Test and Tag Frequently asked Questions.

What is Test & Tag?

Test & Tag is a way of ensuring electrical equipment used within a workplace such as an office, factory, retail outlet or construction site is safe to use. This is achieved through regular inspection of the electrical equipment and involves all areas of safety from the power cord to safety components that are part of the device.

Within Australia and New Zealand there is a Standard known as AS/NZS 3760 which prescribes a procedure to implement a regular inspection and safety regime.

Is AS/NZS 3760 a legal requirement?

AS/NZS 3760 is only a Standard and is not considered law. The AS/NZS 3760 Standard offers a way for employers to achieve their requirements defined in OH&S legislation.

For example, within Victoria the Occupation Health & Safety Act 2004 states:
An employer must, so far as reasonably practicable, provide and maintain for employees of the employer a working environment that is safe and without risk to health.
The above paragraph goes beyond the scope of electrical safety, to protect employees from all potential risks and hazards. By implementing the AS/NZS 3760 Standard within the workplace, the employer can be reinsured that they are in compliance with their legal obligations.

Most of our equipment is brand new or near new, do we still need to have it tested?

When you put new items into service, you can either apply a "new to service" tag to the lead or have it tested first. What we are finding is that a growing number of faults are being detected in brand new appliances. That's probably because they are being manufactured to a price, rather than a standard of quality. So just because something is brand new, doesn't make it any safer than an older appliance.

 How often do appliances need to be tested?

The retest interval will depend on a number of factors including the type and electrical Class of the appliance and the environment it is being used in. In general, the periods range from from 3 months to 12 months, with some going up to 5 years. As part of our service, we can assist you on formulating what intervals are appropriate for each appliance.

 Can I do the Testing & Tagging myself?

Not necessarily, the AS/NZS 3760 Standard states that tests are to be carried out by a Competent Person with the qualification and/or experience with the knowledge and skill to enable the tests to be performed correctly. Furthermore United Electrical Test & Tag Services also works to the Best Practice Standards (BPS) - the BPS is used in conjunction with the AS/NZS 3760 Standard and enables us to offer all tests to be carried out correctly and at the highest level of safety.

What needs to be tested?

Under the Standard, all equipment considered being in a hostile environment this is virtually all electrical items within the workplace, such as power boards (EPOD's) and power cables to televisions, computers and kitchen appliances. An exception to this is for equipment above 2.5 meters above the ground (such as projectors), although we still suggest testing to ensure the safety of the equipment. All low voltage (240V - 415V) single and poly phase (three phase) electrical appliances. As a simple rule-of-thumb guide, "If you plug it in, it needs to be tested". This covers a wide range of electrical appliances, including, but not limited to;

Computers, printers, monitors, photocopiers, fax machines, power tools, desk lamps, battery chargers, vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, extension leads, power boards, TVs, radios, some air conditioners, fridges, portable flood lights, blow heaters, jugs, toasters, hand dryers, hair dryers, washing machines, transmitters, modems, CD players etc.

Fixed and portable safety switches (RCDs) also need regular testing.

Do 15 amp, 20 amp single phase and/or 3 Phase appliances need testing?

All 10, 15, and 20 amp single Phase/ 3 Phase appliances need to be tested and tagged, our technicians have the necessary equipment, training and experience to test them for you as well.

 How long does it take to test an electrical item?

In most cases you'll be looking at around 5 minutes per item remember that we also need to factor in; disconnecting the equipment and performing a complete visual inspection, testing item and then reconnecting the item again. Preparation of the worksite environment before hand can decrease the time taken to perform a test.

What happens to the items that fail?

If an electrical item fails, we must tag out the item by placing either a DANGER DO NOT USE or OUT OF SERVICE tag on the device, the item will be logged that it has failed inspection and will be withdrawn from service. It is then the job of the Responsible Person to decide to repair the equipment or not.

Do you offer special rates for Schools/Non Profit & Community Organisations?

Yes, we do offer discounted rates to both schools and non profit community organisations. We see the value and understand the contribution offered by such organisations and community groups.

I cannot find my Test Tag reports?

Contact United Electrical Services to have copies provides to you. 

I have an Test and Tag audit coming up.

Check your records to confirm that all testing has been done in accordance with the required dates and that new equipment has been tested. Contact UES, if testing is needed, or to clarify that all is in order.