FAQ

The printer has not sensed the labels properly. This could be because the labels are not properly installed. Open the printer and check that labels are in the guides.

The printer could be out of labels/ribbon or the memory is confused. Check labels, ribbon and turn off for one minute and back on.

It may be out of label or ribbons. Open printer, check and replace as necessary. If this does not work, try turning the whole device off and on again.

Test equipment supplied via Metrotest will normally have a 2-year warranty. Accessories such as scanners and printers 12 months.

Test results need to be reliable or else a pass may not actually be a pass. Therefore, a calibration check and adjustment (where necessary), should normally be done for most peoples’ test equipment and this will likely be every 12 months.

Call us first, maybe we can solve the problem over the phone, but if not we can most likely fix it – we fix and calibrate more testers (all the common makes and models) than anyone else in New Zealand.  If you have purchased from us then we will also endeavour to give you a loan tester to keep you working.

Our PAT testers are very easy for a ‘Competent’ person to use so normally we do not need to show anyone in person.  Talking through ‘how to’ via telephone support is very common and if necessary we do have our own testing technicians and trainers around New Zealand if face to face is required, so if necessary we can.

You will need to carry out a manual RCD test. Firstly test the multibox using test code 168 for a IT/surge type multibox. If it passes this test select; Manual Tests , RCD, 15mA test option. Contact us for free if you need further advice.

Yes you do. If the test lead is not connected the tester will not give a correct reading, you could potentially pass an appliance that should fail this test.

Check that there is a good connection between your test lead and the metal you are measuring to. If it is dirty or corroded you can see sparking. If you have doubts about proceeding with tests seek further advise.

Yes. There are special requirements for areas like patient treatment areas, hospitals etc, along with boat marinas and areas classified as hazardous also require specific training and EWRB electrical registration along with a current Practicing Licence.

Equipment found in a normal workplace, including 3-Phase equipment can be tested by a ‘Competent’ person with sufficient skill and the right test equipment. If, however, equipment needs to be dismantled for the testing then an EWRB registered electrical person with a current Practicing Licence is required to do the testing.

Our staff can repair equipment though this is not normally done except where it has been agreed prior to testing commencing. We like to be seen to be operating an ‘independent’ testing service – therefore it works better if we do not repair what we fail.

Whether it be testing and tagging of your equipment or training people in how to test their own equipment; our staff, both testing technicians and trainers, are located around New Zealand, so we are easily able to provide nationwide services.

‘Real’ testing in an easy environment with an average range of equipment tested will likely cost you between $3.00-$5.00 per item plus a possible site charge.  The number of appliances on any site and the speed to test these will affect the price and if there is only a small number of items to be tested then there may be a minimum charge.

No.  Test labels and ribbons need to match; otherwise the you may get a very poor print result on your labels.  The temperature of the printer head on your printer (which may not be easily changed) can also affect the quality and different printers require different heat settings.

Generally no, this depends on the set up of the equipment and the workplace environment. Refer to AS/NZS 3760 for definitions of hostile and non-hostile environments. Quite often offices should only be tagged for 12 months.

The testing Standard AS/NZ S3760: 2010 states that failed equipment should be withdrawn from service and labelled ‘Do not use’ and sent for repair or destruction.

Any mains operated appliance that is not permanently wired into a building will normally require testing and tagging, this includes 3-Phase equipment and 110 Volt equipment.

Laptops/tablets, battery tools and equipment do not need testing themselves, but their charger/power supply unit will still require testing.

An average test from start to finish, including fitting the tag and leaving the item as found, will likely take 3-4 minutes (this is where the tags are automatically produced straight from the test results).

On-line courses are designed for retraining only and will work well for this purpose. There will, however, always be ‘different and extra’ in our face to face training courses because of the interaction from other trainees on the course.metrotest