what pat tester are you using guys?

as above really.

cheers in advanced guys!!!

Seaward Europa Plus - Seaward Europa Plus PAT Tester

Seaward Supernova Plus - I've got two of them, both producing Test n Tag labels. Havn't let me down in nearly eight years and in use every day. (Apart from holidays, weekends and when calibration is due).

I haven't done any PAT testing for a while but I used to use a Martindale EasyPAT 2100.
Probably not the best tester if you're doing a lot of it.

Patman said:

Seaward Supernova Plus - I've got two of them, both producing Test n Tag labels. Havn't let me down in nearly eight years and in use every day. (Apart from holidays, weekends and when calibration is due).

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Hi Patman, I use Supernova Plus, Europa Plus & Primetest 350 testers and agree they are great pieces of kit. I've thought about using the test & tag system but have been put off a little by the apparent higher label costs - how have you found this in practice?

Liam

I can imagine the Supernova is fantastic for bench testing but do you not find it a bit unwieldly when crawling around under desks in offices?
A while ago I was looking at upgrading from the Martindale and the Europa seemed like a good option due to it's portability and because you can get a case for it to protect it on construction sites.

seaward 1500xi. it's got valves in it, but for the amount of pat testing i do, it's fine.

NovusSparkus said:

I can imagine the Supernova is fantastic for bench testing but do you not find it a bit unwieldly when crawling around under desks in offices?

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I use one of these tea trolley affairs that they use in hotels for room service - it's just about indestructible, has a top, middle and bottom shelf so there is plenty of room for the test kit, tool box and paperwork. It's an easy way to lug a Supernova or any tester around. An extension reel hooked on the handle solves the power problems... all you have to get used to is hearing the endless funnies regarding "the tea lady" etc.. but i'll do anything for money!!!

Liam

Yep - using a trolley is a great idea - I use the CLAX as shown, Supernova fits onto top shelf a treat.

As you can see it folds completely flat for onboard stowage. Costs about £100

P.S. For an extra tenner the young lady comes with it too !! (Everyone needs help in those hard to reach places).

Seaward are, in my opinion, the best manufacturer for such kit although for download software I'm not convinced! (Shire Safety 1stExpress my choice!)

The Supernova/Europa testers offer reliable results over a good range of tests, best of the models has to be the Supernova XE and I will explain why.

I worked with Seaward on the development of the first test release versions of the Supernova and through the development of the machine there was one fault they could not overcome - as the unit tested 110v kit there had to be a transformer inside and the mountings were and are still prone to breaking at the main board. Despite rubber mountings and various design changes, it is a weakness and an expensive repair. A daily used machine with normal wear and tear may survive 18 months before it goes!

Europas have had the same issue since initial release - overheating of relays! Simple issue of poorly ventilated design and small unit case leads to overheat after successive high test current earth tests. Box of IEC leads to test is nice, but not with 10 minutes cooling time every dozen!

Supernova XE is best of both worlds. It's a Supernova without the transformer for 110v, or a Europa in a Supernova case! First designed for the German market, they also have an on/off switch on them to meet German regulations. Approx 4kg lighter than Supernova and ultimately reliable. Had 10 of them for five years and other than cal and service pack (relay change) the only problem we had was with the right hand button under screen falling off due to repeated use!

Hope this helps!

Maybe because my Supernova Plus (Qty 2) sits steadily on the trolley all day during testing is probably the reason I've not hat the problem with the 110v transformer as mentioned above - in my eight years of use.

(Having said that with a firm hold on the wooden table leg!! & clutching my lucky rabbits foot. etc etc.)

Here's mine........

kewtech kt74 ive got ordered, whats your views on this baby

Lenny said:

Here's mine........

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any body using the Megger PAT320?

cheers
danny