0412 333 115
0412 333 115
If youβre an electrician, HVAC technician, or even a sharp DIYer in Australia, you already know β testing equipment is only as good as its last calibration.
Whether youβre double-checking switchboards in the ACT, inspecting motors up in the Northern Territory, or crawling under floors in chilly Hobart, your insulation tester has to be spot-on.
But hereβs the problem:
πͺ βHow do I know my Uni-T insulation tester is still accurate?β
πͺ βDo I really need NATA calibration, or is a simple check enough?β
πͺ βWhere can I get my tester serviced in Australia without spending a fortune?β
If those questions have crossed your mind, this guide is for you.
Weβll walk you through:
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Why calibration matters β and why Aussie conditions make it essential.
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How insulation tester calibration works (in plain language).
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A buyerβs guide for finding NATA-certified service without headaches.
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Our pick for a reliable, affordable Uni-T tester when itβs time to upgrade.
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A real-life customer story from Hobart.
By the end of this guide, youβll know exactly how to keep your tester compliant, reliable, and trusted by inspectors.
Why should you even care about calibration?
Because your tester might be lying to you β and you wouldnβt even know it.
β‘ False positives β thinking insulation is fine when itβs actually failing.
β‘ Failed audits because your test results canβt be verified.
β‘ Putting your clients and yourself at risk.
Our unique climate and work conditions take a toll on equipment:
In the ACT, temperature swings and dust from construction sites can affect sensitive electronics.
In the NT, heat and humidity get into circuits and throw readings out of whack.
In Hobart, damp and cold can cause internal corrosion over time.
If your tester has been rattling around in the back of the ute, bouncing across sites, and hasnβt been checked in a year or more β itβs time.
Thatβs where NATA calibration comes in.
The good news is that calibration isnβt some mysterious black art β and it doesnβt have to be a hassle.
Hereβs what happens when you send your Uni-T tester in for calibration.
1οΈβ£ Visual Inspection
They check the outside β for cracks, loose parts, worn leads, or water ingress.
2οΈβ£ Reference Testing
Your testerβs readings are compared to a reference standard (which is far more precise and regularly verified itself).
3οΈβ£ Adjustment (if needed)
If your tester is outside acceptable limits, they adjust it back to spec.
4οΈβ£ Certificate Issued
Youβll get a certificate (often NATA certified) showing the results and confirming compliance.
5οΈβ£ Sticker & Record
The tester gets a calibration sticker and you keep the records in case an inspector asks.
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NATA Calibration: Recognised by auditors and inspectors, mandatory for some jobs.
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Non-NATA Check: Cheaper, fine for personal use or low-risk jobs.
If youβre doing work that will be audited, go NATA.
Need a tester while yours is being serviced? Many suppliers, including HVAC Trade Supply, can ship you a new one quickly so youβre never stuck.
If youβre in the ACT, NT, or Tassie and want to avoid headaches, here are some tips from Aussie tradies whoβve been there:
Get into the habit of sending your tester in once a year β put it in your phone calendar or set a reminder.
Store it in its case when not in use, keep the leads untangled, and wipe it down after dusty jobs.
Make sure the calibration service is NATA-accredited if required.
If your tester is constantly failing calibration or repairs cost more than a new unit β bite the bullet and upgrade.
π Shop Uni-T Insulation Testers
When itβs time to upgrade β whether your old unit failed calibration or just doesnβt cut it anymore β the Uni-T UT502A is our pick.
β Selectable voltages (250V, 500V, 1000V) β meets AS3000 standards.
β Measures up to 2000 MΞ©.
β Both digital and analogue displays.
β Affordable β under $200 AUD in most cases.
β Compact, rugged, and comes with a carry case and leads.
You can grab one here:
π Check Out the Uni-T UT502A
Perfect for sparkies and techs across Australia β including the ACT, NT, and Hobart.
Dave runs a small electrical business in Hobart, mainly doing heritage homes and small commercial work.
βIβd been using the same old tester for years β figured if it turned on, it worked,β Dave admits.
But after a routine audit flagged questionable readings and asked for his calibration certificate β which he didnβt have β Dave had to act fast.
He sent his tester in for calibration only to find it couldnβt be adjusted back to spec.
βThatβs when I ordered the Uni-T UT502A from HVAC Trade Supply,β Dave says.
βIt arrived two days later, came with everything I needed, and I sent it straight in for NATA calibration. Passed with flying colours, and now I keep the certificate on file for inspectors.β
If youβre serious about safety, compliance, and keeping your licence, donβt ignore calibration.
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Send your current tester in for calibration today.
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If it fails, or you just want peace of mind, grab a brand-new Uni-T tester.
π Explore the Full Range of Uni-T Insulation Testers
Reliable. Affordable. Shipped fast to ACT, Northern Territory, Hobart β and anywhere in Australia.
At least once a year, or more often if itβs used heavily or required by your client or industry.
If youβre working on jobs that require documentation (like government contracts or audits), yes.
Usually between $100β$200 AUD, depending on whether you choose NATA-certified or not.
It might be repairable β but if itβs too far out, itβs time to upgrade.
Absolutely β HVAC Trade Supply delivers across the ACT, NT, Hobart, and all of Australia.
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