Author: Metrotest

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Guide to PAT Testing in New Zealand this 2021

As we welcome another year, many businesses and organizations are now preparing to have their appliances tested for electrical safety. As required by the law, business owners need to check the condition of their electrical equipment to prevent accidents and other untoward incidents in the workplace.

The best way one can do this is by regularly conducting PAT testing (Appliance testing) in the workplace or even at home. The process helps ensure your tools and appliances are safe for you and others to use. It also helps you keep track of potential repair or maintenance work to keep the appliance in a good and safe working condition for a long time.

How Does Testing and Tagging Works?

It’s important to note that appliance testing itself is not a legal requirement but safe tools in the work environment are, making the process 100% necessary. PAT testing applications are the most effective way to check your electrical equipment for safety and functionality. Below are some of the specific types of appliances that need to undergo routine PAT testing:

  • Stationary appliances – These include washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, vending machines, and other types of electrical equipment that rarely gets moved due to their weight or the purpose they serve.
  • Movable appliances – Any electrical device weighing less than 18 kilograms and has wheels that allow for easy transport, such as portable AC units.
  • Portable electrical devices – Includes any device weighing no more than 18 kilograms, such as electric kettles and toasters.
  • Hand-held equipment – Some examples include a hairdryer and chainsaw. Such equipment poses high risks of electrocution because you need to hold them while you plug them in.
  • IT equipment – This could refer to anything IT-related such as desktop computers, laptops, internet routers, and servers.

Many of the above appliances could be considered class one or class two appliances. Look at the label for clarification.

The process involves visually inspecting the equipment’s key components and checking the wiring insulation and grounding continuity. With these tests, you can determine whether your electrical device might pose risks for injuries and/or fire hazards. It can also help you determine whether you can continue using your appliance or opt for a replacement as soon as possible.

PAT Testing – Your Available Options

You have the option to test and tag on your own. Here at MetroTest, you can undergo professional training and shop for all the equipment needed for testing and such as our in-house PAT testers and label printers. If you’re not keen on testing the device on your own or if you don’t want to invest in testing equipment, you can hire a professional through Metrotest. Our team can lend you a hand with all your PAT testing needs.

You can enroll yourself or others into our in-house or online competency training courses to help gain basic or advanced knowledge needed in operating PAT testing equipment. It’s an ideal option, especially if you have a lot of electrical devices this can save thousands each year. It also allows you to test your appliances whenever convenient to you or your workload. As long as it’s done before your tags expire.

What Happens if the Device Passes or Fails the Test?

The testing procedure could either result in a PASS or FAIL. If your device passes the test, it’s deemed safe for use and gets a compliance tag. On one hand, if it doesn’t meet the standards, it fails the tests and you’ll need to remove it from service or undertake some maintenance or repair works as required.

Make sure to get in touch with us if you need help with any appliance testing requirements. Avoid repairs yourself if you lack the qualifications required as this may require further training (in New Zealand you are required to be electrically registered and have a current practicing license as this is prescribed electrical work)

Need PAT testing done? Metrotest can schedule a time that works for you!

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Test Equipment-Is It Really Safe?

3 Phase App/Ext/RCD (AERO2032 RCD Lead Adaptor Box)

Recently there was an incident in the electrical test n tag industry which, if you have anything to do with the industry, you should be aware of. At Metrotest, safety is our top priority. Recently there was the recall of a product by a test and tag supplier, and it’s a serious recall due to safety concerns.  This product is a 3 phase multi-lead adaptor.

If you have anything to do with 3 phase testing pay, especially close attention, because this recall could affect you. The product is very dangerous as if one 3 phase lead is plugged in and the other unplugged, the unused plug is LIVE. We won’t go into any greater detail here, but more information can be found in the link below.

It surprised us how hard it was to find information on the recall. For a safety company, it isn’t very well publicised as it is non-existent on their Facebook page and good luck finding it without a link on the seller’s website which is very unfortunate as this is safety we are talking about. For this reason, if you know anyone using 3 Phase test equipment give them a heads up, in case they don’t know. You may just prevent them from being electrocuted.

As you will be aware recalls happen on occasion for products; however, this recall raises some concerns that need addressing. This 3 phase multi adaptor was on sale for SEVEN YEARS before the dangerous defect was found. That’s a long time, and the manufacturer and suppliers of this product, as well as its users, were incredibly fortunate that no one was electrocuted.

At Metrotest, we are wondering why it took so long to discover this. Why didn’t the supplier check the equipment thoroughly before on selling? One concern is the issue of test’n’tag suppliers with no technical electrical background selling equipment. Metrotest has qualified electrical technicians who check and continually check for issues that could occur in equipment and products that we sell. This is a natural process for us as we do repairs and are involved in the design of our test equipment. We understand that mistakes happen from time to time and things aren’t always picked up straight away, but SEVEN YEARS is not acceptable for expert companies. The dangerous fault may have been picked up sooner if qualified electrical technicians had checked and continued to check the product.

This recall is a very good reminder to everyone that you shouldn’t just take the suppliers word that a product is safe. Check it out for yourself, because as you have seen, the experts can be wrong. We encourage our customers to raise any concerns they have about test equipment that we have provided and produced.  Some of our customers have even gone to manufactures with our equipment and they have been surprised at how good it is.

Wherever you buy your test equipment, make sure to check it yourself and that YOU understand how to operate it and know what is actually happening when using it. In this way, you are being a RESPONSIBLE person and helping others stay safe. It has taken seven years for this 3 phase multi adaptor to be recalled, but we wonder if someone found the issue earlier, but just shrugged it off instead of reporting it. The responsibility falls not only on the supplier but on the user as well.

If you are thinking of making up testing accessories or getting them made think carefully! How could it be used the wrong way, the ‘what if’ situations that could occur like if someone was to use the equipment incorrectly, would they receive an electric shock. Check what actual, technical electrical background a supplier has.

Fortunately, no one has been harmed when using this product, but it shows just how horribly wrong it could become. If you have any questions about test equipment, give Metrotest a call on 0800638768, and we will happily answer any questions you may have.

Recalled Product Details:

https://www.portableappliancetesters.co.nz/product-recall

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Test and Tag Competency Training – What You Need to Know

Every day we all use electrical appliances, from plugging in your phone charger to using the toaster. Electricity plays an integral part in our lives and that’s why it’s important to stay safe while using it. Every time you plug in the jug for a cuppa there is a risk of receiving an electric shock that could be life threatening. That’s why electrical safety is so important, so that you return home safely. Getting your electrical equipment test and tagged regularly ensures you’re doing your best at staying safe by taking all practicable steps to keep yourself, employees, and others safe.

 

How do you do this?  By carrying out testing and tagging of appliances, which, has never been easier! The process involves inspection and testing of appliances using a portable appliance tester, or better known as a PAT tester and there are many out there on the market for different needs.

While some companies decide to call in third-party testing services (which is another whole discussion in itself) more and more business are doing it themselves which may seem like a daunting task at first. However, purchasing test and tag equipment and having staff undergo test and tag competency training is a very cost-effective option that gives you the flexibility, and could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Test and Tag Competency Training

So, you want to get yourself or your staff trained, but you may be wondering where to go to get the training or what you need to do before you can get training? Well that’s easy you don’t need any previous electrical knowledge or an electrical background to do testing; you just have to be deemed a ‘competent person’ according to the ‘go to’ Standard AS/NZS3760, which details everything you need to know to test and tag safely and competently.

That’s what test and tag training providers are here for, to give expert training to make sure you are doing testing competently and comply with all the requirements. Whichever provider you choose a typical course will include:

  • How to stay safe when testing electrical appliances
  • Provides an understanding of the regulations surrounding testing, including competency requirements.
  • What electrical tests must be performed and in what order for different appliances.
  • How to practically test a range of appliances and equipment, with a hands on experience.
  • And much, much more.

However not all course providers are equal. Many providers are only interested in meeting the bare minimum of compliance to the Standard. Some training providers teach incorrect or misleading practices as shown by a New Zealand course provider in the example below. Metrotest have been training people for over 22 years in New Zealand and has provided training courses in Australia since 2004, going above and beyond compliance, to get real safety. While both New Zealand and Australia use the AS/NZS3760 Standard there are some minor differences that other less experienced companies can incorrectly confuse or mislead trainees on. It’s important to distinguish the differences and with our training you will know what is correct and incorrect because we show you from the standard.

You would be mistaken for thinking this is an Australian course, but this was on a New Zealand course. The provider has not differentiated between New Zealand and Australia. In New Zealand ‘New to Service’ equipment must be tested and tagged before being used in the workplace.

 

What to Bring to a Course?

Nothing, we can supply everything you need. Other training providers will tell you have to buy a tester before attending a course, but this may not be the best option. Too often here at Metrotest we see people buy a tester and it doesn’t meet their needs because the experts told them they need a portable appliance tester for the course. We believe this is a flawed philosophy.

Whatever tester setup you have we will make sure you are sorted.

While it is helpful to have your own tester, Metrotest can loan you one for the course and show you how to use it. You can arrive at a face to face course and see other testers others have brought to make sure you really get what you need, instead of a lemon. You will be able to pick the mind of our experienced expert trainers and others students about the pros and cons of a variety of testers.

Benefits of Undergoing Test and Tag Training Metrotest

There are multiple ways to sit a course. With Metrotest’s nationwide testing and training service we can provide training from real trainers that have actual testing experience anywhere in New Zealand, we can even come to your workplace. You will learn from those with experience that can give you the insights and best safety practices for carrying out test n tag. Plus of course you have on-going backup and support from people who are out in the ‘real’ world testing.

 

Generally, courses run for an entire day, but if you can’t spare the time or it’s a hassle to drive to a venue, an online course may be for you. Metrotest offers full online immersive testing courses broken into three levels (but not costing you more). You will get everything you would from attending a physical course. The best part of our online courses is the assessment. While other test and tag training providers will assess upwards of six students at a time online to save money, at Metrotest it will just be you and the trainer, one on one. While our trainers are experts we understand they are human and need your undivided attention when accessing you, to make sure you don’t miss anything. We even have an online PAT simulator which is used throughout our courses to make sure you are familiar with a tester if you need a loan sent to you for the assessment. You might be thinking online training isn’t for you and if you are unsure, why not try the first part of our three part course, our Bronze Course, which is available FREE! If you don’t like it then you have lost nothing! You may also be thinking I don’t have a computer, but Metrotest has got you covered because our courses are also mobile friendly.

Whether you are just wanting to dip your toes in or get the full immersion, Metrotest has an online course for you.

After completing the course, and passing your one on one individual assessment, you will get a certificate of completion deeming you a ‘competent person’ and will receive a photo ID, to make sure you are fully covered and no one can use your licence under your name.

And that’s it! You will be ready to start testing safely, but we don’t just stop there. Metrotest will support you every step of the way after your training and if you have any issues testing we are here to back you up with our expert support; so you can have peace of mind when you come across that appliance you are unsure about.

So what are you waiting for, enrol today with Metrotest and have complete satisfaction. Whatever your preferences and needs are, Metrotest, can provide a tailored course for you.

 

 

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Electric Circuit Testers and How They Work

Contractors, electricians, DIY handymen, and hobbyists make use of various electric circuit testers to assess different functions and parameters including voltage, resistance, continuity, and current. They come in various shapes and sizes. Here at Metrotest, we offer a wide range of electrical testers that can be used to assess electrical panels, wires, transformers, circuit breakers, and other electrical components. 

Need one for your project but not sure which one you should get? Learn more about the different electric circuit testers you can find in the shop and how you can use them in the short guide below.  

Insulation Testers

Wiring insulation ages over time, affecting its ability to protect against electrical faults. As a result, it’s a must to take the necessary steps to correct or mitigate insulation issues. One of the devices used to determine possible insulation concerns is the insulation tester. It measures resistance in motor windings and wires to determine whether there’s damaged or leaky insulation. By doing so, you can prevent issues like blown circuits and arc faults. Detecting current leakage can also protect against fatal electrical shocks or fires.

High Voltage Insulation Testers

Need to measure the insulation resistance of a high voltage device? Instead of using an ordinary tester, it’s better to use a high voltage insulation tester. This type of tester can be used on equipment that uses anywhere from 2500 volts or more. You can choose from a variety of high voltage insulation tester models, depending on the specific features you need such as data transfer and data logging. 

Power Quality Analysers

It’s virtually impossible to find flawless power quality because of equipment malfunction, excess consumption of power, service interruptions, and several other factors. Unfortunately, poor power quality can result in loss of production and damage to equipment. To minimise such risks, it’s ideal to analyze power quality on a regular basis. Utilise devices such as power quality analysers to gauge the load’s capacity to function given a certain range of electric power. The tester would show various parameters including AC power, frequency, AC voltage, peak demand, and electrical demand. 

Loop Testers

Another way to protect equipment from damages is through the use of loop testers. Essentially, a loop tester determines whether devices such as circuit breakers and fuses can protect against electrical fault. The goal is to ensure that the circuit disconnects quickly during power interruptions to eliminate the risks of overheating and fire. You can shop for a wide range of loop tester at Metrotest. For example, you can opt to buy standalone models or multi-function types. 

Cable Location Equipment

Sometimes, it’s difficult to find live and non-live wires and plumbing work in a property. Fortunately, you have the option to use specialised equipment such as a cable and pipe locator. It eliminates guesswork on the site. Regardless if the wires or pipes are buried on the ground or concealed behind a wall, wire and cable location equipment can help you get the job done right. 

Clamps and Digital Multimeters

Need to measure current? A clamp meter is the perfect tool for the job. It features jaws that clamp around a wire to gauge the magnetic field produced when current flows and a digital multimeter to measure parameters such as capacitance, voltage, resistance, and continuity buzzer. You can select from a wide range of clamp meters and digital multimeters. Choose one according to the functionalities available and the tester’s quality.

RCD testers

Most electrical accidents and fatalities can be prevented by devices such as residual current devices or RCD. These protective devices switch off power to a circuit to prevent electric shock and other accidents. To check if an RCD still works properly, you can use an RCD tester to safely trip the device. The faster the device trips, the better protection it can provide from fatal electric shocks.    

Multifunction Installation Testers

Looking for an all-in-one tester for your home o business? A multifunction tester is the best equipment to have in your toolbox. They come in handy when checking whether an installed wiring or electrical system adheres to the industry standard. Each multifunction electrical circuit tester model offers varying features. Hence, it’s best to check the device’s specification before purchasing.  

Find the right tester you need here at Metrotest

A variety of electrical issues may arise over time. The worst part is that they might remain unnoticed until something unpleasant happens. As such, you must conduct regular testing of electrical circuits and your equipment. This way, you can ensure everyone’s safety. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your equipment works seamlessly and will continue in doing so for years. 

 

Protect your equipment from potential damages caused by power surges and other factors and prevent mishaps with the right electric circuit tester. Check out our testing devices here at MetroTest today. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to our team anytime.   

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Come Work For Metrotest, Apply Now!

CHRISTCHURCH SALES

Metrotest are seeking a genuine person to join our team as a sales rep.

We are looking for the following attributes:

  • Electrical background beneficial but not required
  • Relates well with all walks of life.
  • Great communication skills
  • Self-starter

The level of this position is flexible – the right attitude and a desire to be part of a great team taking a growing business to the next level, could see this role being just as suitable for a junior go-getter or for an experienced sales rep. This role would also suit someone with a trade background

This is a primarily Christchurch based position however travel to other centres will be required. Proven sales experience would be advantageous. This role will also incorporate expanding our current test and tag business.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ open work visa.

Please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae to:[email protected]

Please attach Visa or supporting documents as required

 

AUCKLAND TESTING

Metrotest is seeking a Test and Tag Technician to fulfil the roll of a Testing Technician in the Auckland Region. Full technical training will be provided. This role involves the testing of plug in electrical equipment (heavy physical work is not a part of this roll).

Applicants MUST be legally entitled to work in New Zealand (NZ) and hold a CURRENT WORK VISA which needs be submitted with the application – and must be able to obtain and maintain CAA and Defence Clearance as well as undergoing a Police Check

This role is primarily based in the Auckland Region; however, there will be periods where you will be expected to work further afield.

If you have.

– Good computer skills.

– Attention to detail and finishing the job off right the first time

– A professional and courteous manner to other employees and customers

– Excellent customer service skills.

– Clean Current driver’s license

– Be able to pass CAA, Police and Defence Clearance

And you are.

– Extremely reliable and dependable.

– Able to work unsupervised.

– Well-presented and professional when dealing with clients

– A team player.

– Able to periodically work away.

Then we want to hear from you. We will offer you.

– Negotiable wage – $40,000-$45,000.

– A conductive and safe working environment.

– An exciting new learning experience.

Metrotest strongly believes in Equal Employment Opportunity and encourages resumes from anyone who feels they can take on this role.

Applicants MUST be legally entitled to work in New Zealand (NZ) and hold a CURRENT WORK VISA which needs be submitted with the application – and must be able to obtain and maintain CAA and Defence Clearance as well as undergoing a Police Check

Due to the volume of applications likely to be received, we will only be contacting those short listed. If you have not heard from us within 10 days of application, you will not have made the list of short-listed candidates, however we will keep your CV on file should a similar position become available.

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ open work visa.

Applications can be submitted by email to [email protected]

Please attach Visa or supporting documents as required

 

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Our New Online Courses are Live

As I am sure you know Metrotest have carried out Test and Tag Competency Training Courses all over New Zealand and Australia for a very long time and in recent years have also offered an online refresher course. Some people may not agree with a ‘refresher’ course, but the Standard AS/NZS3760, points to the necessity of this.

However, did you know that we have recently launched a brand-new online Test and Tag Full Competency training course? Now you do not have to even leave your building (I wanted to say your chair, but you can’t do the final Competency, one on one, individual Assessment sitting down!).

If you want to know anything about test ‘n’ tag or are looking at getting into the industry, you should continue reading as you could save yourself a lot of money. It’s not one of those satire commercials about saying you will. It really will! Carry on reading to find out.

So, our new online course is different. It’s a modern platform used on all devices, focused student learning, can save you a lot of money upfront, gives you personal time with the trainer and a loan if you need it. It is broken into three parts; Bronze, Silver and Gold and we are offering you a taste of the course (Bronze) for free to see if you think it’s for you. This overview will allow you to identify testing ‘fraud’ or pick up bad testing practices even if you do not want to do testing yourself. However, if you want to become competent, you will need to complete the three levels and sit a practical assessment. Sound a little daunting, long-winded, or expensive? It’s not. In fact, it’s everything you would cover in a full day’s course and is cheaper than what other companies offer.

https://metrotest.co.nz/product/courses/

Designed with a range of learning methods in mind, we wanted to make sure everyone had access to material in a way that is easy to understand and interactive to keep you interested. Want to listen to audio while reading or doing another task, you can. Like videos and pictures or just reading, it has that too.

You don’t even have to buy a Portable Appliance Tester to do the training (this is where you really can save money) as training is provided with the aid of a unique Portable Appliance Tester Simulator (PAT Simulator) that allows you to get a feel for testing before you have to buy one – you can’t break it, it’s virtual! When it comes time for your one on one Competency Assessment, we can send you a loan tester to use.

https://metrotest.co.nz/product/silver-2/

That’s right; we want to make sure the process is as smooth as possible and cost-effective. No one else currently offers this, and why would they because they want you to buy a tester. First and foremost, we want you to be SAFE. We see all too often others pressured into purchasing a tester before a course not understanding their needs and ending up with a lemon. We take that pressure off your shoulders.

https://metrotest.co.nz/product/gold-2/

Upon completion of each level of the online training there is a small quiz to make sure you have taken everything on board, When you complete the Gold and have your one on one assessment you will be issued with a Photo ID to prove your competency if challenged when testing.

We understand COVID has hit a lot of people in the pocket and that’s why we wanted to make sure these courses are affordable; hence the free level of Bronze to get you started.

There are several companies offering Test and Tag Training in New Zealand and Australia these days that have come from different beginnings. Metrotest started by making PAT Testers (not labels) and have electrical and training-based instructors and assessors.

So if you want real training from a company that has been Testing, Repairing, Training and selling test equipment for over 20 years in both New Zealand and Australia you can find us here www.metrotest.co.nz.

If you are still not convinced, try Bronze for free. What have you really got to lose? Find it here: https://metrotest.co.nz/product/courses/