The test and tag procedure involves a meticulous examination of electrical appliances to ensure their safety by a licensed electrician. Typically, this testing is carried out using a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT). However, it is not strictly required to be performed exclusively by a licensed electrician, as long as the individual conducting the test is capable of meeting the necessary testing standards.
In New Zealand and Australia, a designated standard exists for inspecting equipment in businesses, aiming to minimize the risk of fatal accidents and ensure the safety of all electrical equipment. Referred to as AS/NZS3760, this standard serves the purpose of providing guidance on conducting tests and tags to mitigate the risk of electrical accidents. For those interested, an AS/NZS3760 Training course is available at a cost of $428, GST included. Explore our test and tag training courses for more details.
Once you learn how to test and tag and wish to do DIY, the equipment that you need is the following:
Test equipment – PAT (Portable Appliance Tester) – to perform tests that are required by the standard on all different types of equipment.
Label Printer – Some handwritten tags are being used but legitimate professionals use them and know that printing labels directly from the PAT is the professional way to do it.
Labels/Tag – Tags are colour-coded, sometimes multicoloured. It indicates whether your type of equipment passed the electrical safety test.
If you are a business owner seeking the assistance of licensed electricians for test and tag services, feel free to get in touch with us. At Metrotest, our team comprises fully trained professionals with Electrical Registration. Additionally, our staff members possess the necessary clearances, including CAA, Defence, Police, etc., and adhere to H&S Accredited Programmes such as Site Safe. Contact us to book a test and tag service with our qualified team.
Test and Tag Services Include:
Site Inspection – A thorough visual inspection of all electrical equipment to identify visible signs of damage or wear.
Test and Tag Testing – Testing involves using a PAT to assess the electrical safety of the appliances.
Tagging/Labelling – After testing, a durable tag is attached to the appliances. This tag indicates information about the test date, the person/company that conducted the test, and the result if the equipment passed the electrical safety test.
Record Keeping – The record of the test and tag results is maintained. This documentation is required for compliance and safety purposes.
Regular Inspections – This depends on the type of equipment and the industry. There are some specific intervals of testing and tagging. Regular inspections help identify and address potential issues beforehand.
Damaged Equipment Removal – If an appliance fails the testing, it is usually taken out of the service until it is repaired and passes a required safety test.