PAT Tester Buyer’s Guide

At Alpha Electronics, we understand that selecting the right PAT tester can feel overwhelming. With so many models on the market—each offering various features, test types, and connectivity options—it's easy to lose sight of what you actually need.

Whether you're a facilities manager, duty holder, or PAT testing contractor, our goal is simple: to make your purchasing decision easier, with a comprehensive guide covering every type of tester from trusted brands like Megger, Seaward, Metrel, Martindale, and Kewtech.

Where to Start: Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Before diving into product specs, it helps to reflect on a few fundamental questions. Your answers will quickly narrow down the best PAT testers for your use case:

Question	Why It Matters	Where to Look
What’s your budget?	Helps avoid overspending or underinvesting.	Under £500: Section 1 & 2 £500–£1000: Section 2 & 3 £1000+: Section 4
How many tests will you perform per year?	Volume determines the need for storage, downloading, or app integration.	<100: Section 1 100–500: Section 1 & 3 500–1500: Section 3 & 4 1500+: Section 4
Do you need a portable or mains tester?	Testing in the field vs testing in a static location affects your power needs.	Battery Only: Section 1 Battery & Mains: Section 3 & 4 Mains Only: Section 2 & 4
How will you record results?	Downloading and apps can save time if logging large volumes.	Manual: Section 1 & 2 Basic Download: Section 3 Advanced: Section 4
Do you need specific testing features?	Features like Flash or RCD testing may be essential depending on equipment types.	Earth Continuity/Insulation: Section 1 & 3 230V Load: Section 2–4 Flash/RCD/110V: Section 2–4

Product Categories at a Glance

We've broken down PAT testers into four core categories, starting with the most basic options:

1. Section 1: Entry-Level Testers & PACs (Pass/Fail)

2. Section 2: Mid-Range Non-Downloadable Testers

3. Section 3: Downloadable Testers for Moderate Volume

4. Section 4: Advanced PAT Testers for High Volume/Complex Sites

   
   

Section 1: Entry-Level PAT Testers & PACs

If you're just starting out or only need to test a small number of appliances, this section is for you. Ideal for small businesses, charities, schools, and landlords.

📋 PACs vs Basic PAT Testers

Feature	PAC Checkers (e.g. BattPAT, Primetest 50)	Basic PAT Testers (e.g. EZYPAT, PAT120, HPAT550)
Pass/Fail Indicators	✅	✅ + Readings
Test Readings Shown	❌	✅
Rechargeable	Mixed	Mostly ✅
Insulation Tests	Basic	250/500V
Earth Bond Test	~150-200mA	200mA
RCD / Leakage / Advanced Features	❌	Some models ✅
Best for	One-off or occasional users	Light regular testers

Popular Entry-Level Units Available at Alpha Electronics:

Model	Key Features
BattPAT	Rechargeable, UK-made, LED indicators
Seaward Primetest 50	5th Edition compliant, 3-button control
Kewtech EZYPAT	Earth, insulation, leakage tests
Martindale HPAT550	Lightweight, rechargeable
Seaward Primetest 100	Industry standard, UK-built
Martindale HPAT650	200 stored results
Megger PAT120	Rugged design, scratch-proof screen

Section 2: Mid-Level PAT Testers (Non-Downloadable)

Stepping up, these testers include RCD testing, 110V/230V load tests, and more. Ideal for on-site workshop or mobile contractors needing more detailed functionality—but who don't yet need downloading.

Models Built for Moderate Volume or Dual Voltage Use

Model	Supply	Flash/RCD	110V Compatible	Case Included
Kewtech EZYPAT Plus	Battery & Mains	❌ / ❌	✅	✅
Megger PAT150	Battery & Mains	❌ / ✅	❌	✅
Megger PAT150R	Rechargeable	❌ / ✅	❌	✅
Megger PAT320	Mains	✅ / ✅	✅	✅
Megger PAT350	Mains + Flash Test	✅ / ✅	✅	✅

Section 3: Mid-Level Downloadable PAT Testers

When your testing workload starts to grow, downloadable options with USB, Bluetooth, or app support are well worth the investment. Perfect for small teams, large buildings, or contractors testing 500+ assets.

App & Download Compatible Units

Model	Storage	App Support	RCD/Load Test	Software
MemoryPAT	Basic USB	❌	❌	Basic Utility
MemoryPAT Blu	Basic Bluetooth	Android	❌	Basic Utility
Metrel GammaPAT Lite	1500 records	❌	❌	Optional PATLink
GammaPAT Pro	1500+ w/Software	❌	❌	PATLink PC Included
Seaward Primetest 250+	999 results	❌	✅	Basic
Kewtech SMARTPAT	Uses App to control	iOS/Android	✅ incl. 110V	KEWPAT App
Metrel DeltaPAT MI3309BT	Fully featured	Android App	✅	PATLink

Section 4: High-Level PAT Testers (Advanced, Downloadable, App-Based)

High-volume contractors, manufacturers, and facilities teams—this section is for you. These testers often include built-in memory, asset management, barcode scanning, QR label printing, and full risk assessment capabilities.

🧪 Full Feature Models with Software & Accessories

Model	Memory	Printer/Scanner Compatible	Built-in Camera	Flash Test
Seaward Apollo 400+	2,000	✅	❌	❌
Apollo 500+	10,000	✅	❌	❌
Apollo 600+	50,000 + Photos	✅	✅	❌
Megger PAT410	USB & QWERTY	✅	❌	❌
Megger PAT420	110V+Advanced	✅	❌	❌
Megger PAT450	All of PAT420 + Flash	✅	❌	✅
Metrel OmegaPAT MI3360	Advanced Medical/Welding Testing	✅	❌	✅
Kewtech SMARTPAT Pro Kit	Operated via App	✅	App Based	❌

PAT Training & Calibration

Need training or calibration? Alpha Electronics offers both:

• PAT Training: Online and in-house courses available.

• PAT Calibration: Fast-turnaround servicing from our UK-wide calibration centres.

Recording Test Results

If you’re using a manual tester, you can still log results easily using:

• PAT Register Books

• Certificate Pads

• Digital Logging Apps

These are ideal for staying compliant and organised without needing downloadable testers.

PAT Testing Apps

Many testers are now app-compatible. These offer:

• Wireless data transfer

• Custom test sequences

• PDF reporting

• Barcode scanning

Popular apps include:

• Seaward PATMobile

• Kewtech KEWPAT

• Metrel PATLink

Need More Help?

Contact the expert team at Alpha Electronics to talk through your requirements or arrange a product demo.