Find the Right PAT Tester for
Your Summer Testing Programme
Tuesday 30th June 2026
Whether you’re responsible for a single school, a multi-academy trust or a larger educational estate, having the right PAT tester can make the process quicker, easier and more efficient. But should you invest in your own tester or hire one for the summer? And with so many models available, how do you choose the right one?
From straightforward handheld testers for occasional or lower-volume testing to advanced models designed for larger estates and facilities teams, there’s a PAT tester to suit every organisation. We’ll also take a look at the latest additions to the Martindale range, helping you stay up to date with new testing solutions.
In this guide, we’ll explain why summer is the busiest season for PAT testing, explore the benefits of buying versus hiring a PAT tester, compare entry-level and advanced options, highlight the latest Martindale PAT testers, and cover the accessories that can help make testing quicker and easier.
For education providers, summer offers a valuable window to carry out maintenance with minimal disruption.
Once the summer holidays begin, classrooms, offices, workshops and communal spaces are largely unoccupied. This allows maintenance teams to access every area without interrupting lessons or needing to work around staff and students.
PAT testing often involves disconnecting equipment, moving furniture and temporarily taking appliances out of use, making the quieter summer months the perfect time to complete testing efficiently.
Attempting to PAT test during term time can be challenging. Computers, projectors, printers, laboratory equipment and kitchen appliances are often in constant use throughout the day.
Completing testing during the holidays means equipment can be inspected thoroughly without affecting teaching, administration or day-to-day operations. It also reduces the need for repeat visits if certain areas are unavailable.
Summer maintenance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about ensuring everything is ready before students return.
PAT testing gives facilities teams the chance to identify damaged appliances, replace faulty equipment and ensure portable electrical items are safe for another busy year. Combined with other planned maintenance works, it’s an efficient way to prepare buildings before September.
One of the biggest decisions organisations face is whether to purchase a PAT tester or hire one for seasonal use.
The right choice often depends on how frequently you’ll be carrying out testing and the size of your estate.
If your organisation carries out PAT testing regularly, owning a tester offers several advantages.
Having equipment readily available means you’re not limited to a specific hire period. You can carry out testing whenever it’s convenient, retest repaired appliances immediately and respond quickly if additional equipment needs inspecting throughout the year.
Many facilities teams also value becoming familiar with a single tester. Using the same equipment year after year helps improve efficiency and confidence during testing, while ensuring a consistent approach to inspections and record keeping.
Hiring can be a practical solution for organisations that only carry out PAT testing occasionally or need additional testing capacity during busier periods. It also provides access to higher-specification equipment without the commitment of purchasing outright.
For one-off projects or seasonal testing, hiring offers flexibility and allows organisations to use the equipment only when it’s needed. This can be particularly useful for schools and colleges carrying out annual PAT testing over the summer holidays.
If your testing requirements increase over time, you can then decide whether investing in your own PAT tester is the right long-term option.
While every organisation’s requirements are different, carrying out PAT testing in-house can help reduce reliance on external contractors where suitably trained staff are available.
Over time, purchasing a PAT tester may offer better value for organisations that perform regular testing across multiple sites or large numbers of appliances.
Modern PAT testers range from simple pass/fail instruments to advanced models capable of storing thousands of test records, scanning barcodes and producing detailed reports.
Understanding your testing requirements will help you choose the most suitable model.
Entry-level PAT testers are ideal for organisations carrying out smaller testing programmes or occasional PAT testing. They’re designed to be easy to operate, allowing users to complete standard safety checks quickly without the complexity of advanced reporting features.
These testers are well suited to:
Kewtech EZYPAT Plus PAT
Tester
The Kewtech EZYPAT Plus is a lightweight, battery-powered tester designed for fast and straightforward appliance testing. It features automatic test sequences, 110V and 230V run leakage testing, and selectable 250V and 500V insulation tests, making it suitable for a wide range of appliances. Compatibility with the free KEWPAT App also makes recording and managing test results simple.
Martindale HPAT425 Handheld PAT Tester
The Martindale HPAT425 combines simple one-button operation with automatic pass/fail testing for Class I, Class II and IEC power leads. Its compact handheld design, rechargeable USB-C battery and clear display make it an excellent choice for caretakers, maintenance teams and organisations looking for quick, reliable testing.
Seaward Primetest 100 PAT
Tester
The Seaward Primetest 100 is an easy-to-use, battery-powered PAT tester that covers all the essential safety tests, including earth continuity, insulation resistance and substitute leakage. Its simple controls and compatibility with the PATmobile App make it ideal for schools and businesses carrying out lower volumes of PAT testing.
For larger organisations or those responsible for testing hundreds or even thousands of appliances, advanced PAT testers can significantly improve productivity. Features such as onboard memory, barcode scanning, software integration and automated test sequences help speed up testing and simplify record keeping.
These models are particularly suited to:
Seaward Apollo 600+ PAT
Tester
The Seaward Apollo 600+ is designed for high-volume PAT testing, offering storage for up to 50,000 test records and a built-in camera for recording visual inspection faults. QR barcode compatibility, onboard risk assessments and support for additional maintenance checks make it an ideal choice for large estates and organisations looking to streamline compliance.
Kewtech SMARTPAT PAT
Tester
The Kewtech SMARTPAT combines advanced testing features with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing results to be uploaded directly to the free KEWPAT App. Automatic test sequences, remote operation via a smartphone or tablet and comprehensive leakage and RCD testing make it an excellent option for users wanting a faster, more connected testing workflow.
Megger PAT420 Downloading PAT Tester
The Megger PAT420 is built for demanding testing environments, with memory for up to 10,000 test records and USB download capability for straightforward reporting. Its configurable test routines, optional barcode scanning and compatibility with Megger PowerSuite software make it well suited to organisations managing large numbers of assets across multiple sites.
Martindale has recently expanded its PAT testing range with two new dual-voltage manual testers, designed to provide straightforward testing for maintenance teams, contractors and facilities professionals working across a variety of environments.
The Martindale EPAT1600 offers reliable manual PAT testing for both 110V and 230V appliances. With simple one-button operation, selectable earth continuity test currents and integrated lead testing, it’s a practical choice for users who need dependable testing across schools, workshops, offices and construction
sites.
The Martindale EPAT2100 builds on the EPAT1600 by adding more advanced testing capabilities, including run current, leakage current and flash testing. Designed for organisations with broader testing requirements, it provides a versatile solution for routine inspections while maintaining the simple operation Martindale testers are known for.
The PAT tester itself is only part of an efficient testing setup. The right accessories can help improve organisation, speed up testing and simplify record keeping.
Summer provides the ideal opportunity to complete PAT testing before the new academic year begins. With buildings quieter and equipment more accessible, maintenance teams can work efficiently while minimising disruption.
Whether you’re carrying out occasional testing in a small school or managing thousands of assets across multiple sites, choosing the right PAT tester can help streamline the process and support a well-organised maintenance programme.
From straightforward handheld testers for routine inspections to advanced models with barcode scanning, Wi-Fi connectivity and integrated reporting, there’s a solution to suit every testing programme. Pairing your PAT tester with the right labels, software, scanners and adaptors will help make testing faster, more organised and easier to manage.
More events to be announced…
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