Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Test and Tag?
Test and Tag is the process of inspecting and electrically testing electrical appliances to ensure they are safe for use. It involves two key steps:Visual Inspection – Checking for any visible damage, wear, or defects.Electrical Testing – Using specialised equipment to test for faults, insulation resistance, and earth continuity.Once an appliance passes the test, it is fitted with a durable tag that records the test date, next test due date, and the technician’s details. This process helps businesses comply with AS/NZS 3760:2022 standards, ensuring workplace safety and reducing the risk of electrical hazards.
What is tested?
- There are hundreds of different electrical items that need to be tested, some of the common items that may be in your workplace include: Office Equipment:
- Computers, monitors, printers, and photocopiers
- Power boards and extension leads
- Desk lamps and chargers Kitchen Appliances:
- Kettles, toasters, and microwaves
- Refrigerators and coffee machines Tools and Machinery:
- Power tools (drills, saws, sanders)
- Welding equipment and compressors
- Battery chargers Entertainment Equipment:
- Audio/visual equipment (speakers, projectors)
- Stage lighting and sound systems Cleaning Appliances:
- Vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, and pressure washers Industrial Equipment:
- High-powered appliances and electrical cords
- Test and measuring devices
How much do services cost?
Our pricing is based on the size and complexity of the job. Contact us for a customized quote and ask about our special offers for new and returning clients.
How are tests completed?
A qualified technician will come to your workplace, they will have specialised equipment (PAT) and follow the below process:
Visual Inspection:The first step is a thorough visual inspection of the appliance and its power lead. The technician checks for signs of physical damage, such as fraying, exposed wires, cracks, or loose connections. Any defective or unsafe appliances are marked for repair or removal from service.
Electrical Testing:
The technician uses their specialised equipment to perform electrical tests. This includes:Earth Continuity Test: Ensures that the appliance's earth (ground) connection is functioning correctly to prevent electrical shocks.Insulation Resistance Test: Checks that the insulation on the appliance is intact and not allowing electrical current to leak, reducing the risk of electrical faults or shocks.Polarity Test: Verifies that the live, neutral, and earth connections are correctly configured.Leakage Current Test: Ensures that there is no current leakage from the appliance that could pose a safety risk.
Tagging:Once an appliance passes the tests, it is tagged with a durable label that includes:The date of the test.The next test due date.The technician’s details and any relevant test results.
Record Keeping:All test results are recorded and stored, either electronically or in hard copy. This ensures compliance with safety standards (such as AS/NZS 3760:2022) and allows for easy tracking of future testing requirements.
How often is testing needed?
The frequency of Test and Tag depends on several factors, including the type of equipment, its environment, and the associated risk. Testing frequency ranges from 3 months for high risk environments to 5 years for very low risk environments.
Factors Affecting Frequency:Risk Environment: More hazardous environments (e.g., construction sites, factories) require more frequent testing.Type of Equipment: Equipment that experiences frequent use or rough conditions will need more regular testing.
Compliance Reminder:Regular testing not only helps ensure safety but also keeps businesses compliant with legal requirements. Testing intervals might be adjusted based on specific circumstances or customer needs.
How long does testing take?
Individual Items
Typical Time: a couple of minutes per item.Simple items like a computer, printer, or desk lamp usually take a coule of minutes to test, including inspection, electrical testing, and tagging.Multiple Items (Office/Small Business)Typical Time: 1 to 2 hours for up to 20 items.For a small office with a range of office equipment (computers, monitors, kitchen appliances), testing might take a coule of hours depending on the quantity and complexity of items.
Large-Scale Testing (Factory/Construction Sites)Typical Time: Half a day to a full day.Larger sites or environments with a significant amount of equipment (e.g., power tools, machinery, etc.) could take half a day or longer, especially if the equipment is used frequently and requires detailed testing.
Complex or High-Risk ItemsTypical Time: approximately 10 minutes per item.Industrial or heavy-duty machinery might take longer to test, especially if additional safety checks are required.
Factors That Influence Testing Time:Size of the Site: Larger sites or multiple locations may take longer to complete, as more time is required to move between items.Condition of Equipment: Items that require more detailed inspection or repairs may extend testing time.Access: Equipment that’s difficult to access (e.g., machinery on high shelves or hard-to-reach areas) may require extra time.
Conclusion:For most businesses, a single visit can typically take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the number of items.For large-scale projects or industrial testing, it may take half a day or longer to complete.
What happens if a test fails?
Immediate Identification
The equipment is immediately identified as failed. It is marked with a clear label or tag indicating the failure and highlighting the reason for it. This ensures that staff or users are aware that the item is unsafe to use.
Inspection ResultsThe technician will provide detailed information about why the equipment failed. The failure could be due to:• Damaged cables or cords (e.g., fraying or exposed wiring).• Faulty insulation (e.g., electrical leakage or poor insulation).• Earth continuity failure (e.g., no grounding or grounding issues).• Incorrect polarity (e.g., reversed live/neutral connections).• Other electrical faults (e.g., damaged plugs or connectors).
Repair or Removal from ServiceThe failed equipment will need to be either repaired or removed from service:• Repairs: If the equipment can be repaired (e.g., replacing a damaged power cord or plug), it can be re-tested and tagged again once the repairs are completed.• Removal from Service: If the equipment is beyond repair or cannot be safely fixed, it should be removed from service to prevent any electrical hazards.
RetestingAfter the necessary repairs are made, the equipment should be retested to ensure that it now meets the required safety standards. A new tag will be applied after the successful retest.
Record KeepingAll test results, including failed tests and reasons for failure, are documented and kept on record. This ensures compliance and helps track the safety of your equipment over time.
Why is This Important?A failed test highlights a potential safety risk that could lead to electrical shocks, fires, or other hazards. Immediate action—whether it's repairing the equipment or removing it from use—ensures the safety of everyone in the workplace or environment.
Is Test and Tag a legal requirement?
Workplace Safety LawsIn Australia and many other countries, workplace health and safety laws require businesses to maintain safe electrical systems and equipment. This includes ensuring that portable electrical appliances are regularly tested and tagged to comply with safety standards.
AS/NZS 3760:2022 StandardThe AS/NZS 3760:2022 standard outlines the guidelines for testing and tagging electrical equipment to ensure it meets safety requirements. The standard provides detailed instructions on how often appliances should be tested based on their usage, environment, and risk.
Employer ResponsibilitiesEmployers are legally obligated to provide a safe working environment. This includes:Ensuring that electrical appliances are regularly tested and tagged.Ensuring that employees are not exposed to unsafe electrical hazards.Keeping records of inspections, testing, and repairs. High-Risk EnvironmentsIn high-risk environments like construction sites, factories, and workshops, testing and tagging is often required more frequently to minimize the risk of electrical accidents.
Penalties for Non-ComplianceFailing to test and tag electrical equipment in accordance with legal requirements can result in penalties or fines. It can also lead to serious safety risks, which may result in workplace accidents or legal claims.
Why is it Important?Safety: Regular testing reduces the risk of electrical hazards, including shocks, fires, and equipment failure.Compliance: Compliance with the AS/NZS 3760:2022 standard and other workplace safety regulations ensures you meet legal obligations.Peace of Mind: Knowing your equipment is tested and safe fosters a culture of safety and trust within the workplace.
Employer ResponsibilitiesEmployers are legally obligated to provide a safe working environment. This includes:Ensuring that electrical appliances are regularly tested and tagged.Ensuring that employees are not exposed to unsafe electrical hazards.Keeping records of inspections, testing, and repairs. High-Risk EnvironmentsIn high-risk environments like construction sites, factories, and workshops, testing and tagging is often required more frequently to minimize the risk of electrical accidents.
Penalties for Non-ComplianceFailing to test and tag electrical equipment in accordance with legal requirements can result in penalties or fines. It can also lead to serious safety risks, which may result in workplace accidents or legal claims.
Why is it Important?Safety: Regular testing reduces the risk of electrical hazards, including shocks, fires, and equipment failure.Compliance: Compliance with the AS/NZS 3760:2022 standard and other workplace safety regulations ensures you meet legal obligations.Peace of Mind: Knowing your equipment is tested and safe fosters a culture of safety and trust within the workplace.