How to choose a PAT tester
By Grant, Inspection Tool Specialists. Reviewed November 2026.
Three things decide which portable appliance tester (PAT tester) you need: how many appliances you test and how often, which tests your procedure requires (for example earth continuity, insulation and leakage), and whether you need records stored or printed. Answer those first.
What a PAT tester does
A PAT tester checks an appliance's safety by testing its earth continuity, insulation resistance and leakage current, and often its polarity and load. The tests your procedure requires decide the instrument. Results should be recorded against each appliance so the test history can be followed.
Which tester?
| Need | Instrument | Typical in our range |
|---|---|---|
| Routine PAT testing, earth and insulation | PAT tester | PCE-ITE 55A PAT tester |
| PAT testing with more functions | PAT tester | PCE-ITE 50 PAT tester |
| Earth resistance and PAT combined | PAT and earth resistance tester | PCE-ET 3000 PAT meter and earth resistance tester |
Procedure and records
Your procedure sets the test limits, the frequency of testing and the labelling of appliances. Keep the test records, and check that the tester is calibrated and that its test leads and probes are in good condition before each batch.
Price guide
As a guide to our current range, including VAT: PAT testers from about R15,600 to R25,500. Prices change, so check the product pages and confirm the leads, software and calibration each quote includes.
Questions we will ask you
Tell us how many appliances you test and how often, the tests your procedure requires, whether you test on site or in a workshop, whether you need records stored, printed or exported, and the standard you follow. With that we can recommend a tester and provide pricing.