Author: Metrotest

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EMEX: NZ’s Largest Manufacturing and Engineering Industry Trade Show Happening This 5-7 May 2020

 

Celebrating over 40 years of engineering excellence, Engineering, Machinery & Electronics Exhibition (EMEX), will again showcase great advances in technology in the manufacturing and engineering industry in a three-day event this coming 5 to 7 of May 2020 at ASB Showgrounds, Auckland.

As the largest manufacturing and engineering trade show in New Zealand, this year’s event will be exceptional as it will feature how far technology and innovation have come in New Zealand’s manufacturing and engineering sectors for over four decades. 

This years event will mark the incredible milestones of all the companies that have been with EMEX for over 40 years. Visitors can expect a lot from all exhibitors as they showcase and feature all the technological advances that they have achieved in all those years.  

Aside from showcasing advanced technologies on manufacturing and engineering industry, this year’s EMEX will also host leading keynote speakers, top-notch innovators and new-age thinkers which will make the event more exciting. 

Moreover, the event is expecting over 5,000 buyers who are on the lookout for the next product, service, and technology that will help them further enhance and improve their workplace and business operations.

Gone are the days of walkmans, fax machine, and the first cellphone that came in the market, that were now replaced with more innovative and advanced technology that made everyone’s life easier. With this kind of changes, the event will try to look back on all the products that we used in the past that has pioneered all the successful technology and innovation that we are all experiencing today. 

Aside from that, it will also look into the mind-blowing advances and changes in the future brought by the digital age. 

With all the exciting things that are line up in the event, everyone will surely get their time and money’s worth. 

Moreover, with over 40 years of innovations, thousands of buyers won’t be disappointed with the good line up of exhibitors that are ready to showcase their technologically advanced and innovative products and services. 

And one of the many exhibitors that will be joining the largest manufacturing and engineering trade show in New Zealand, is Metrotest Electrical Safety. 

Metrotest is one of the leading suppliers of electrical safety equipment and trusted training provider for electrical safety testing ‘competency’ in New Zealand and Australia.

About Metrotest

Most companies neglect the importance of having electrical safety tests in their workplace. That is why Metrotest found a solution of creating and designing their own electrical safety testing technology to help make every employee safe in the workplace. 

Not only that, they have also proven their credentials by being AS/NZS3760 Committee members on Standards New Zealand. They are accredited to provide electrical safety products and services such as: 

  • Competency training and assessment on electrical safety
  • Provide nationwide testing and tagging service
  • Provide training for AS/NZS3760 and AS/NZS3551/5761/5762 compliance
  • Provide training for Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB)
  • Direct import of many brands and testers

Metrotest is also one of the providers of a wide range of portable appliance testers in Australia and New Zealand. They also offer assessments on what you need when it comes to electrical safety. They can also do a full back up repair, calibrations, servicing, etc., so your business operations won’t be affected. 

With the aim of creating advanced and up to date technologies, products and services when it comes to electrical safety, Metrotest is a must-see and must-visit exhibitor in the upcoming EMEX manufacturing and engineering trade show. 

Come and see EMEX this 05 to 07 May 2020 and make sure to check out and visit Metrotest and see the best products and services when it comes to electrical safety. 

See you there!

 

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PAT Tester With Printer

Are you looking for the best Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) in the market? Do you want to do the testing yourself? At Metrotest Electrical Safety, you not only find products to purchase, you can also get training to go with them you’re guided and safe.

What Are Portable Appliance Testers?

A Portable Appliance Tester consists of a number of testing instruments created into one case. Its main objective is to easily, quickly, and accurately test appliances and electrical equipment.

Unlike other types of test equipment, a PAT does not have multiple test leads to be attached and inserted. Simply plug the appliance into the PAT and one fly lead called the “wander lead” is attached to the equipment that you are testing.

Once the appliance has been tested, the PAT will show the results as pass or fail. Depending on the tester, it also gives actual readings and no interpretation of results is usually required.

PAT: All-in-One Equipment

Technicians tend to choose a PAT because it has everything they need all in one equipment. Sure, they can use a combination of other test instruments but that slows down and complicates the testing process. This requires more time and training from the operator.

PAT is the number one choice for electrical testing because of its speed, ease of use, and practicality. For non-electricians, it is the only and safest choice.

Technicians who test appliances need more than just a PAT, they need one with a printer as part of the package.

Why Choose Metrotest Electrical Safety

Do you know why Metrotest Electrical Safety is your best choice when it comes to PAT Testers and trainings? The reason is simple – we offer nothing but the best. Our goal is to deliver the necessary equipment and training to you, our customers.

If you’re looking for PAT Testers with printers, here are some of the models available on the Metrotest Electrical Safety website:

  1. Sonel Metro EasiPAT

This product is available for purchase or for hire. There’s an option that includes a printer in the package that you purchase.

This amazing little fully functioned Portable Appliance Tester is the next step in do it yourself (DIY) testing.

The package includes:

  • PRCD (portable Residual Current Device) testing
  • Battery & mains operated (requires mains for powered up leakage testing)
  • Powered up leakage testing
  • Insulation testing
  • Polarity testing
  • Earth Test: 200mA, 10A
  • Flashing warning lights when used for powered up testing-providing extra safety for the operator
  • 1 Push test selection
  • Bright Pass/Fail Indicator
  • Light up LCD display
  • Direct Wi-Fi Capable
  • Great carry bag with room for all your accessories and mini thermal transfer printer (Tough Tags)

The tester has a built-in basic memory recall, which can be downloaded with Sonel Pats Reader and is able to do basic printing. A future App is planned for development.

2. Metro iPAT SupaPAT

Our newest, most comprehensive, and user-friendly PAT comes in a complete testing package. Included are thermal transfer printer, scanner, and comprehensive software all neatly contained in a specially designed carry bag.

The package includes:

  • Sonel Metro iPAT Portable Appliance Tester Standard Set
  • Symbol Laser Scanner
  • CG2 Thermal Transfer Label Printer
  • Roll of 400 Tough Vinyl (Valeron stock) Labels and Ribbon
  • USB download cable
  • All Connection cables from Printer to PAT
  • Customized Business logo for Printer (additional software required to change logo)
  • Handmade custom vinyl bag
  • 1 year warranty

This product comes with trainings that you can book ahead of time on the website.

3. Metro iPAT

This PAT Model is designed to make testing easier and faster without compromising on safety. The newly developed operating system is both user friendly for the testing technician and rich in features for the varied needs of testing companies and their clients. Retesting has become easier with the introduction Dual Time Tags (DTT) and a whole new tagging system.

Key Features:

  • Designed around the needs of AS/NZS3760 (not adapted to) by a nationwide Test & Tag Company
  • Real Safety testing (including high current earth bond test), speed, audit ability and a truly flexible operating system sets it apart from its’ nearest competitor
  • Custom Designable ‘Help Menu’/Site inductions/Individual SOPS/JSA/Task Analysis sign off signature can all be placed on-board
  • Full color touch screen to enable easy access, fast and efficient testing and data input without the need of other devices and minimizing paper based systems
  • Output voltage and frequency constantly displayed
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Manual & automatic test codes
  • Single test ability
  • RCD tests both installation and portable RCDs including ramp test.
  • Dual Time’ tagging and printing
  • Comprehensive download software Sonel PAT+ with easy data management
  • USB flash drive downloadable

These are just a few of the vast array of PAT Testers with printers. Take your pick among the many choices featured on our website. We guarantee you high quality products and top notch training to help you use your brand new equipment properly.

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Test and Tag Equipment Suppliers

Metrotest is your industry professional partner in product supply and training. Metrotest is the leader in test and tag equipment. They have the latest products and services when it comes to testing and tagging.

Here are 5 of the most in-demand test and tag equipment on Metrotest:

Sonel Metro EasiPAT Portable Appliance Tester

This amazing little fully functioned PAT is the next step in do-it-yourself (DIY) testing.

The Product Includes PRCD (portable Residual Current Device) testing with battery and mains operated. This requires mains for powered up leakage testing. The tester can be used for insulation testing and polarity testing.

Flashing warning lights are activated when used for powered up testing-providing extra safety for the operator.

The Sonel Metro EasiPAT Portable Appliance Tester has 1 Push test selection with Bright Pass/Fail Indicator and a light up LCD display. It is direct Wi-Fi capable. It also comes with a great carry bag with room for all your accessories and mini thermal transfer printer (Tough Tags).

Basic limited memory capability:

The Sonel Metro EasiPAT Portable Appliance Tester has a built in a basic memory recall, which can be downloaded with Sonel Pats Reader and is able to basic printing.

A future App is planned for development.

Metro iPAT SupaPAT

Description

Our newest, most comprehensive and user-friendly PAT in a complete testing package with thermal transfer printer, scanner, and comprehensive software all neatly contained in a specially designed carry bag.

The Metro iPAT SupaPAT includes the Sonel Metro iPAT Portable Appliance Tester Standard Set,

Symbol Laser Scanner, and CG2 Thermal Transfer Label Printer. It also comes with a Roll of 400 Tough Vinyl (Valeron stock) Labels and Ribbon, a USB download cable, and All Connection cables from Printer to PAT.

The Metro iPAT SupaPAT comes with a customized business logo for printer and additional software required to change logo. It comes with a handmade custom vinyl bag and a 1-year warranty.

Metro iPAT

Designed to make testing easier and faster without compromising on safety. The newly developed operating system is both user friendly for the testing technician and rich in features for the varied needs of testing companies and their clients. Retesting has become easier with the introduction Dual Time Tags (DTT) and a whole new tagging system.

The Metro iPAT are designed around the needs of AS/NZS3760 (not adapted to) by a nationwide Test & Tag Company. It allows for Real Safety testing (including high current earth bond test), speed, audit ability, and a truly flexible operating system sets it apart from its nearest competitor.

The Metro iPAT comes with a Custom Designable ‘Help Menu’/Site inductions/Individual SOPS/JSA/Task. It also features analysis sign off signature that can all be placed on-board.

Its full-color touch screen enables easy access, fast and efficient testing, and data input without the need of other devices and minimizing paper based systems.

Its output voltage and frequency is constantly displayed. The Metro iPAT comes with an intuitive user interface, manual and automatic test codes, and single test ability.

RCD tests both installation and portable RCDs including ramp test. It comes with Dual Time tagging and printing, as well as a comprehensive download software Sonel PAT+ with easy data  management and a USB flash drive downloadable.

 

Megger 150R

The PAT150R is a cost-effective, full functionality PAT, which is ideal for use in a wide variety of PAT testing applications. The PAT 150R includes dual insulation test voltages, can be used to test portable equipment, has exclusive 10ma/30mA portable RCD lead testing, adjustable PASS testing limits and mains powered leakage testing procedures.

Key Features include a large LCD display and Push Button Tests. The PAT150R tests single Phase Appliances up to 10A with an earth test of 200mA and an insulation Test of 250/500V.

The PAT150R is able to conduct mains powered leakage test (operational) 230V and can test via its onboard rechargeable batteries. It allows for Lead Testing and offers a 1-year warranty.

CEM DT-9054 RCD Tester

The CEM DT-9054 RCD Tester features include a fully programmed operation, accurate digital read out of tripping time, and current 450ms readout for testing latest delay action breakers.

It has two LED lamps that give quick check for correct wiring. It is compact, lightweight, and simple to operate.

Why Metrotest?

Metrotest is not just a sales company, or just a test and tag company, or just a development company – we do all three! We know our products inside out and use them. You really can’t beat old fashioned knowledge and service.

Metrotest is an electrical safety company that has built a reputation as a supplier of electrical safety equipment in both New Zealand and Australia. We are also a training provider for electrical safety testing ‘competency’ training. We operate a nationwide electrical safety testing operation.

What Metrotest Offers

Metrotest provides services including electrical safety competency training and assessment,

Nationwide Test and Tag Service, training to enable compliance with AS/NZS3760 and AS/NZS3551/5761/5762. We are also an Accredited Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) training provider.

Metrotest offers direct import of many brands of testers resulting in affordable prices. We provide Australia and New Zealand’s largest range of Portable Appliance Testers for sale.

Here at Metrotest, we offer you what you need and not what we think you need. We look out for your requirements and provide you with the products and services that you desire. Call us today for more details about test and tag equipment!

 

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Visit Metrotest at Field Days

Visit Metrotest at Fieldays. 10 – 13 June, 2020.  Fieldays is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event!

Field Days is the biggest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere. It is where people and organizations launch cutting edge technology and innovation. From towns folks to foreigners from across the globe, Field Days veterans or first-time visitors, there’s an attraction for everybody.

Here’s how you can introduce your ideas at Field Days 2020:

  • Introduce your innovation into the market – national or international;
  • Meet a talented group of insightful industry experts; and
  • Collect vital data from your target market.

Field Days boasts of a $60,000 prize pool, prominent media coverage, an audience that’s interested in your innovation, and a platform where you can introduce products and ideas to a vast array of individuals, groups, and companies. Applications officially close on April 30, 2020.

New Zealand National Fieldays Society

Field Days is owned and run by New Zealand National Field Days Society, a local not-for-profit. The society was created in 1968 by several individuals who sought to promote the idea of a Town and Country show for farmers. The goal was to sponsor an event where farmers could meet and share innovations – both products and services – in farm machinery. In 1970, Field Days purchased its home at Mystery Creek, where future events were held.

Metrotest Provides Expert Advice On Electrical Safety & Test and Tag Technology

What Field Days Volunteers Do

Each year, hundreds of volunteers donate their talent and time to organize the largest agricultural event in the southern hemisphere. The group consists of members of the New Zealand Field Days Society and other volunteers who help run Field Days . They assist in hosting, parking, running information booths, driving courier vehicles, tractor pull, and site services, as well as event set up and breakdown.

The team consist of people with a myriad of skills who come from various backgrounds. They are passionate and highly committed, dedicated to the success of Field Days as they bring people from around the world to support the progress of New Zealand Agriculture. Whether you’re in food, farming, horticulture, equine, or viticulture, you’re welcome to become a Field Days team volunteer.

Note: Minimum age requirement to volunteer at Field Days is 18 years of age.

About Field Days

Field Days celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2018. They credit their volunteers for this milestone as they share their time, effort, and skills during the annual, 4-day event. In turn, the organization donates more than $100,000 dollars to local community groups and charities.

Field Days provide sponsors with the opportunity to partner with the organization in an event that brings together 133,000 people in just 4 days. Field Days creates the best platform for companies and individuals to launch agricultural products and services to New Zealand and across the globe.

The Field Days brand is sought after both in New Zealand and around the world. It has proven itself to be a super-effective branding and consumer engagement platform. Big brands and organizations have sponsored Field Days each year. This group includes XERO, Vodafone, ANZ, New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and more.

What Field Days Provides to Participants

Field Days provide a platform for you to align your brand with a globally recognized brand. You can increase your credibility and put your business under the spotlight as you showcase products and services. Plus, you can meet your customers face to face and get feedback from them directly. Field Days also lets you connect with the community and interact with your customers one-on-one and face-to-face. You can also generate immediate sales.

The Field Days Innovation Awards is the number one launching pad for backyard inventors and start-up companies, including well-known manufacturers and distributors to connect and interact with the primary industries. Field Days brings agricultural innovators in the same location as corporate decision makers, investors, and media and creates the perfect platform to test your innovation in a venue where the audience is highly targeted for agriculture.

Here are some of the benefits that you will enjoy at Field Days :

  • 125,000+ event visitors;
  • Extensive media coverage;
  • Exhibit at Field Days ;
  • Gain market insights;
  • $60,000 prize pool;
  • Validate your idea; and
  • Winners also gain access to the sought-after logo of the Category Awards to use in their promotion.

Categories

  • Grassroots Prototype focused on showcasing ideas;
  • Established Prototype recognizing product development;
  • Launch NZ for innovations ready to go to market; and
  • International for launching innovations globally.

Who Can Participate?

Innovators from the following industry sectors are encouraged to enter the Innovation Awards:

  • Dairy and dry stock farming;
  • Horticulture and viticulture;
  • Information and communication technology;
  • Cloud and mobile-based software;
  • Animal health and genetics;
  • Water and waste management;
  • Environment and clean tech;
  • Animal and farm management; and
  • Farm safety and leading research

Field Days Awards

  • Grassroots Prototype Award
  • Established Prototype Award
  • Launch NZ Award
  • International Award

Additional Sponsor Awards:

  • Vodafone Innovation in Technology Award
  • Amazon Webs Services Innovation in Data Award
  • James & Wells Innovation Award
  • Callaghan Innovation Award for Partnership & Collaboration
  • Gait International Innovation Award for Product Design and Scalability
  • Sprout Global Growth Award

Testimonials

“Field Days was AMAZING! If you are wanting to test or launch an AG based product there is no better place for you to exhibit. Field Days really put PICMI on the map and enabled us to gather feedback and meet potential customers. Don’t just think about applying to the Innovation Space – just do it!”

-Genevieve Griffin-George, founder of PICMI

Entering the Awards

The Field Days Innovation Awards offers you a high-profile promotion of your innovation that come with networking opportunities, useful advice, and exclusive support from some of the most respected organizations and companies in New Zealand. Whether you’re entering to launch a product or validate your invention with a highly targeted audience, the Field Days Innovation Awards is the best platform to take your innovation to the next level.

Note: Applications are now open and will close April 30, 2020.

Here are some of the highlights of the Field Days event:

 

 

 

 

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What Is the Difference Between RCD and PRCD?

Electricity powers the things we use in our day to day lives and is all around us. It powers our lights, electric stoves, computers, televisions, and even the internet. Electricity is a type of energy that results from charged particles like an electron or proton, and can be accumulated (static), or dynamic (current).

In order for our homes and establishments to be powered and connected to power, electricity must first be at power stations, which are large spinning turbines that generate electricity. These maybe renewable, using water, wind and solar power, or non-renewable, which is the most common, using coal and other fossil fuels. This electric current produced is then sent through a transformer, that can then increase voltage in order to help with the distance that needs to be covered in order to reach a certain place.

This electrical charge is carried by transmission lines that are spread out across long distances. Once it finishes with the transmission lines, it then goes to a substation, where voltage can be lowered as it will then be sent to smaller power lines. This is then sent through distribution lines connected commercially or in private establishments and homes.

Electricity reaches these places and passes through a meter, which is the tool for measuring the amount of electricity used in the establishment. In these establishments, electricity flows and travels through the wires and is then regulated by outlets and switches, which helps power whatever you need!

How electricity flows, Solar Schools

More than often, accidents happen because of the non-regulation of the flow of electricity in establishments. Injuries and electrical fires can be sustained by touching live wires and the blowing up of fuses and circuit breakers. When not careful, electrocution may occur due to the unsuspected cuts in the wires in our bathrooms, living rooms, and even lawns!

What Is a Residual Current Device?

Thankfully enough, there is a device that helps regulate and protect the flow of electricity, and that is a Residual Current Device (RCD).  An RCD is designed to prevent electric shock and may also provide protection against fires caused by electricity. It generally gives another layer of comfort in addition to circuit breakers and fuses. This safety device automatically turns of electricity once it detects a fault.

How RCD’s Work

This RCD does all this by monitoring electric current flow in the circuits it protects. When it detects electricity flowing through a different, or an unintended path, the RCD will automatically turn of the circuit, reducing fatal risks. It quickly and automatically disconnects a circuit if it detects that electric current if not balanced between supply and return conductors of a circuit.  If there is indeed a difference, a leakage current is assumed, and this is a hazard in itself.

Double pole RCDs disconnect both energized and return conductors when a fault is seen, while single pole RCDs only disconnect the energized conductor. If the fault left the return wire in a ground potential that isn’t the expected one, the single pole RCD will leave the conductor still connected to the circuit when it detects a fault. These devices can be tested and are resettable, as a test button can create a safe small leakage condition, and the reset button reconnects the conductors after the fixing of the damage or fault.

What Are RCD’s for?

RCDs aim to protect you from the risks and dangers in areas that have huge potentials for electric anomalies like bathrooms. They aim to protect the user, rather than focusing entirely on the device that might be damaged. There are many types of RCDs, such as a fixed RCD, a socket-outlet RCD, and a Portable RCD. Fixed and socket-outlet RCDs are the most common types.

A fixed RCD is installed in a fuse box and protects a circuit or a group of circuits. Similar to a fixed RCD, a socket-outlet RCD is also fixed, but instead of being installed at the fuse box, it is used in replacement to a normal socket-outlet, and provides protection to the person in contact with the device being plugged in or out.

A Fixed Residual Current Device

What Is a Portable Residual Current Device?

Portable RCDs (PRCDs), on the other hand, have the advantages of both the fixed RCD and the socket outlet RCD. A PRCD can be plugged into any type or standard socket-outlet. Aside from that, it can also have appliances plugged into it. PRCDs are advantageous because they are proven useful when neither a fixed nor socket outlet RCDs are available.

Advantages of a PRCD

A PRCD has all the benefits of a fixed or a normal RCD, but with the advantage of being portable, meaning you can bring it and use the device wherever you want! PRCDs provide protection to the person in contact with the concerned equipment or appliance.

It is unlikely that people testing will not need an RCD tester so when purchasing a new PAT it obviously makes sense to add this in.

Metrotest sells RCD Testers designed to help electricians and limited license holders – including individuals in the test and tag industry. They were established in 1998 and are a famous electrical safety company in both New Zealand and Australia. Find RCD Testers at Metrotest today!

PRCD Testers from Metrotest

RCD Testers from Metrotest

Reducing the risk of a faulty RCD can increase the protection of your home against potential electrical fire and circuit damage. That’s why it helps to use a RCD Tester. Check out the Sonel Metro EasiPAT and learn how this effective appliance can you help you.

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Update to AS/NZS 3012:2019 Standard

AS/NZS 3012:2019 Electrical installations- Construction and demolition sites.

You may have heard that there have been some changes to test and tag standards around New Zealand and Australia. This rumour comes around every so often and generally with no merit however there has recently been a new version of the AS/NZS 3012:2019 Electrical installations- Construction and demolition sites released. (For more information book our test and tag training)

The new version of this standard refers to some very important things and are well worth a mention and some further inspection.

Section 3 of this standard is titled “Verification”. This section refers to a multitude of electrical items that require testing however we are going to talk about the items referred to as “any other electrical equipment used on construction and demolition sites.”

 

Points of interest include the following:

3.5.1 General

The above mentioned clearly states that

“All other electrical equipment on site, including power tools, flexible cords, cord extension

sets and portable socket-outlet assemblies, shall be tested by a competent person in

accordance with Clauses 3.5.2 and 3.5.3, as appropriate, and inspected in accordance with

the methods of AS/NZS 3760, before being put into service and thereafter at intervals not

exceeding those listed in Table 6 of this Standard.”

So how do you do this and who can test and tag electrical equipment on a construction site?

The answer to this is partly mentioned above, the definition “competent person” has been taken from the AS/NZS3760.

A competent person is someone who:

 

who the responsible person ensures has the necessary practical and theoretical skills, acquired through training, experience or a combination of these, to correctly undertake the required tasks.

Section 3.9 refers to Documentation.

Previous versions did require records to be kept however did not set a minimum requirement for these whereas the new AS/NZS 3012 lists the below requirements as the minimum required:

 

  1. A register of all equipment.
  2. A record of formal inspection and tests.
  3. A register of repairs.
  4. A record of all faulty equipment.
  5. Records of construction wiring that include the following information as a minimum:
    • Visual inspection date, checklist (in accordance with AS/NZS 3000 checklist).
    • Continuity of earthing system:–values obtained for main earth, bonding earth and protective earth.
    • Insulation resistance value.
    • Polarity–checklist.
    • Correct circuit connections–checklist.
    • RCD—values for trip time.

Metrotest are pleased to advise that we always provide full records with a register of the equipment, clear pass and fail results and all results are downloaded directly from our testers which means you don’t have to worry about anyone providing false/fraudulent records.

If you don’t want someone else to touch your gear, we can help you with purchasing your own testing equipment and getting training to meet your competent person requirements.

If you would like to know more about test and tag equipment or training, you can contact us today.