Author: Metrotest

The term “Earth continuity test” might spark your imagination, conjuring images of scientists exploring the Earth’s core with sophisticated equipment. While the practice is a bit more down-to-earth, it plays a vital role in ensuring your electrical safety in a very practical way.

Earth Continuity Test

Understanding the Power of Grounding:

In the world of electrical appliances, a strong earth connection, also known as “grounding,” is important.  Imagine your home or workplace as a bustling city with electricity flowing through its “streets” (wires) to power various devices.  An earth connection acts like a well-maintained sewage system for this electrical city. It provides a safe and designated path for any stray current, like a leaky faucet, to flow away from the appliance and the user. This prevents electrical fires and shock hazards, keeping your electrical environment healthy and safe.

Multiple Tests for Complete Peace of Mind:

Electricians rely on a toolbox of methods to guarantee a secure earth connection and overall electrical safety.  These methods work together to give you complete peace of mind:

Visual Inspection: This meticulous check ensures there’s no damage to cords, plugs, or the appliance itself that could compromise the earth connection. Think of it as a thorough inspection of the electrical city’s infrastructure, identifying any cracks in the “sewage” pathways.

Insulation Testing: Insulation tester measures the strength of the insulation material surrounding the electrical wires within the appliance. Proper insulation acts like a robust network of pipes, preventing current leakage and potential shock hazards. Just like well-maintained pipes, strong insulation keeps your electrical city functioning smoothly.

Earth Leakage Current Testing: This test, sometimes called “earth bond testing” or “bond testing,” measures the amount of current that might leak from the live parts of an appliance to the earthed (grounded) parts. Ideally, this leakage current should be very low. A high reading indicates a potential problem with the earth connection, similar to a leak in the electrical city’s sewage system.

Test and Tag: Your Regular Electrical Check-up:

Test and Tag procedures incorporate these individual tests to ensure the overall safety of your portable electrical appliances.  Think of Test and Tag as a regular electrical check-up for your appliances, similar to how we get medical checkups for our health. It ensures that your appliances:

Have a secure earth connection, keeping your electrical city’s “sewage” flowing safely.

Have no damaged cords or plugs, eliminating potential weak points in the electrical system.

Possess adequate insulation to prevent current leakage, maintaining a healthy electrical environment.

By understanding the importance of a strong earth connection and the various tests conducted during the electrical testing procedures, you can create a safer electrical environment for yourself and those around you. Remember, a qualified electrician can address any concerns you have about your electrical system or the functionality of your appliances. Just like a well-maintained city, a safe electrical environment requires regular checkups and proper maintenance. To view our test and tag services, please head to the homepage. 

Test and tag is a systematic process designed to verify the electrical safety of appliances and equipment. One of the musts that play an important role in maintaining safety standards is the “Test and Tag” procedure. 

Test and Tag is a systematic process designed to ensure the electrical safety of electrical appliances and equipment. This procedure has two main steps: testing the equipment for electrical problems and tagging it to indicate its safety status. 

What is a hard test and tag? A hard test and tag may involve meticulous testing parameters or additional steps to ensure the equipment’s safety, especially in challenging environments. Here’s an example of a more comprehensive test and tag process for equipment used in an industrial setting:

Visual Checking and Inspection – This usually begins with a thorough inspection of the electrical equipment. Check for any visible signs of damage, wear, or corrosion. Check if there are frayed wires, exposed conductors, or plugs that have been damaged. 

Electrical Testing – Perform standard electrical tests, such as insulation resistance, earth continuity, and polarity testing. These will help identify potential electrical faults that may not be seen during a visual inspection. 

Load and Stress Testing – Subject the equipment to load and stress testing. This includes running the equipment at its maximum load for an extended period to make sure it can handle heavy usage without overheating or malfunctioning. 

Environmental Testing – Simulate the harsh environmental conditions the equipment might encounter in its intended setting. This could involve exposure to dust, moisture, extreme temperatures, and vibrations. 

Functionality – Test the functionality of the equipment under normal mode. This includes checking all the features and functions to make sure they are working perfectly fine. 

Periodic Inspections – Set a periodic schedule for inspections, not just stick to the standard intervals. Depending on the equipment’s usage and environmental conditions, more frequent checking may be necessary to see potential issues before they become critical. 

Documentation and Record-keeping – Maintain detailed records of all tests and inspections. Involve information such as the date of testing parameters, issues identified, and actions taken to address those issues. This record is crucial for compliance and tracking the equipment’s history. 

By using these additional steps in the test and tag process,  you create a more comprehensive safety protocol. Particularly suitable for equipment used in challenging environments. If you need help with hard and challenging tests and tags, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Electricity is an indispensable component of our daily lives, empowering our homes and facilitating the modern comforts we enjoy. Yet, when it comes to dealing with electrical systems, safety is of paramount importance. DIY projects can be gratifying, but in the realm of electrical work, the risks associated with mistakes are notably elevated.

The Hazards of DIY Electrical Work

Electrical Shocks: Tinkering with live wires without the essential training and equipment places you at risk of experiencing an electric shock, which can range from a mild jolt to severe harm and, in extreme cases, even prove fatal.

Fire Hazards: Inadequate wiring or incorrect installations can lead to electrical fires, which may result in property damage, personal injuries, and, tragically, loss of life.

Code Violations: DIY electrical work may not adhere to the standards set by local building codes, potentially exposing you to fines or complications when selling your property.

Concealed Issues: A lack of proper training might hinder your ability to identify hidden electrical problems that can worsen over time, eventually leading to more significant and costly issues.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

Major Electrical Upgrades: When planning substantial home renovations involving electrical modifications, such as adding new circuits, rewiring, or installing new electrical panels, it’s essential to consult a licensed electrician who has undergone appropriate Test and Tag training courses.

Frequent Circuit Breaker Trips: Frequent tripping of circuit breakers or fuses can be an indicator of an overloaded circuit or other underlying electrical issues, which require professional assessment by someone with Test and Tag certification.

Flickering Lights and Non-functional Outlets: Experiencing flickering lights or non-functional outlets may indicate loose connections, faulty wiring, or other electrical complications that demand the attention of a professional electrician with Test and Tag knowledge.

Aging Electrical Systems: Older homes may feature outdated electrical systems that are more susceptible to problems. If your home is over 40 years old, it is advisable to have a professional electrician with Test and Tag certification inspect and update your electrical infrastructure.

Electrical Emergencies: In the event of electrical emergencies, such as exposed wires, sparks, or smoke emanating from outlets, it is crucial to deactivate power to the affected area and immediately contact a professional electrician for swift resolution.

Rectifying DIY Errors: If you’ve attempted DIY electrical work and suspect errors have been made, it is in your best interest to engage a professional who can assess and rectify the issues while ensuring proper testing and tagging to avert potential hazards.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional

Safety: Licensed electricians possess the knowledge and experience required to ensure the safe installation and repair of electrical systems, including the accurate testing and tagging of equipment.

Compliance with Codes: Professionals ensure that all work adheres to local building codes, reducing the risk of legal complications and insurance issues.

Quality Work: Employing an electrician guarantees that the task is executed correctly, diminishing the likelihood of future electrical problems while adhering to proper testing and tagging procedures.

Peace of Mind: Entrusting your electrical system to capable hands, with knowledge of testing and tagging, provides a sense of assurance, freeing you from the perils associated with DIY mistakes.

Though DIY projects can be a source of pride and cost savings, electrical work stands out as an area where the potential dangers outweigh the advantages of a DIY approach. The hazards associated with DIY electrical work are substantial, and recognizing when to summon a professional electrician, particularly one with Test and Tag expertise, can preclude accidents, ensure your safety, and uphold the integrity of your home’s electrical infrastructure. When it comes to electrical work, remember that erring on the side of caution is the wiser choice, and involving professionals that offer Test and Tag service ensures safer and more reliable outcomes.

 

Electrical safety is a paramount concern in both our homes and workplaces. Ensuring that electrical appliances and equipment are safe to use is not just a legal requirement in many places, but it’s also a fundamental responsibility. The process of testing and tagging, which involves inspecting, testing, and labelling electrical items, is a crucial aspect of maintaining safety. To effectively carry out test and tag procedures, you need the right tools and supplies. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the must-have supplies for testing and tagging to help you power up your safety measures.

Portable Appliance Tester (PAT)

A Portable Appliance Tester is the heart of the test and tagging process. It’s a device designed to assess the safety of electrical appliances and equipment. Investing in a reliable PAT is essential for accurate testing.

Test Tags and Labels

Test tags and labels are the visual evidence of an item’s safety status. They typically include important information such as the test date, the person who conducted the test, and the next test’s due date. Stock up on a variety of tags and labels to accommodate different items.

Cable Ties and Clips

Cable management is essential for safety and aesthetics. Cable ties and clips help you keep cords and cables organized and prevent tripping hazards. They also play a role in ensuring that tags and labels stay securely attached.

Insulation Resistance Tester

This device checks the integrity of an item’s insulation. It’s especially crucial for appliances and equipment with exposed wiring. An insulation resistance tester can detect potential safety hazards that may not be visible to the naked eye.

RCD Testers

Residual Current Device (RCD) testers are used to assess the effectiveness of safety switches. Ensuring that these devices work correctly is vital for protecting against electric shock.

Extension Cord Testers

Extension cords are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings. Testing these cords for safety is essential. Extension cord testers help you identify potential issues like frayed wires or faulty connectors.

Labelling Equipment

Professional labelling equipment, such as label printers, allows you to create clear, durable labels for tagged items. Legible and durable labels are essential for easy identification and record-keeping.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety should always come first. Invest in PPE like insulated gloves, safety glasses, and ear protection to protect yourself during the testing process.

Record-Keeping Tools

Maintaining accurate records is a crucial part of compliance. Keep notebooks, digital cameras, or smartphones on hand to document your testing process and results.

Training Resources

Knowledge is power. Invest in training materials, books, or online training courses to stay updated on best practices and compliance regulations related to test and tag procedures.

When it comes to test and tagging, having the right supplies is not just about complying with regulations; it’s about ensuring the safety of everyone who interacts with electrical equipment. By equipping yourself with these must-have supplies, you empower yourself to create a safer environment, reduce the risk of electrical accidents, and contribute to a culture of electrical safety in your workplace or home. Power up your safety efforts with the right tools!

The short answer is ‘YES’

(see the below video)

 

Our test and tag training does need to be updated and there are several important reasons why (which other companies may avoid telling you). How you do this is up to the individual as there is more than one way to keep your competency according to the AS/NZS3760: 2022.

Let’s look at what another training provider says:

At first glance the above site appears to say once deemed competent BY THEM you are ‘competent’ for life. Now this article is a little misleading at worst and confusing at best (we have had some clients come to us confused if they should or shouldn’t be retrained by it).

It’s interesting to note, (and we found this surprising), that this company reuses a very similar Australian article-which makes no mention of being competent for life! This is odd because Australia and New Zealand both use the same Standard AS/NZS3760.

So, which is it? You do or you don’t need to have your training refreshed? Are you competent or not competent for life?

Metrotest says you should have retraining, but others leave it confusing. Well, let’s look at the Standard AS/NZS3760 to see what it actually says about ‘competency.’

What the Standard AS/NZS3760 says:

We will use AS/NZS3760: 2022, BUT please note that as of writing this, whilst the 2022 version has superseded the 2010 version, the AS/NZS 3760:2010 is what is still cited in the New Zealand Electrical Regulations, which is really important to know! Many get confused about this, including the ‘experts’, because there is a difference between a ‘Standard’ and an ‘Electrical Regulation’. (We’ll leave it up to the reader to decide, but we were a little confused why the above-quoted article writer struggled to appear to not know the difference between a Standard and a Regulation as they state, ‘Standards NZ do change the Regulation from time to time’).

1.4.5 Competent Person – A person is one who the RESPONSIBLE PERSON ensures has the necessary practical and theoretical skills, acquired through training, qualification, experience, or a combination of these, to correctly undertake the required tasks.

Note:

(1) A competent person is not required to be a registered or licenced electrical practitioner. Requirements for registration vary between jurisdictions.

(2) Competency levels should be maintained; this includes updating skills and knowledge as necessary following technological advances in both the testing instrumentation available and the equipment being inspected and tested as well as changes to this standard.

What’s important to note here are 3 things:

1. The testing person must be competent, and it must be maintained.

2. Competency DOES NOT necessarily need to come through formal training.

3. The Responsible person MUST ensure the competent person is ‘actually competent’ to undertake the REQUIRED TASK (varying levels of competency for numerous reasons)

Let’s think for a moment about why we inspect and test and tag. Is it not to ensure the safety of the users of electrical equipment? This is not a minor thing, and this is why the Standard puts LEGAL responsibility onto the Responsible Person (definition of who is the Responsible person is also found under 1.4.20 a-c).

Remember also, it is all about safety, not mere compliance; people’s lives matter.

At Metrotest, we really don’t want to confuse people, no one wants that. If you read the Standard in context, it becomes very clear, that you are NOT automatically competent for life or that you won’t need another training for life.

Why you should also keep your training up to date

Metrotest employs people who actually have decades of electrical experience with EWRB Practising Licenses in the electrical industry and who have to update their licenses. Why? Obviously, to make sure they know their stuff because with the electrical industry, not knowing what you’re doing, can be deadly.

Having qualified trainers with real electrical experience means you will be less likely to miss picking up serious faults when testing equipment, faults that could easily electrocute. Don’t think it couldn’t happen; it does, even to the ‘experts’.

Whilst you may not be replacing sockets and plugs (you need to be a fully qualified and registered electrical worker with a current Practicing Licence for this), in the latest version of the Standard, a competent person is not required to be a registered or licensed electrical practitioner, however when you are performing testing and tagging, you are still working around electricity.

Imagine you believe you don’t need to do retraining, it’s been 5 years since your training, and it’s okay because you were led to believe by the company that trained you that it was for life. You also feel pretty confident because you also had a quick flick through the Standard. You start performing testing, but you don’t quite remember the order of a visual inspection and start at the appliance end with the plug still plugged into the mains. If there’s a fault, what could happen?

And this is the point we are making; people forget and create bad habits (like attaching earth clips to grinder discs-we’ve seen it!), and it does happen, and as a training provider, we see it all the time.

Summary:

So, to recap, yes, absolutely you should get your test and tag training refreshed because:

1. The new Standard makes it clear that the responsible person should ensure/maintain competency and keep up to date; competency isn’t for life!
2. In the electrical industry, electrical workers have to renew their Practising Licenses because they work with electricity – while you don’t need to be registered, test and tag workers also work around electricity.
3. Making sure you haven’t created any bad habits or forgotten key best practices (the grinder)
4. You may be using a new unfamiliar testing instrument or testing unfamiliar appliances, take 3-phase for example.
5. Companies won’t guarantee support for life if something happens because you did a course with them 5 years ago; generally, only if their own licensing system is up to date will they help if something goes seriously wrong.

Hopefully, this gives you a much better understanding of why yes, contrary to other training providers, you should get refreshed/retained and why Metrotest’s training isn’t for life.

Metrotest, have been providing competency training and assessments for testing based around AS/NZS 3760 back as far as 1999 both in New Zealand and Australia. Right from the very beginning we knew training had to be thorough and fully supported. We recognised the need for ongoing retraining, and encouraged it, however, at no time did we ever say trainees had to do retraining, nor did we say you in fact had to receive formal training. We introduced a voluntary licensing regime designed to encourage best practices.

Unlike some training providers, when we introduced online training, we believed the best training also included a one-on-one assessment over video – we’ve never done ‘online group assessments’. We understand the financial benefits of doing this as a group for a training provider, but this would not provide the individual evidence of ‘competency’.

One of Metrotest’s founding Directors, Mark Goldthorpe, entered the electrical industry shortly after leaving secondary school and holds electrical registration with the New Zealand EWRB (Electrical Workers Registration Board). Most of his work experience has been in the electrical industry and has also been on the Standards Committee responsible for writing AS/NZS3760 since before 2000.

Metrotest’s, other big difference is that we teach what we do. That’s because we operate an NZ-wide electrical testing service with permanent staff from Auckland to Dunedin.

Changes to the Standard

As a last note, as already mentioned, the AS/NZS3760:2022 has come out which makes some changes to the AS/NZS 3760:2010 and below are some of the major changes you should know about. Please, note these are some of the major changes and it is highly recommended you read through the new Standard yourself as these are not all the changes and remember it hasn’t been cited in the New Zealand Electrical Regulations yet.

Some of the changes are:

1. Change to the title, it’s now called In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs (in Australia it has requirements for the testing of fixed RCDs).
2. Changes to the requirements for a ‘Competent’ person, there’s a greater requirement to ensure competency is maintained-see 1.4.5 note 2 under Competent person for some of these changes.
3. The introduction of the term ‘Third party’ – this comes up under Definitions, see 1.4.23, this is completely new to the Standard and creates another category of testing providers, these were already in existence, but now they have been categorised.
4. I’m not sure if this is a typo, but currently, the Standard requires both the name of the person and entity who performed said testing to be written on the tag; I suspect the name will be replaced with an alternative.
5. Big changes have been made around documentation requirements. There are now far more requirements including keeping/supplying the actual test values of tests performed. No longer is a simple ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ acceptable in some circumstances – changes are different depending on who is doing the testing and what jurisdiction testing is being performed in. See heading 2.6 Documentation for full details. If you’re looking to purchase test equipment or a PAT check this out carefully as record keeping can be either very slow or very quick, depending on your test equipment.It could possibly successfully be argued that if the test values are printed on the actual test tag, that this may meet the minimum requirement – I believe that both the METROiPAT2 SupaPAT and the METRO EasiPat10 have the best recording/printing systems, these are worth checking out.
6. Clarification on leakage testing, including more info on 3-Phase testing requirements- there is normally no alternative to a powered-up leakage test, the 500V Insulation test, though frequently done, is in practice only suitable for 3-Phase leads
7. Clarification of diagrams in the Appendices, including colour diagrams
8. A note under Appendix D – Earth Continuity testing, now makes mention of when a higher earth test current may be applied, see note under D.2 Instrumentation.

In summary, if you perform testing to the requirements of this Standard, we suggest you get a new copy and get familiar with it now, there are also many more changes, we have just mentioned some of the bigger ones. https://www.standards.govt.nz/ shop/asnzs-37602022/

Safe testing everyone.

In today’s world, whether in the cozy confines of homes or the bustling spaces of businesses, the smooth functioning of wiring systems is crucial. Multifunction testers operate silently yet effectively. These testers ensure electrical systems work seamlessly and uphold the highest safety standards.

Exploring Multifunction Testers

Imagine a single tool that can check the health and security of electrical installations – a multifunction tester is simply that. With a wide range of testing capabilities packed into a single device, electricians and technicians can proficiently carry out various tests for evaluating wiring systems’ condition.

Residential Wiring: A haven

Ensuring Family Well-being – Within residential surroundings, the safety of residents takes precedence. Multifunction testers spot potential risks like faulty grounding, incorrect connections, or insulation weaknesses that could lead to electrical trouble.

Compliance with Codes – Homes must stick to stringent electrical safety codes and legislation.

Rapid Issue Resolution – When electrical glitches surface, multifunction testers empower electricians to promptly diagnose and locate problems, ensuring minimal inconvenience and downtime for occupants.

Commercial Wiring: Boosting Productivity

Uninterrupted Operations – Disruptions can result in significant financial setbacks. Multifunction testers contribute to preemptive maintenance by pinpointing potential issues before they escalate into operational disruptions.

Holistic System Evaluation – Multifunction testers provide a panoramic view of system health, making identifying vulnerabilities and areas of concern easier. 
Compliance Assurance – Businesses often face regulatory inspections to ensure adherence to safety standards. Multifunction testers provide accurate data, streamlining the inspection process and promoting efficiency.

Multifunction testers boast user-friendly interfaces. This design allows users to select desired testing functions effortlessly. The devices are adept at measuring many parameters, including voltage, continuity, and insulation resistance. Some advanced models go the extra mile, offering features such as data logging and connectivity options for remote analysis. In order to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the functioning of these advanced devices, it is recommended to undergo a product training course for Multifunction Installation Testers.