Often you will see companies reviewing portable appliance testers (PATs) especially the big players (you can find Metrotests 2024 tester reviews here). But it isn’t often that you see reviews and comparisons of one of the most important addons or accessories associated with testers; Printers.
Metrotest has been testing tagging and using different testers and printer setups for over two decades so we have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. When it comes to printers’ usability and functionality Metrotest has got you covered.
It should be stated first that printers aren’t just a one size fits all and many printers are designed for specific testers in mind but some printers do in fact work across different testers and platforms. It’s also worth noting that some printers have been specifically set up to work with different testers when companies have collaborated with different manufacturers. So just because it appears that only one printing option works with a tester, doesn’t mean it is the case. With our vast experience be sure to give us a call if you are wondering what options for printers are available for your tester.
- Intermec C4/PC4 Printer
This printer is an old robust printer that some users are still using to this day with companies still supplying ribbons and labels which Metrotest offers here. This printer is no longer produced but you can still pick up a fairly good second-hand model with still a lot of life in it. That Metrotest still gets these printers in for maintenance and refurbishment is a testament to their longevity and how popular they were.
This thermal transfer printer was designed to work with a range of different PATs including brands like Seaward and Metrel, particularly the Metrel Alpha and Beta PATs. They are of course showing their age as there isn’t any wireless or Bluetooth capability, purely your pesky cables.
As we said this is a thermal transfer printer so you will be using a ribbon and thermal tags which can print off all your necessary details including your detailed user information. While in 2024 we wouldn’t really recommend using this printer, if you are looking for a cheap workaround on a budget and you can find a decent second-hand model it may be worth looking into as a temporary solution.
- SATO CG2 Printer
This printer was designed and manufactured by the well-known brand SATO and has been heavily used by Metrotest in the past and we still offer continuous support and backup for this printer. You can still purchase ribbons and tags for this particular printer which is handy, especially if you are doing a lot of testing and wanting that efficiency.
As a thermal transfer printer, it works very similar to our previously mentioned PC4 printer but with a more modern design with even wireless capabilities as well as a USB connection. It’s worth noting that there are actually two variations available; the Direct thermal type (CG208DT and CG212DT) and the thermal transfer type (CG208TT and CG212TT), both having similar functionality. This printer has been used not only by Metrotest but many customers because of its reliability and the accessories that are available with it. It will function with a scanner for those who want that functionality and offers a cutter that can be attached to the front of the printer for those after serious printing capabilities!
Across the board, the SATO CG2 works well with many modern testers including Metrel and Sonel PAT and has been used heavily with the Metrel Alpha and Beta PAT models as well as the Sonel iPAT. In regards to servicing, this printer can be a little bit tricky to change its ribbon, but once you’ve done it a few times it won’t be a problem. Be sure if you do install a cutter accessory that you also regularly clean it as the glue residue from the tags can build up over time.
All around this is a good fit for beginners and advanced users alike with plenty of support still available for it.
- Godex RT200 Label Printer
Metrotest only has good things to say about this printer and is a good example of how Metrotest is a leading innovator in the electrical safety test and tag industry, being the first to work with the Taiwanese manufacturer to bring this printer to the market for PATs with other companies now following suit.
This direct thermal transfer printer is an excellent solution for any advanced user performing testing and needing a sleek setup, with Metrotest using them currently nationwide in our test and tag division. It would be considered one of the most advanced printers on the market with wireless capability for easy use and accessibility; none of those pesky cables are required. This printer again has a range of available accessories including scanner functionality and cutter capabilities for those wanting those upgrade options in the future.
Those who love Metrel and using the Metrel DeltaPAT MI3309 will be happy to know that you won’t have any issues using this printer. It also works with older models like the Metrel AphlaPAT MI2142 and all versions of the Sonel Metro iPATs. We don’t see this printer going anywhere anytime soon and is a really good option for those looking for reliability and wanting to future-proof their needs. A solid must-have for any advanced user.
- Godex MX20 Label/Tag Printer
We would be hard-pressed if we didn’t mention this amazing little Printer. Unlike the others on our list, it isn’t as large and is also battery-operated, great for the on-the-go user. We often steer clear of smaller printers as they normally struggle with reliability issues and are often more of a gimmick than an actual real practical solution, especially if you are carrying out even a medium number of tests. It’s not the case with the Godex MX20 though, an awesome little wireless direct thermal printer that will in fact make the user testing process more of a breeze than a headache. An added perk is that this printer works well with Sonel’s free reporting software, Sonel PAT Analysis Mobile.
The labels printed provide all the necessary user details, including detailed test results and an optional QR code. The downside with this well-thought-out printer is currently it only works with several models of PAT testers but Metrotest is working on getting it usable with more testers in the future so keep an eye out for that.
So that’s a few printer options available for 2024. It is by no means exhaustive and you should be sure to check out whatever PAT tester you are thinking about buying, and what printing options are available with it (if any at all). When considering a printer make sure to consider a few things:
- Does the printer offer wireless capabilities?
- What type of labels does it/can it use as well as the cost per label?
- The usability of the printer (how easy is it to set up with a PAT and does it allow for easy mobility)?
- What support is available for the printer (not every company is equal when it comes to this)?
If you ask these questions before getting a printer, you’re less likely to get stuck with a dud and get something that will be usable for years to come. Still have questions regarding printers, or perhaps you would like to know more about a printer we didn’t mention, be sure to give us a call today at 0800 638 768 or 1800 789 973 and we will be happy to discuss any printing-related questions with you further.
Safe testing everyone!