mainly due to its reliability and simple operation
• Wavecom TNT EL – this is currently the cheapest tester on the market and is targeted to test and tag beginners who don’t want a lot of features
  

Mid-Range ($1000 - $2500) – Professional Features

Best for: businesses needing efficient compliance tracking, regular testing and tagging, tradespeople, electricians

Common features:

• All of these testers will be battery powered for better portability 
• RCD testing - which is vital for construction and mining sites
• Internal memory for storing test results (hundreds or thousands of results)
• PC software for generating reports
• Automation (some models will work with printers and scanners)
• Some models can be upgraded down the track

PAT Testers in this range:

Seaward Primetest Pro – a well-balanced, mid-range PAT Tester with upgradable features.  All add-on extras all integrate together completely seamlessly, ensuring your whole process is super-fast. 

High-End ($2500+) Fully Automated Test & Tag Kits

Best for: test and tag business owners or franchises, high-volume compliance testing, environments such as construction, mining, industrial etc. 

Common features:

• Automated test and tag process i.e. wireless synching, advanced reporting
  Build-in printers and barcode scanners
• Large memory for storing thousands of test records
• Wireless connectivity to sync with mobile or PC software
• Custom testing setups, branding, scheduled re-testing alerts

PAT Testers in this range:

Delta Pro Print Pack – this was voted the top test and tag kit for two years running now – it’s arguably the most advanced solution available that provides a fast and efficient data management, all done without a wire in sight. That’s specifically enticing for professionals who test and tag in bulk. If you fall into this category and want more info, see our top tips for anyone starting a test and tag business. 

How Many Items Will You Test & Tag?

The volume of testing and tagging that you do will directly impact which PAT Tester is right for you. If you choose the wrong one based on this factor, it can have a huge impact on conducting your job properly. 

• Occasional testing – a simple and affordable appliance tester is most likely going to do the job for you. Buying an advanced test and tag kit is probably going to be overkill. If you’re testing in harsh environments (i.e. construction or mining) you will however need a tester will more features, as these industries have certain regulatory requirements.
• Regular testing – it’s highly recommended to get at least a mid-range priced tester with data storage. 
• High-volume testing – a fully automated tester with printer and scanner will save your hours of manual work

Tip: if you’re running a test and tag business, investing in a model with built-in automation will dramatically improve your efficiency and overall workload. 

Check out individual PAT Tester Reviews for more in-depth information. 

How Will You Record Your Test Results? 

Keeping records is mandatory for test and tag compliance. There are a few ways you can do this:

Manual Recording
This basically means you’re writing test results down by hand on paper, or spreadsheets. It goes without saying that this is more suited for small businesses testing their own equipment or occasional test and taggers. The biggest downside for this method is that it becomes time-consuming and error-prone. 

Digital Storage
Some PAT Testers automatically store results in its internal memory/storage, which can then be transferred to a computer. Although this is definitely a step up from doing it manually, it doe still require some sort of manual data entry on a PC for generating reports.

Fully Automated Testing
In this case, the PAT Tester automatically stores results, print test tags and syncs with software. It’s as easy as scanning the barcode for re-testing. 
This is definitely suited for high volume testing and compliance heavy industries. The main drawback is there are larger upfront costs of course, but it will save you hours in the long-run. 

Do you Need Extra Features? 

Some portable appliance testers come with extra functionality that make the whole test and tag process faster. These are the mains one you should consider:

RCD Testing

• Essential for workplaces with safety switches i.e. construction sites. 
• If you don’t have this feature, you won’t be able to test portable RCD’s
  
• Look for a tester that includes an Isolation Transformer

Barcode Scanning

• Re-testing appliances is  much faster – scan a barcode instead of manually entering data
• Really useful for businesses handling 100’s of tests per month

Built-in Printer

• Eliminates handwritten test tags (compliance is easier to track)
• Speeds up testing and tagging significantly for full timers

Battery vs Mains Power

• Battery powered models are more portable (for people on the road)
• Mains-powered models are fine for fixed-location testing
• Look for models that have long battery life and easy recharge options

Are All PAT Testers Easy to Use?

All PAT testers carry out the same core electrical safety tests, but how you actually use them can be very different.

Some models are extremely beginner-friendly, with simple button layouts and icons that clearly show which test you’re about to run. These are perfect if you're just starting out or only testing a few items. Basic appliance testers with one-button push and no data recording are generally less technical. 

Others - especially mid to high-end testers, come with LCD menus, Bluetooth syncing, internal memory, and automation. These features can save loads of time but usually take a little more getting used to, especially if you're not familiar with using tech or software in your work.

Minimum Compliance Requirements

For testing and tagging in Australia, the ability to perform a mains powered leakage test is essential for compliance with AS/NZS 3760 Standard. 

Some cheaper testers use something called a Substitute Leakage Test, which applies a reduced voltage (40V-60V). Doing it this way is NOT compliant to Australian Standard.

Compliant PAT Testers: Touch/Differential Leakage Test 
Non Compliant: Substitute Leakage Test (found in cheaper testers found overseas)

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Buying a PAT Tester

Here is some of the most common mistakes we see when people are buying a portable appliance tester:

Many buyers choose the most expensive kit, assuming it's the best option. But if you're not testing in high volumes, this can be unnecessary and a waste of money. Instead, choose a tester that matches how often and where you'll be testing.

Overlooking Long-Term Needs - If you're planning to expand your testing or grow your business, look for a tester that's upgradeable (like adding a printer or barcode scanner later). Buying a basic tester might save money upfront but could cost more if you need to upgrade within a year.

Choosing a Tester Without Data Storage - writing results by hand might be fine for occasional testing, but it becomes inefficient and error-prone when testing in bulk. Lack of data storage also makes reporting and compliance tracking more difficult.

Ignoring Automation Features - If you're conducting hundreds of tests, manual data entry will cost you hours of productivity. Barcode scanning and automated reporting save time and reduce human error.

Assuming All Testers are Compliant – Some cheaper testers, especially those manufactured overseas, use non-compliant leakage tests. Always check that the tester meets AS/NZS 3760 standards (look for true leakage testing, not substitute tests).

Buying the Cheapest Option Without Research – price alone doesn’t determine the best tester. Some budget options lack critical features like RCD testing or durable design. Consider how the tester will perform in your specific work environment.

Ignoring Portability Requirements – If you're moving between multiple job sites, battery-powered testers are far more practical than mains-powered models. Choose a tester that suits how you'll be using it day to day.

Forgetting About Reporting Requirements – If you need to generate detailed reports for clients or internal compliance, make sure your tester is compatible with PC software. Manual reporting can be a major bottleneck if you need to keep detailed records.

The Testing Envrionment – If you're testing and tagging on construction, mining, or industrial sites, you’ll need a rugged, durable model that can handle harsh conditions. Basic models might not be built for this level of demand. 

Not Checking for Local Support or Warranty – Buying from overseas may mean limited support, warranty issues, or lack of compliance with Australian regulations. Buying with Appliance Testing Supplies ensures you have lifetime technical support that never expires. 

Making the choice

PAT Tester Type	Best For	Key Features
Entry-Level	Small businesses, occasonal testing	Manual recording, basic compliance, affordable
Mid-Range	Regular testing, professionals	Data storage, optional automation, PC software
High-End	Test & Tag businesses, bulk testing, automation	Built-in printers, scanners, wireless syncing

Still unsure? Speak to our one PAT Tester experts from Appliance Testing Supplies for personalised recommendations. 

Ready to Buy a PAT Tester?

We stock Australia’s largest range of PAT testers from brands like Metrel, Seaward, and Wavecom. Whether you're after an entry-level model or a fully automated kit, we've got you covered.

• Expert advice from industry professionals
• Compare all models side-by-side
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