Test and Tag Regulations

Below we have attempted to summarise the test and tag regulations. This is not a complete record of all the regulations, however represents a quick reference guide. If you have any questions on the regulations please Contact Us or your local regulatory authority.

What is testing and tagging?

Electrical testing and tagging is subjecting an electrical appliance to regular inspection and testing to detect obvious damage, wear and other conditions that might render it unsafe. Faulty electrical appliances have caused electrical fires, electrical shocks and accidental electrocutions (there have been multiple deaths every year). Testing and Tagging is therefore necessary for the safety of persons using the equipment and to ensure that employers and employees meet work and safety regulations.

What Equipment Needs to be Tested? Typical equipment that needs to be tested includes:

• Portable, hand-held and stationary appliances, designed for connection to power supply using a power cord
• Power cord extensions and outlet devices
• Power cords connected to fixed equipment in hostile environments i.e. an area where equipment may be subject to physical abuse, exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, corrosive chemicals or dust
• Portable isolation transformers
• RCDs
• Commercial and industrial battery chargers
• Portable and transportable 415V heavy duty tools such as high pressure washers and concrete grinders

The standard does not apply to equipment that would need to be dismantled to perform the tests and only applies to equipment in-service at a place of work or public place, or offered for hire.

What is the Test and Tag Process?

The testing and tagging process should consist of the following steps

1. An external inspection of the equipment and the connecting facilities checking for obvious damage or defects
2. Protective earth continuity test for Class I equipment (basic insulated, protectively earthed equipment), power boards and power cords
3. Insulation testing, which may be achieved by measuring insulation resistance or leakage current
4. Confirmation of the correct polarity of live connections

How frequently does Equipment Need to be Tested?

Electrical equipment should be inspected and tested:

1. At intervals specified in the below table
   Please note the frequency of testing is determined not by the equipment type, but is dependent on the environment in which the equipment is used or working in.
2. Before return to service after a repair or service
3. Before return to service from a second-hand sale

 

Source: AS/NZS 3760:2010

What do I do if the Equipment Fails the Test?

If during the testing process you identify equipment which fails any of the tests the equipment should be appropriately labelled to indicate that the equipment requires remedial action and warn against further use and withdrawn from service. At Test Tag Outlet we sell Fail Tags which can be viewed here. The choice of remedial action, disposal or other corrective action shall be determined by the owner or the person responsible for the safety of the site.

What do I do if the Equipment Passes the Test?

Following satisfying the test criteria, compliant equipment must be fitted with a durable, non-reusable, non-metallic test tag. The test tag must clearly identify the following information:

• The name of the person or company who performed the test
• The test or inspection date and the due date of the next test
• May be coloured as per regional specifications to identify the period of test. See Which Tag for further information.

All of our Test Tags are compliant with the AS/NZS 3760:2022 standard. Our range of Test Tags can be viewed here.

What are the Requirements for New Equipment?

All new equipment is covered under manufacturer’s warranty and therefore does not need to be tested for the first test period. In Australia all new equipment must be tagged to identify that the item is “New to Service” and has not been tested.

Our New to Service tags are designed specifically for this purpose and can be viewed here.

In New Zealand equipment must be inspected, tested and tagged on entry to service.

What are the Documentation Requirements?

The following should be recorded for each test and tag completed:

• A register of all equipment
• A record of formal inspections and tests
• A repair register
• A record of all faulty equipment showing details of services or corrective action.

Who is my local Test and Tag Regulatory Authority?

For more information on testing and tagging contact your local regulatory authority listed below: