The Best Portable Appliance Testers

PAT tests on Class II portable electrical appliances help to ensure workplaces meet all their safety and proper equipment maintenance requirements. While no country legally requires PAT testing nationally, testing 110V equipment every three months in construction worksites is a standard practice in the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

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1. Fluke 6500-2 PAT Tester 
2. Seaward Primetest 125EL
3. Wavecom TNP 500
4. Metrel DeltaPAT 3309 BT
5. Megger PAT100 series

1. Fluke 6500-2 PAT Tester

The Fluke 6500 Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) is a compact and easy-to-use PAT tester designed to streamline electrical safety testing. The tester features dedicated one-touch buttons for each test, such as earth resistance and insulation checks. With a built-in full QWERTY keyboard, managing and amending stored data is fast and intuitive.

Its internal memory holds up to 1000 test results, all of which can be downloaded directly to a PC, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping. Its backlit graphical LCD display provides clear, easy-to-read information, while help diagrams offer step-by-step guidance during tests. The tester also includes auto-test sequences with pre-programmed PASS/FAIL values. In addition to its core functions, the Fluke 6500 has real-time clock integration, programmable indicators, a compact flash memory card slot for easy data transfer and a hard case for on-the-go use.

Fluke 6500 key features:

• One-touch buttons.
• Large backlit graphical display with help diagrams.
• Full QWERTY keyboard for quick data input and management.
• Stores up to 1000 results with on-site memory review.
• Compact Flash memory card slot for easy data transfer to PC.
• Auto-test sequences with pre-set PASS/FAIL values.
• Real-time clock for accurate time-stamping of results.
• Programmable PASS/FAIL level indicators.
• Single mains socket for appliance connection.
• IEC lead socket for testing extension leads.
• Detachable earth bond test lead for quick changes.
• Built-in site, location, and description codes.
• Integrated carrying handle for easy transportation.

What's included?

• Fluke 6500-2 PAT Tester.
• Hard carrying case.
• Instruction manual.
• Earth test lead.
• Earth test probe.
• Crocodile clip.

2. Seaward Primetest 125 EL

The most affordable PAT tester on the list, the Seaward Primetest 125 EL is designed for electrical testing on the go. t’s an excellent choice for apprentices or those on a budget, thanks to its user-friendly design, which operates with just three push buttons. One of its standout features is the ability to perform Leakage Current testing, which is uncommon for testers at this price range.

With its Pass/Fail indicators, as well as actual readings displayed, the tester is capable of testing Class 1, and Class 2 appliances, as well as extension leads, including surge-protected power boards (MOVs). The Seaward PT125 also has a mains outlet check function. As a battery-powered unit, it's ideal for testing on the go. The device is supplied with all necessary test leads as well as a 1-year warranty.

Seaward Primetest 125 EL key features:

• Single push-button operation.
• Leakage Current Testing capability (rare in this price range).
• Battery-powered for increased portability.
• Pass/Fail indication and actual readings for clarity.
• Test sequences for faster, more efficient testing.
• Capable of testing leads and power boards (including surge protection).
• Mains outlet check functionality.
• 1-year warranty for product assurance.

What's included?

• 240V Extension Lead Adaptor.
• Earth Bond Lead.
• Certificate of Conformity.
• Manual.
• Batteries.

3. Wavecom TNP 500 

Ready for the big leagues? The Wavecom TnP-500 is an all-in-one appliance testing kit designed for high-volume testing and multi-site operations. This device automates the entire test-and-tag process with its built-in thermal transfer printer, allowing you to print durable tags onsite with your logo and other essential information—no more manual writing! The tags are printed within seconds, using resin ribbon, which is able to withstand harsh environments.

Another major improvement over previous models is the addition of battery power, eliminating the need for an Isolation Transformer when testing RCDs. With its high capacity for storing up to 5,000 results (expandable to 20,000), the TnP-500 records and automatically stores key data such as site details, asset numbers, and serial numbers.

While the TnP-500 may come at a higher price point due to the lithium-ion battery, this advanced model is specifically designed for professionals who require durability in high-volume environments. 

Wavecom TnP-500 key features:

• Fully automated test-and-tag process for faster, more efficient testing.
• Built-in thermal transfer printer for quick, durable tag printing.
• Battery-powered for increased portability and ease of use.
• No need for an Isolation Transformer to test RCDs.
• High storage capacity: 5,000 results standard, with optional upgrade to 20,000.
• Stores key details like site, make, model, location, and serial number.
• Ability to print up to four logos on each tag at no extra cost.
• QWERTY keyboard for fast data input.
• Durable tags suited to harsh environments.
• Suitable for high-volume and multi-site testing.

What's included?

• Generation 4 Wavecom TnP Appliance Tester (with memory).
• WinPATs Premium Software.
• Barcode scanner.
• Thermal printer.
• 1 FREE roll of 500 printable tags.
• 1 FREE roll of thermal ribbon.
• QWERTY keyboard.
• Heavy-duty carrying case.
• Earth bond lead.
• 240V extension lead adaptor.
• Calibration certificate.
• Instruction manual.

4. Metrel DeltaPAT 3309 BT

The Metrel DeltaPAT 3309 BT is a portable, lightweight appliance tester. Its large, easy-to-read LCD screen and side light indicators make it user-friendly—flashing green for a passed item and red for a failed item. With an internal memory that can store up to 1,500 test results, the device is perfect for professionals who need efficient, on-the-go testing. Ideal for compliance with AS/NZS 3760 testing standards, the DeltaPAT 3309 BT simplifies the process with one-button testing and the ability to conduct RCD tests

One of its standout features is its Bluetooth functionality, which enables automatic data logging and connectivity with a label printer. The tester also allows data export to a PC for creating detailed test reports using the PATlink PRO software (with an optional Android version available for purchase). 

Metrel DeltaPAT 3309 BT key features:

• Large, easy-to-read LCD screen.
• Side light indicator: green for pass, red for fail.
• Internal memory stores up to 1,500 test results.
• Data export to a PC for creating test reports.
• Bluetooth functionality for data logging and printer connectivity.
• Lightweight, handheld design for portability.
• Comes with PATlink PRO software (Android version optional).
• Compatible with label printers for professional tag creation.
• Soft carry case included for easy transport.
• One-button testing for fast, easy operation.
• Conducts all tests required by AS/NZS 3760, including RCD testing.

What's included?

• Metrel DeltaPAT 3309 BT Appliance Tester.
• PATlink PRO Software.
• Soft carry case.
• Bluetooth connectivity.
• Compatible with label printers (sold separately).

5. Megger PAT100 series 

We've been a bit cheeky here and included three options, as the Megger PAT100 Series offers a range of portable appliance testers with simple pass/fail indications, measurement options, and robust designs. The series includes three models—PAT120, PAT150, and PAT150R. Built for durability and ease of use, the testers feature rubber-armoured casings with toughened, scratch-proof glass, making them ideal for on-site or in-van use. These testers are battery-powered with an optional rechargeable version for the PAT150R, perfect for locations without an electrical supply. 

The PAT120 is a reliable, entry-level tester that supports Class I, Class II, and extension/power lead testing with fixed pass limits. It includes 250V and 500V insulation testing, making it suitable for IT and surge-protected equipment. For more advanced testing, the PAT150 model offers additional features such as Portable RCD (PRCD) testing, separate tests for continuity and insulation, and substitute leakage testing. The PAT150R is the rechargeable version of the PAT150.

Megger PAT100 Series key features:

• Rubber-armoured casing with toughened, scratch-proof glass.
• Simple Pass/Fail Indication.
• A rechargeable option available with PAT150R.
• Class I, Class II, and Extension Lead Testing.
• Insulation Testing: 250V and 500V options for safe IT and surge-protected device testing.
• Substitute leakage testing: Standard on all models.
• Portable RCD Testing (PAT150, PAT150R): 10 mA and 30 mA testing for PRCDs.
• Adjustable PASS Limits (PAT150, PAT150R).
• Earth Bond Continuity, Earth Leakage, and Touch Current Tests: Available on PAT150 and PAT150R.
• Mains Powered Leakage Testing: Only on PAT150 and PAT150R.
• Protective outer casing.

What's included (by model):

• Earth bond continuity test functionality.
• Insulation testing (250V, 500V).
• Substitute leakage test functionality.
• Earth leakage and touch current tests (PAT150, PAT150R).
• Portable RCD testing (PAT150, PAT150R).
• Rechargeable battery option (PAT150R).

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