For many years, downloading PAT testers have been beyond the reach of some customers due to the high cost. The ability to download test results saves a huge amount of time and money, however typically any downloading PAT comes with additional features that just aren’t needed by small to medium users.
Seaward, the market leaders in PAT testing equipment, have addressed this need with the launch of their new Primetest 250 Plus, a PAT that gives you download and label printing capability at an extremely affordable price.
What does it do?
The Primetest 250 Plus carries out the minimum required tests for Class I & Class II appliances, as well as testing IEC leads, 30mA RCDs and three phase appliances (additional adaptors required).
Performing a test is simple, connect your appliance, select the relevant test button and the PAT will cycle through the test sequence. At the end of the test, you are given a pass / fail indication and test result. Connection diagrams are also pictured on the front keypad below each test button.
In addition to the standard tests, you can perform a powered leakage test for both 240V and 415V three phase appliances. As this is a powered test, a dedicated three phase adaptor is required which cost around £172.00 + VAT each (16A & 32A configurations available).
The Primetest 250 plus has been designed to cater for most test applications and has a setup button that allows you to change the insulation test voltage to 250V. This means you can safely test any IT equipment with a surge protection device fitted.
An additional option to change the leakage pass threshold for class I appliances means you’ll no longer get false fails, which happen with testers that only use the 0.75mA threshold.
Printing test labels
The Primetest 250 plus has the option to print labels at the end of each test, saving time in writing them out. Printing a label is quick and easy via a dedicated button.
The only downside of the label printing is the inability to add your own asset ID. Instead, the unit assigns a sequential number starting at 001, until the memory is deleted when the numbers will reset back to zero.
The printer is lightweight and can be powered by battery or mains. It does have to be connected to the PAT with a cable, however this is only a minor inconvenience and it has a belt clip, which makes it easier to carry around with you.
The great advantage of using these labels is in the cost. Previous label printing solutions from Seaward have been costly, however with 400 labels on a roll and a list price of £20, this works out at only 5p per label, helping you to reduce your costs in a very competitive marketplace.
Saving results & downloading the information
Test results are saved with the push of a button, each appliance test is then allocated a memory ID (starting at 001). Results can be recalled and reviewed on the tester, or deleted from the memory.
When deleting results, you have to hold down two buttons for around 5 seconds in order to ensure you cannot accidentally wipe the memory. It’s worth noting that you cannot delete individual results.
Downloading is a very simple process, using the software supplied. Once installed, you simply connect the PAT, select the relevant COM port and initiate the download process. The data is saved as a csv file that can then be opened and further edited in Microsoft Excel, producing a test result sheet for you or your client.
When installing the software onto our Windows 7 system, we received a warning notice from our Norton anti-virus software regarding a suspicious threat detected. As a long standing Seaward distributor we believe this is a false positive and having no reason to think otherwise. However users may want to seek further advice from their IT support if in doubt.
Value for money?
The basic model is available for around £430 + VAT. It’s supplied with downloading software, test leads and soft carry case. The best value in our opinion is the professional kit, which includes the label printer, 5 rolls of labels, calibration checkbox, training DVD and carry case. This kit is available from around £700.00 + VAT.
The equivalent package for the Apollo 500, previously Seaward’s entry level downloading PAT, is over £1,400.00 + VAT, so the Primetest 250 Plus kit will save you over £700.00. The Apollo does have a qwerty keyboard for inputting test details and you can also enter your own asset numbers.
Overall, the Primetest 250 Plus is very good. It’s easy-to-use and has been well designed with a number of tests in addition to the standard requirements.
We would have liked to see the option to add a unique asset ID number and a visual test pass or fail, as this is available in other similar PATs. You can use the default numbering system that is created by the tester. Visual inspection results can be manually recorded and entered once results are downloaded.
The speed of tests, including printing of labels, is very fast so you can get through your testing quickly. It’s a good all-rounder and an ideal solution for those who need a downloading PAT, but can’t justify the spend for the more expensive products.
Watch Seaward’s Product Video
