The vast number of PAT testing machines on the market makes the choice of which one is right for you an almost impossible decision to make. This is especially the case if you are new to PAT testing or if old equipment needs updating. It is very easy to become confused as to which is the right one for your needs.
At PAT Testers we aim to help all our customers to make the perfect decision, so this is the first instalment of our miniseries on how to choose a PAT tester. In each of the instalments we will look at different considerations to take into account before making the final decision.
The first consideration must be budget. Limits are important and it is no good buying a tester that is completely out of your price range and unaffordable. Setting and sticking to a budget is a wise starting point in choosing your pat testing machine. Try to buy the best tester that you can afford.
Another important consideration must be how many appliance tests you are going to carry out. This is important as you may need a tester with more advanced capabilities if you are going to be carrying out large quantities of testing.
It is also important to consider the type of testing you are going to be completing. If, for instance, 110v industrial equipment is going to be a big factor in your testing contracts and/or business, this should be considered when deciding which tester to choose.
If your testing is only going to consist of a few items tested at irregular intervals, then it would be unwise to invest in a top-of-the-range, expensive tester. However, if you are going to be starting your own business, already have a business or think your business may quickly develop to complete large contracts, then you may need to invest in a more advanced tester that will be capable of dealing with large amounts of testing.
The most important initial factor is to consider all your circumstances and requirements before making the final decision.
We will be back next week with our second instalment of how to choose a PAT tester, discussing equipment differences between basic pass/fail testers and more advanced machines.
