What is a PAT Tester? 

A portable appliance tester, otherwise known as a PAT tester for short and sometimes a Test & Tag Machine, is an electrical safety measuring device used specifically in the testing and tagging industry to identify whether an electrical portable appliance is safe to use.

PAT Testers play a critical role in the test and tag process, as it helps to identify electrical hazards before they can cause harm. By lowering the risk of an accident occuring, it effectively helps protect staff.

In the sections below, we've gone through the main things you need to know about a PAT Tester, who can use it and other important details about the test and tag industry in Australia.

What does a PAT tester do?

Portable electrical appliances come with certain safety parameters pre-installed by the manufacturer. These parameters then must be checked periodically to determine whether they still meet the Australian workplace safety standards - and that's where a PAT Tester comes in.

Here's how it works:

• You visually inspect the appliance first (more on that below)
• You connect the appliance to the PAT Tester
• You select a test on screen and run it
• The appliance tester gives back a clear PASS or FAIL result

The visual inspection is very important - many faults (like a cracked plug or frayed cord) can be spotted without even turning the appliance on.

Common Tests a PAT Can Perform

The following are some of the more common tests that a PAT tester can perform:

Earth Continuity Resistance: This test is conducted to determine the earthing of an appliance. The PAT tester would determine whether there is a satisfactory connection between the earth pin in a plug and the case of the appliance. This is measured in order to reduce the chances of electrical shock.

Insulation Resistance: This test checks for any breaks or exposed wires or if the plastic coating surrounding the wire has worn off.

Lead Polarity: This test checks for any breaks or exposed wires or if the plastic coating surrounding the wire has worn off.

Leakage Current: This powers up the appliance to check if any electrical current is leaking while it's running. A PAT Tester must be able to perform this test as a minimum in Australia. This will determine if the appliance tester is compliant or not.

What items need to be tested and tagged?

Not every appliance needs to be tested and tagged, but many do, especially in work environments.

As a general rule, an item requires testing if it:

• Is powered by mains electricity (not low voltage i.e. above 50V)
• Has a flexible power cord
• Has a removeable plug

Appliances are also classified as Class I or Class II, which determines the types of tests required.

It’s also worth noting, brand new equipment doesn't need to be electrically tested, but they must still undergo a visual inspection and then be tagged with a New to Service label to confirm they've been checked.

Who can use a PAT tester?

It is a widely held belief that testing and tagging requires the skills of an electrician. In reality though, according to AS/NZS 3760:2010 anyone who is regarded as a 'Competent Person' can legally test and tag in Australia.

To become a Competent Person, you simply need to complete a test and tag course, where the student learns how to use a PAT tester and obtains the necessary knowledge and skills to be compliant. Our test and tag courses are specifically designed for anyone new to testing and tagging. So, if you’re unsure of how to use a PAT tester or which portable appliance tester will suit your work requirements the most, then this course is a perfect starting point.

Different kinds of PAT testers

There’s a wide range of PAT testers available in Australia - from basic entry-level units to advanced models with built-in printers, Bluetooth capability and detailed reporting.

The right PAT tester depends on your particular testing needs:

• In-house testing (for your own business): A mid-range model like the Metrel DeltaPAT 3309 may be more than enough it's simple, reliable and easy-to-use.
• Professional service providers (offering test and tag as a paid service): Consider investing in a higher-end unit like the Delta Pro Print Pack or Seaward Primetest Elite+, which offer faster operation, better reporting, and more features.

So, before buying a PAT tester, ask yourself:

• How often will I be testing?
• Do I need features like printing or data logging?
• Will I test a wide range of appliances?

As a general rule - the more you spend, the more functionality you’ll get. 

Need help deciding?
Check out our Top 5 PAT Testers of 2025 or browse our detailed Portable Appliance Tester Reviews to compare features. 

For help choosing the right one in plain english, check out our PAT Tester Buying Guide.

Are All PAT Testers Easy to Use?

If you’re new to testing and tagging, one of the biggest questions we get is: “Are these test and tag machines hard to use?”

The answer depends on the model you choose.

Basic testers are super straightforward. Most have a few clearly labelled buttons (often with icons), and once you’re trained, you’ll know exactly which button to press for each test. These models are perfect if you want to keep things simple and just get the job done.

Some mid-range and most advanced testers offer more features - like built-in memory, Bluetooth, custom test parameters, and connection to printers or scanners. These features can save you a lot of time, especially if you're testing lots of items, but they do come with a bit of a learning curve.

The good news? We’ve got you covered. We offer lifetime technical support, step-by-step guidance, and we’re happy to show you how to use any appliance tester we sell - whether it’s basic or fully automated. That way, you can buy with confidence knowing you’re not left to figure it all out on your own.

In Summary

A PAT tester is a must-have if you're working in or around electrical safety. Whether you want to keep your own workplace safe or start a test and tag business, having the right PAT tester and knowing how to use it is key.

If you’re just starting out, we’re here to help. Our friendly team can walk you through choosing a tester, booking training, or answering any questions you’ve got.

Reach out to our team if you're wanting help getting started.