We’re heading into the final stretch of the year, but there’s still plenty happening in the test and tag space - from CHOICE’s Shonky Awards to new gear and the upcoming summer tag colour change. Here’s your November wrap-up.
New PAT Tester Hits the Market: Metrel EE 3340
New portable appliance testers don't come around often these days, and most brands update their gear every few years (if that). So when a completely new model actually, it's worth having a look.
The team at Appliance Testing Supplies put the brand new Metrel EE 3340 Print Kit through its paces – the first major release from Metrel in years.
The standout feature? You don’t need an Android app or external device to run it. The EE 3340 is fully controlled straight from its colour touchscreen, making it extremely easy to operate.
Also, by adding on an adaptor, you’re capable of testing EV charge leads – something no other portable appliance tester currently offers. Combine that with its durable design, Zebra printer and 2D barcode scanner and you’ve got a brand new all-in-one kit shaking up the market.
Read the full review of the Metrel EE 3340 Print Kit on the Appliance Testing Supplies website.
Shonky Awards 2025 – Handy Heater Turbo 800 Cops a Spray
The annual CHOICE Shonky Awards have dropped, calling out some of the dodgiest products sold in Australia. Most years there’s at least one shocker from the electrical world - and 2025 didn’t disappoint. This time, the Handy Heater Turbo 800 took the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Marketed as a quick and easy way to heat a room, it earned a Shonky for failing basic safety checks and not meeting Australian standards. It’s another reminder that when it comes to electrical gear, “cheap and cheerful” can quickly turn into “unsafe and unreliable.”
For those in the test and tag industry, it’s a perfect example of why proper inspection and tagging matter. Plug-in heaters like this one and other similar products often pop up in offices or workshops during the colder months. So keep an eye out when testing — and make sure anything like it meets compliance.
It’s also worth noting that Temu made the list, which won’t surprise anyone. They’ve repeatedly been caught selling electronic goods that don’t meet Australian safety standards. In our opinion, avoid buying electrical appliances from online marketplaces like these.
You can check out the full list of Shonky Awards 2025 winners on the CHOICE website - it’s always a good read (and a reminder of why safety standards exist).
Summer Tag Colour Change – Red for December to February
We know, we sound like a broken record, but It’s that time again. The test tag colour has now switched to red for summer (December to February).
If you’re testing and tagging on site – especially on construction, mining and demolition sites - make sure your tags are up to date and you’ve got enough stock ready for the season. Using the correct colour helps clients instantly see that their equipment’s current and compliant, especially during pre-holiday safety checks.
Need to top up your test tags? Order early from Appliance Testing Supplies to avoid Christmas delays.
Calibration Area Now Fully Operational
A quick one from our end — our new PAT Tester Calibration Area in Victoria is officially finished and running.
It’s been a solid project in the background, and it’s already sped things up for the team. The new setup means quicker turnarounds and support for every major PAT tester brand we see come through the door.
For anyone due for their annual calibration, remember you can easily book in the calibration online and we’ll get your appliance tester sorted and back to you fast.
End-of-Year Specials and Training Discounts
With the end of the year fast approaching, we’ve got a few things worth flagging. Our end-of-year specials are landing in December across PAT testers, test tags, printers, and accessories, so keep an eye on your inbox and socials for the full details. It’s a great chance to upgrade your equipment or stock up before shutdown.
If you’ve been planning to complete your Online Test & Tag Course, our Certified by Year’s End promotion is now running for a limited time. The course can be completed entirely via a virtual classroom, and you can get certified in one day with the same nationally recognised qualification as our face-to-face training. It's a good opportunity to head into 2026 fully certified and to give everyone across Australia - regardless of location - the chance to be test and tag certified.
Wrap-Up
That's a wrap for November as we fast approach the end of the year. December is shaping up to be a big one - we'll be releasing the latest data and research for the test and tag industry, including insights every service provider will want to be across. The end-of-year edition is one you won't want to miss.
