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The Best Portable Appliance Testers (PATs) to Buy in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

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Looking to buy a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) in 2025 but not sure which one to pick? With so many options out there, it can get pretty overwhelming. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re an electrician, a business owner, or just someone who wants to stay safe, we’ve rounded up the best PAT testers that combine performance, ease of use, and value for money which is important for those on a tight 2025 budget. Here’s what you need to know about the top picks for this year!

As in previous years, lets break it down into several important categories relating to 2025 when it comes to what testers make the list.

We are mainly going to be looking at several categories:  

functionality, 

upgradability, 

serviceability 

and of course, the price!

 

This by no means is an exhaustive list and perhaps you are looking for different features but hopefully this points you in the right direction!

 1. Mero iPAT 2

 

Best for: People Who Want the administration features for large volumes of testing

First up, we’ve got the Mero iPAT 2. This one’s for anyone serious about testing and wants the functionality with endless administration features. If you are a medium to large company this tester gives you scalability and features that can be created for your preferences. 

If you want custom test codes for your appliances in your workplace, simple. You need to create a safety checklist before you start work for your needs, no problem.

Key Features:

  • Super Easy to Use: Easy to use touch screen with button functionality. Endless uses for data and administration features are very customizable. 
  • Ungradable and Scalable: It can come in several packages with a simple-to-use printer set-up. Can be used for 3-phase needs and is one of the only testers on the market modified for medical testing in accordance with the AS/NZS 3551.
  • Speed of Testing: Speed and efficiency is in mind with this tester and are used in Metrotest’s test and tag division performing thousands of tests per month.
  • Price: For what you are getting the price is reasonable, but to take advantage of all the features it is more suitable for those needing to do a serious amount of testing. You will be looking at $3500-$5000
  • Serviceability: Great service available which can be serviced within New Zealand- doesn’t need to be sent to the manufacture for repair. 

Who is it for:  The Metro iPAT 2 is for those doing large volumes of testing or needing the administration features or requiring specific testing like 3-phase testing or medical testing in accordance to the AS/NZS 3551. 

 2. Sonel EasiPAT 10

Best for: Small to Medium Jobs, great for tradies and schools!

If you don’t need something with all the features but still covers all the bases, with upgradable options for when your needs change, then this little tester could work for you!

Key Features:

  • Easy to Operate: The interface is designed to be intuitive, so you can jump right in. With options for simplified use for hire companies. Simple push-button functionality with great safety features-flashing red and green lights. 
  • Ungradable and Scalable: There are multiple options available, including for different use cases like hire or 3-phase options. Of course, it comes with printer options too. 
  • Speed of Testing:: Great for those who want to use hand-written tags or using a printer for doing 100-200 tests in a testing period. It is battery-operated and can perform 10 amp earth continuity test which is a huge plus.
  • Price: Depending on the model you are after you can look at between $2000-3000.  
  • Serviceability: Great service available which can be serviced within New Zealand- doesn’t need to be sent to the manufacturer for repair. 

Who is it for:  The EasiPAT 10 is for anyone needing to get a small to medium number of tests done but may be unsure what their needs will be in the future and wants the option to upgrade if their needs change. A hard-hitting little tester for any environment! 

 

3. Metrel DeltaPAT

Best for: Those Who Need a Reliable, All-Rounder Tester

Next up is the Metrel Delta PAT. If you want something that can handle a variety of tests, from basic to more complex, the Delta PAT is a solid choice. It’s reliable, and offers everything you need for both light and medium-duty testing.

Key Features:

  • Easy to Operate:: It has an easy simple push button operation which is easy to pick up even for newbies. It has wide use throughout New Zealand which means many people have been trained to use it. 
  • Ungradable and Scalable: It does have upgradable options available, but they are limited options and while it can do 3-phase testing it is a bit clumsy. 
  • Speed of Testing:: Great for those again looking at doing 100-200 tests with printable tag options in a testing period but it is a little deceptive in its speed. It fits between the EasiPAT 10 and Metro iPAT 2, but isn’t designed really for those wanting to do a serious amount of testing, even if it comes across that way. It is battery-operated but can’t perform a 10amp earth bond test- a big negative.
  • Price: Depending on the model you are after you can look at a model between $2000-3000.  
  • Serviceability: Mixed here. While Metrotest can service them, other providers may say they can but in reality, they have to go back to the manufacturer for repair. Calibrations aren’t the same as service and repairs.  

Who is it for:  The Metrel Delta PAT is not a bad choice for beginners as long as you buy from a supplier that can give you the support and service you need when you need it. May not be the best fit for those looking at doing thousands of tests in a testing period. 

 

4. Kyoritsu 6205

Best for: Budget-Conscious Testers Who Don’t Want to Sacrifice Performance

The Kyoritsu 6205 is a surprising value for money and great for those really on a budget in 2025. Its size really is a neat feature, actually being hand-held. 

Key Features:

  • Easy to Operate:: It has easy push button use with clear indications of each test on each button. 
  • Ungradable and Scalable: It has limited upgradable options so if you just want to use it for hand-written tags it could be a good option. It can be upgraded to work with a printer but may be difficult to find a supplier who offers the upgrade.
  • Speed of Testing:: Again, for those looking at small numbers of tests, this tester could be a good choice but it isn’t suitable for those needing to perform large numbers of tests. It is battery-operated which is a plus too. 
  • Price: For a more budget-friendly option you can get this basic tester under $2000.   
  • Serviceability: It may be difficult to get it correctly serviced. Although, it is very reliable and a big step up from the previous designs from the Kyoritsu brand so it shouldn’t give you any trouble for a long time.    

Who is it for:  This budget-friendly tester is a firm choice for those who may really be on a budget and looking for a simple, cost-effective solution to their needs.  

5. Seaward Primetest Pro

Best for: Semi-Professionals or larger Companies Who Need Something Fast and Reliable

Finally, the Seaward Primetest Pro is a professional-grade PAT tester that’s built for those who are looking at doing a lot of testing and desire a strong level of administration features for when you need to perform a heavier number of tests. 

Key Features:

  • Easy to Operate:: It can be a bit trickier getting use to this tester for beginners as all the buttons can feel a little overwhelming. However, once you get used to it and the layout it can be a good tester to use.
  • Ungradable and Scalable: It has limited upgradable options but that is because it comes with most of the features you are going to need. Printer options for this tester are available too. 
  • Speed of Testing:: As mentioned, it can have a steeper learning curve, but after this, you can perform a reasonable number of tests per hour with this tester.
  • Price: If you are on a budget, it may not be the best choice, being between $2400-$5000 depending on your setup.
  • Serviceability: It may be difficult to get it serviced if something goes wrong and you need it fixed quick. However, it is a well-established brand and you should be able to find several companies that will service it if required. 

Who is it for:  For those who think they will most likely need to perform larger numbers of testing with a wide range of administration features required. It is in the medium/upper level of PAT testers performance and capability. 

Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?

It is entirely up to you, but we would say do your own research so that you can find the best fit for you or your company. These are just our picks and you may agree or disagree and have another tester in mind which is totally okay. 

If you have any questions on any tester you are researching or eyeing up, feel free to give us a call on 0800 638 768 and we will be happy to help answer any questions you may have. Just a few things to keep in mind though when looking for a tester:

  1. Does it meet the requirements of the AS/NZS 3760: 2022. Some PAT testers now don’t so be careful if you are looking at a second-hand option.
  2. Does it meet my testing needs. E.g. if I need to do 3-phase testing, can it?
  3. Is it upgradable if my needs change? 

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Want to learn about testing and what to look for in a tester before actually taking or committing money to get trained? Why not try our free Health and Safety Managers Standards course ( https://www.metrotest.co.nz/product/safety-managers-course/)  which will give you all the basics about what to expect from test and tagging whether you do it yourself or use a third party? 

What are you waiting for, it’s free!

Happy testing in 2025 everyone!

 

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What Is the Difference Between RCD and PRCD?

Electricity powers the things we use in our day to day lives and is all around us. It powers our lights, electric stoves, computers, televisions, and even the internet. Electricity is a type of energy that results from charged particles like an electron or proton, and can be accumulated (static), or dynamic (current).

In order for our homes and establishments to be powered and connected to power, electricity must first be at power stations, which are large spinning turbines that generate electricity. These maybe renewable, using water, wind and solar power, or non-renewable, which is the most common, using coal and other fossil fuels. This electric current produced is then sent through a transformer, that can then increase voltage in order to help with the distance that needs to be covered in order to reach a certain place.

This electrical charge is carried by transmission lines that are spread out across long distances. Once it finishes with the transmission lines, it then goes to a substation, where voltage can be lowered as it will then be sent to smaller power lines. This is then sent through distribution lines connected commercially or in private establishments and homes.

Electricity reaches these places and passes through a meter, which is the tool for measuring the amount of electricity used in the establishment. In these establishments, electricity flows and travels through the wires and is then regulated by outlets and switches, which helps power whatever you need!

How electricity flows, Solar Schools

More than often, accidents happen because of the non-regulation of the flow of electricity in establishments. Injuries and electrical fires can be sustained by touching live wires and the blowing up of fuses and circuit breakers. When not careful, electrocution may occur due to the unsuspected cuts in the wires in our bathrooms, living rooms, and even lawns!

What Is a Residual Current Device?

Thankfully enough, there is a device that helps regulate and protect the flow of electricity, and that is a Residual Current Device (RCD).  An RCD is designed to prevent electric shock and may also provide protection against fires caused by electricity. It generally gives another layer of comfort in addition to circuit breakers and fuses. This safety device automatically turns of electricity once it detects a fault.

How RCD’s Work

This RCD does all this by monitoring electric current flow in the circuits it protects. When it detects electricity flowing through a different, or an unintended path, the RCD will automatically turn of the circuit, reducing fatal risks. It quickly and automatically disconnects a circuit if it detects that electric current if not balanced between supply and return conductors of a circuit.  If there is indeed a difference, a leakage current is assumed, and this is a hazard in itself.

Double pole RCDs disconnect both energized and return conductors when a fault is seen, while single pole RCDs only disconnect the energized conductor. If the fault left the return wire in a ground potential that isn’t the expected one, the single pole RCD will leave the conductor still connected to the circuit when it detects a fault. These devices can be tested and are resettable, as a test button can create a safe small leakage condition, and the reset button reconnects the conductors after the fixing of the damage or fault.

What Are RCD’s for?

RCDs aim to protect you from the risks and dangers in areas that have huge potentials for electric anomalies like bathrooms. They aim to protect the user, rather than focusing entirely on the device that might be damaged. There are many types of RCDs, such as a fixed RCD, a socket-outlet RCD, and a Portable RCD. Fixed and socket-outlet RCDs are the most common types.

A fixed RCD is installed in a fuse box and protects a circuit or a group of circuits. Similar to a fixed RCD, a socket-outlet RCD is also fixed, but instead of being installed at the fuse box, it is used in replacement to a normal socket-outlet, and provides protection to the person in contact with the device being plugged in or out.

A Fixed Residual Current Device

What Is a Portable Residual Current Device?

Portable RCDs (PRCDs), on the other hand, have the advantages of both the fixed RCD and the socket outlet RCD. A PRCD can be plugged into any type or standard socket-outlet. Aside from that, it can also have appliances plugged into it. PRCDs are advantageous because they are proven useful when neither a fixed nor socket outlet RCDs are available.

Advantages of a PRCD

A PRCD has all the benefits of a fixed or a normal RCD, but with the advantage of being portable, meaning you can bring it and use the device wherever you want! PRCDs provide protection to the person in contact with the concerned equipment or appliance.

It is unlikely that people testing will not need an RCD tester so when purchasing a new PAT it obviously makes sense to add this in.

Metrotest sells RCD Testers designed to help electricians and limited license holders – including individuals in the test and tag industry. They were established in 1998 and are a famous electrical safety company in both New Zealand and Australia. Find RCD Testers at Metrotest today!

PRCD Testers from Metrotest

RCD Testers from Metrotest

Reducing the risk of a faulty RCD can increase the protection of your home against potential electrical fire and circuit damage. That’s why it helps to use a RCD Tester. Check out the Sonel Metro EasiPAT and learn how this effective appliance can you help you.