Kewtech KT65DL as a PAT tester

shinypen · Mar 11, 2017

Hi All.

I'm just about to qualify as a domestic installer and I'm looking at PAT testing to help things tick along while I build up more interesting work. I've got a job PAT testing at a school (200 ish pupils) if I want it.

I haven't got a multifunction tester yet so my question is: Is the Kewtech KT65DL really capable of PAT testing on this kind of scale or am I better buying a cheaper tester and a separate PAT machine?

Many thanks, Rob.

Richard Burns · Mar 11, 2017

For a school with 200 pupils you may well find it easier to purchase (a second hand?, calibrated) dedicated ISITEE tester.
The testing will be quicker to do (once you have the correct sequences set up) and record keeping should be easier.
Some do not like MFTs lacking a high current earth continuity test.
Whilst an MFT can do the tests required the amount of data generated can be overwhelming and the constant change of settings can be time consuming. You would need to set up a database for the school equipment to allow faster data management.
However since there are companies that will charge a pittance for this testing you do need to check that you have a suitable source of income from ISITEE to justify the purchase and calibration of the tester.

shinypen · Mar 11, 2017

Thank you Richard. Food for thought. It doesn't look like the KT65 will be up to the job really.

Richard Burns · Mar 11, 2017

I use an MFT for ISITEE but I do very little testing and a maximum of fifty items and even with fifty items I find it a pain logging all the reference numbers and results and transferring them to a report.
However you may be more tech savvy than me and would be able to store the results in the MFT and download them or such like.

shinypen · Mar 11, 2017

My previous life was as an Information Analyst (Excel/databases and the like) so it may well be workable that way. The worry is the 20amp continuity test. I haven't actually done the C&G 2377 yet so don't know how "compulsory" this is.

Richard Burns · Mar 11, 2017

The low current test is an alternative to the 25A test, obviously a high current test would be more reliable to detect a fault but the 200mA is allowable.