Metrel Gamma Pat 3311-Good?

sparkie_Al · Mar 14, 2012

Hi considering buying the Gamma Pat 3311 Pro, which as a downloadable bit of kit is cheaper than most.
Does anyone use this kit and is either Happy or unhappy with it?

I have other Alphatek equipment, and although not brilliant they do the job and usually do it quite well, I realise that you get what you pay for etc, but I have heard one person say they did not like it especially used for Washing machines, but cannot see why a washing machine would be any different to anything else.....

Any feedback would be welcomed please, and any alternatives if you feel they are better too
Thank you

Dcf · Mar 14, 2012

I've had one for over a year.not bad for the money IMO .must say I don't do a lot of pat testing but it does everything I need.the washing machine problem is probably sub leakage.the default limit parameter needs turned up .every washer I've ever tested leaks about 3mA anyway and the default is about 0.2 .one point if u need a 110v lead socket set up get a bog standard eic lead and cut it in half.fit a 110v plug and socket to respective cables.cost about 11 quid compared to 40 quid each! For the official items anyway

sparkie_Al · Mar 15, 2012

Thank you Dcf. I would always make up my own leads, unless they came part of the kit, but it is worth pointing that out.
I am thinking it might be better to go for something else...mains based perhaps, but like you I am not planning to do loads of PAT testing. I have been approached by a Lettings agent with about 90 properties with stuff in, so thought it would be an idea to get my own.

Dcf · Mar 15, 2012

I was quite impressed wi the wee gammpat,built in checkbox is a bonus as well.you can pump in codes for various tests like the old seaward I used to use.far faster than that old suitcase ever was.a lot of the big boys are using the seaward prime test range which is probably better but about three times the price.you would have to do a hell of a lot of pat testing to get ur money back ithink.cant really fault it to be honest n I was a megger man for years.

sparkie_Al · Mar 16, 2012

I understand that the "auto" mode, can be setup, with your own pass criteria, so surely that should get around the sub-leakage problem.?

Former Sponsor TM · Mar 16, 2012

In the auto-test mode you are able to specify what type of appliance is being tested (i.e Portable Appliance, Extension Leads, IT equipment etc..), and whether it is Class I or Class II. The GammaPAT will then set the limits appropriately. As Dcf mentioned above you are allowed 3.5mA of leakage on larger appliances such as white goods and IT equipment as well. Most testers are set to the standard limited of 0.75mA as standard but you can ammend this as and when needed on the GammaPAT. This can also be done in the "Simple Mode" of testing.

All in all I would also agree that the GammaPAT Pro is a nice tester with brilliant features for its cost. Inbuilt PAT checkbox, Cal. Cert supplied, 3 year warranty (subject to ongiong calibration), stores and downloads. You would often pay a lot more for that kind of functionality. The PATLink software is quite decent as well and creates nice looking certificates and reports.

sparkie_Al · Mar 16, 2012

Thank you both for the in-put. It did look like a good value for money option, and I think you can use the Pat-link software with any downloadable tester.
You would of thought the tester would be setup at the max values for the appliances, but if it is adjustable, it should not be a problem.
I should imagine if cost was not an issue having one battery and one mains powered unit would be ideal.

sparkie_Al · Mar 19, 2012

I have bought this tester, which should be delivered to me later this week. I will let you know How I get on with it. Interestingly the Electrical Wholesalers were better for price than the "tester specific" sellers from the internet

Former Sponsor TM · Mar 19, 2012

I think that the manufacturer will set the pass/fail limits to the lower level so that appliances which should potentially fail are passed due to the operator not being fully competent. Thereby leaving them partly responsible. I think it is one of those "better safe than sorry" scenarios.
However, the PATLink Pro software that you get with the GammaPAT Pro is only for use with that specific tester and locked for use with other Metrel PAT's. The software is not compatible with any non-Metrel PAT tester as far as I know.

sparkie_Al · Mar 19, 2012

Just my luck that. I did think I have read somewhere that most (testers) use the same type of format and can be used by the software.
The operater is fully responsible, as far as I am concerned, in the same way as certifying an installation. Some however are more competant than others. The guidelines and pass/fail rates are fairly black and white here.

Former Sponsor TM · Mar 20, 2012

sparkie_Al said:
Just my luck that. I did think I have read somewhere that most (testers) use the same type of format and can be used by the software.
The operater is fully responsible, as far as I am concerned, in the same way as certifying an installation. Some however are more competant than others. The guidelines and pass/fail rates are fairly black and white here.

I do agree that theoperator is fully responsible. I guess it is done to leave themselves clear of any blame (even from a potentially uncompetent user of their instrument).
Getting slightly more technical, you can upgrade the PATLink Pro software to PATLink Pro PLUS. This will allow the user customising and uploading their own auto-tests onto the GammaPAT, along with more concise and elaborate PAT reports. The software upgrade is however reasonably costly at £195.00 + VAT (less 5% forum disc.)

Alternatively, you could also consider SimplyPATs Version 6. This is an excellent software package which works with all downloading testers on the market. Again, it is a fairly costly bit of software but note that you would then only require the GammaPAT LITE which is £100 less than the GammaPAT PRO. More information regarding SimplyPATs: SimplyPATs Version 6 PAT Testing Software

sparkie_Al · Mar 20, 2012

Thank you for pointing the software options out. it was SimplyPats that I was reading about....so I could of gone with the "lite".
Not that I will hack into the gamma pat but I understand it uses SQL server 2005, so maybe look into some of the open source stuff.
I suppose it would be too easy to make the testers compatible with MS office!
had I known about forum discounts I would of considered this, but although new to forums in general I am not new to either contracting, nor testing and inspection. old git now.

sparkie_Al · Mar 21, 2012

Gamma Pat turned up yesterday, minus its earth probe lead & clamp! trying to use a 50mtr R2 lead, as an initial play about.
Will try software side of things later.

sparkie_Al · Mar 21, 2012

well I have tried two separate machines, to load this rubbish on, and so far I have not succeeded at all! the instructions do not match what happens, and the usb driver does not load correctly, the Pat link pro then loads but will not do anything apart from prompt you to upgrade to pro plus.
clicking "get results", opens port, reads gamma pat, will not store nor do anything but advise upgrade. NOT IMPRESSED.

sparkie_Al · Mar 23, 2012

Sent a similar email to Metrel, and they dutifully emailled me with contact details to sort out problem. Problem was that the license Key code, was incorrectly typed on to the label of the software. Something that unless you have a keycode generator for the machine/software, you will never just guess. The rs232 lead appears to be surplus to requirements, and the USB instructions that appear on the installation disc is totally wrong, and bears no resemblance to whatever actually occurs with the computer. However I now do have a tester that saves results, and can at least download them to the computer. Will carry on posting here just for anyone who may have the same issues.