Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically testing an electrical coil through a surge tester. Comparison to a stored waveform through error area ratio computation is achieved by use of digital computer data processing techniques. A uniform threshold of acceptability is disclosed which is not dependent on voltage or type of coil tested. Statistical analysis may be programmed or hardwired into an embodiment to yield easily discernable manufacturing or field test information. Optimization of the entire process and the testing steps may also be achieved through an apparatus which may provide a variety of different output possibilities and which may be customized to the user's situation. Update and storage of test results is included as well as correlation with manufacturing data.