Trisan S8 DL Review
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Pros –Built-in memory for recording and saving data. Fastest test lead PAT we've come across. Tough-as nails Pelican case. Battery and mains powered. Dedicated socket for Cloverleaf and Figure 8 leads. Tests fixed and portable RCD's. Aussie made.
Cons – The pelican case does not offer enough space to keep all the leads. A separate bag is required for this purpose. Test sequences aren’t customisable - unable to change pass/fail limits.
The Bottom Line – The Trisan S8 DL is a beast in the entry-to-mid-level range. It’s fast, reliable, and one of the only testers around $1500 that stores results and lets you offload to your PC. You won’t find fancy automation or printer options here though, but if you're testing larger volumes and want speed and portability, this one’s worth a look. Compared to the regular S8, the DL version steps it up with data logging and memory - a big win if you're tracking jobs across sites or want better record keeping.
Key Features of Trisan S8 DL
Built for Speed
The S8 DL is lightning fast - especially when testing extension leads. If you're testing high volumes, this alone will save you hours over time. There’s no waiting around or fiddling with settings. Press the test button, and it’s done.
Records Data Onboard
Unlike the standard Trisan S8, the DL version has internal memory to save your test results. You can plug it into a PC later and export all your results – no handwriting needed. It's a major step up if you're testing for clients or need audit-ready logs - but it is a sizeable jump to the DL.
Battery + Mains Power
Runs off 6 AA batteries or mains power, giving you the flexibility to test in the field or back in the workshop. Most portable appliance testers in this price bracket don’t offer both options.
Rugged Pelican Case
It’s housed in a genuine Pelican case – nearly indestructible and fully waterproof. It keeps your appliance tester protected and ready to go on rough worksites. Just note: you’ll need a separate bag for all the leads - they don’t fit neatly inside.
Built-in RCD Testing (No Extra Gear Needed)
One of the S8 DL’s biggest advantages over entry-level testers is that it comes ready to test both fixed and portable RCDs - no need to muck around with buying a separate isolation transformer. That’s a big advantage for anyone working on sites where RCDs are mandatory.
How It Performs in the Field
For a 2025 model, this is still one of the best all-rounders. This PAT tester is all about efficiency and toughness. It boots up quickly, buttons are clearly labelled, and there’s no menu maze to figure out. Electrical tests run fast and give you a simple PASS/FAIL result – no head-scratching, no second guessing.
The layout includes:
- Left side: full-size keyboard for entering asset details as you go
- Right side: clearly labelled test buttons - one for each test type
- Top centre: built-in sockets for Cloverleaf and Figure-8 leads
- LED indicators: show exactly where to plug for insulation or leakage testing
Even though it looks a bit busy at first, it’s actually really easy to get the hang of – and once you’ve run a few tests, it becomes second nature.
The Pelican case it comes in is sturdy and compact enough to throw in the van or stack in a toolroom. It’s a bit heavier than the fabric-pouch testers, but it’ll survive being dropped or knocked around - which matters on real job sites.
The keyboard might not be touchscreen-fancy like higher-end models, but it’s responsive and gets the job done. If you’re a tradie or contractor testing leads all day, or moving through sites where speed matters, this thing seriously helps get through the work quicker.
Limitations
- No tag printer support - so you’ll need to handwrite standard test tags (or use custom test tags)
- No advanced software integration - basic PC offload only
- Test sequences can’t be changed (fixed limits only)
Is it Worth the Investment?
The Aussie-made Trisan S8 DL is a ripper of a test and tag machine for anyone needing fast testing with reliable data logging. It’s a clear upgrade from the basic S8, giving you memory storage and PC connectivity without adding unnecessary complexity.
If you’re testing lots of gear and want to keep digital records without jumping into full-on test and print setups - this is the sweet spot. Fast, rugged, and no-nonsense.
That said, if you're chasing printer support, custom test sequences, or more advanced data handling, you might want to check out the Metrel DeltaPAT 3309 BT or Seaward PAC3760 DL. They're in the same ballpark price-wise but give you more flexibility - just keep in mind both also support RCD testing like the S8 DL does.