Seaward Primetest 125 EL Review

Primetest 125 EL Appliance TesterPros – One of the most affordable PAT Testers in Australia. Battery powered for portability. Now includes Leakage Current Testing. Fast, simple three-button operation. 

Cons – Doesn’t have 250V Insulation testing instead uses a leakage test at 240V. No RCD Testing. No memory storage or upgrade options. 

The Bottom Line – If you're after an ultra-affordable PAT Tester that gets the basics done quickly, the 125 EL is a practical and no-fuss choice. It’s perfect for occasional testers, tradespeople tagging their own equipment, or anyone needing a lightweight unit that meets Australian Standards without overcomplicating things. That’s exactly why it  remains one of the most popular models under $1000.

Key Features of Primetest 125 EL

The Seaward Primetest 125 EL has become a go-to choice for people new to the industry and budget-conscious buyers across Australia. Originally developed as an upgrade to the well-known Primetest 125, the EL version adds Leakage Current testing - significantly boosting its capabilities while still staying in the entry-level price range.

At just 0.8kg and running on 6 x AA batteries, the Primetest 125 EL is one of the only testers under $1000 with true cordless portability. It’s ideal for mobile tradies or office users who don’t want to be tied to a power outlet. Battery life typically lasts a few months under normal use, and replacements are inexpensive. But its true reliability is exactly why it  remains one of the most popular models under $1000.

Seaward Primetest 125 EL - Push operation
 

Battery Powered & Portability

While most portable appliance testers in this price bracket require mains power, the 125 EL runs entirely on six AA batteries - making it ideal for testing in the field, on site, or in locations without reliable access to power. Likewise, it now includes a semi-rigid case as standard which is a handy addition (it previously had no cover or case by default).

Battery life will depend on how often you use it, but for most users, a fresh set should last several months. While rechargeable batteries would be a bonus, it’s hard to complain at this price point - especially given the added convenience of true portability.

Primetest 125 EL Review

Straightforward 3-button Testing

There's no menu, no scrolling and no complicated setup. Just three buttons:

  • CL I – for Class I and extension leads
  • CL II – for Class II items
  • LKG – for Leakage Current testing

Each button runs the associated test automatically. Once complete, the appliance tester displays your actual measurement and a clear PASS or FAIL on screen.

Leakage Current Testing Included

This is a key addition over the original Primetest 125 model. Having Leakage Current testing brings the 125 EL into line with compliance expectations for many basic electrical environments, giving it a real edge in the entry-level market.

Crisp LCD Screen

The screen is clear and easy to read, with results shown in large text alongside a clear PASS or FAIL result.

Like Seaward’s PAC3760 DL, the 125 EL uses acronyms to represent different tests - for example, ‘rpe’ for Earth Continuity or ‘riso’ for Insulation Resistance. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but most users get used to the abbreviations quickly.

Compare To Similar Units

How it Performs in the Field

In light-use settings - like small businesses, schools, offices, and self-employed tradies - the 125 EL delivers exactly what’s needed: speed, simplicity, and portability.

We've generally found over the years that It’s commonly used by those who:

  • Are tagging their own tools or workshop gear
  • Need to test a small number of appliances occasionally
  • Want a portable appliance tester that’s easy to learn and fast to use

Its compact design and single-handed operation make it especially convenient for tight spaces or onsite work.

It does not support RCD testing or advanced insulation resistance (250V), so it's not suited to construction, mining, or large-scale test and tag operators. It also lacks memory and report-generation features - so results need to be written down manually.

Seaward Primetest 125 EL - Test Readings

Drawbacks to Consider

This particular test and tag machine is designed for simplicity, but that comes with trade-offs:

  • No internal memory or data storage
  • No upgrade path (e.g. printers, scanners)
  • No RCD testing
  • Manual result logging only

These may or may not matter depending on your use case - but they’re important to know upfront. But this is exactly why it's not one size fits all with PAT Testers.

Is it Worth the Investment?

If your test and tag needs are light and your budget is tight, the Primetest 125 EL is one of the best-value choices on the market. It’s battery powered, covers the essential tests (including Leakage Current), and is extremely easy to operate - but the main reason it earned its place in our Top 5 PAT Testers 2025 is reliability. While other entry-level testers can feel flimsy or break down over time, the Seaward 125 EL continues to prove itself as a tough, dependable choice in the sub-$1000 range.

For pricing and specs, see the Seaward Primetest 125 EL

Want to see how it compares? Compare the Most Popular PAT Testers under $1000