This January marks ten years since the launch of the Seaward Primetest PAT Tester series. In that time the range has changed but its basic tenets of usability, reliability, portability and accuracy have remained consistent. Nowadays, the range is made up of the Primetest 50, Primetest 100 and Primetest 250+ which offer the user the choice of a simple pass/fail indication, actual test results and internal result storage.
Seaward Primetest 50 PAC Checker
The Seaward Primetest 50 PAC Checker is the entry-level model in the series. Available from as little as £190, this instrument performs all the usual tests - earth bond continuity, insulation resistance, leakage current and polarity - that are associated with the testing of Class 1 and Class 2 appliances and extension leads. In fact, a specific button for each of the three appliance types can be used to initiate a pre-set automated test sequence. The Primetest 50 is therefore extremely easy to use as there is no need to navigate any menus in order to test and the pre-set internal limits mean it can provide the user with a clear PASS/FAIL indication for the appliance. Unfortunately, the checker is not suitable for longer extension leads or appliances with long earth conductors because it does not give actual resistance or earth leakage readings.
Seaward Primetest 100 PAT Tester
Like the 50, the Seaward Primetest 100 PAT Tester has just three buttons, one for testing each kind of appliance. It also offers a PASS/FAIL indication for the appliance under test based on results for the same set of tests, but differs as it provides actual reading values for earth bond continuity, insulation resistance and earth leakage current. This makes it suitable for testing longer extension leads or appliances with long earths because the user can disregard a ‘FAIL’ indication if the resistance values or earth leakage current fall below the limits set out in the IET Code of Practice for different appliances. This is because the pre-set limits comply with the most stringent standards when in fact many appliances must meet different standards to be considered safe.
Seaward PATMobile App
To help the user make the most out of his/her Seaward Primetest 50 and 100, Seaward have created the PATMobile App. Available on both Android and iOS, the app allows the user to enter PAT test results into a simple database alongside photos from the user’s smartphone or tablet. It can work with barcoded ID labels in order to automatically fill in appliance information and it is easy to add comments. Furthermore, it is possible to print specific labels using a printer or export results in an HTML format. This free app streamlines the PAT testing process and allows operatives to plan testing schedules as well as viewing the testing history of an appliance.
Seaward Primetest 250 Plus PAT Tester
The Seaward Primetest 250 Plus is the premium PAT tester within the range and stands out thanks to a wider range of testing capabilities and an internal memory for up to 999 test results. It can perform the same tests as the two manual testers under battery power but can work with a mains supply to test three-phase appliances, perform RCD trip time testing and perform 230V load and run testing. These capabilities make it ideal for PAT testing operatives with larger workloads, especially in industrial/commercial settings thanks to the three-phase testing capability.
Shared Advantages, Different Capabilities
The Seaward Primetest range comprises of three testers that are all battery powered and have exceptionally long battery lives which makes them very easy to carry around a site in order to test all electrical appliances. The clearly-labelled push buttons are another shared feature that make the testers very easy to use. Each test function has a specific button and the tester will do the rest as long as the appliance is properly connected. Whilst the Primetest 50, 100, and 250 Plus differ in their testing capabilities, the user can be sure that each tester is a great choice thanks to the focus on quality, usability and efficiency that runs throughout the range.