What is Test & Tagging?
Test and Tag is the process of checking the safety of portable electrical appliances. It involves two key steps:
- Visual inspection – examining the appliance for any signs of damage.
- Electrical testing – using a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) to confirm the appliance is safe to use.
Once tested, the appliance is fitted with a tag showing:
- The tester’s details
- The test date
- The next due date for testing
Why is Test and Tag Important?
The primary purpose is to protect people in the workplace from electrical hazards and reduce the risk of accidents. If an incident occurs with an untested appliance, the employer may be held liable.
The Standard – AS/NZS 3760:2022
Test and Tag is governed by the Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3760, which sets out requirements for:
- Test and tag intervals
- Who is qualified to perform testing
- General safety guidelines
The most recent update came in 2022, when the Standard was revised and renamed AS/NZS 3760:2022, introducing several important changes to the industry.
Who Needs to Test and Tag?
Certain industries are legally required to have their appliances tested and tagged every 3 months. This includes:
- Construction
- Demolition
- Mining
These environments are harsh, meaning equipment is more likely to be damaged quickly. To make it easier to track, test tags are colour-coded, with each quarter of the year represented by a different colour.
For other industries, test and tag is not a legislative requirement. However, employers still have a duty of care under workplace safety laws. If an accident occurs and an unsafe, untested appliance is involved, the employer could be held liable. Because of this, employers are responsible for ensuring all portable electrical appliances are tested.
What Equipment Needs to Be Tested and Tagged?
Any device that:
- Has a flexible cable
- Has a removable plug
- Operates above 50V low voltage
This includes:
- Extension leads
- Cord sets
- Portable RCDs
Appliance Classes
- Class I (Earthed appliances): e.g. kettles, irons, toasters
- Class II (Double Insulated): identified by a square within a square symbol or the words “Double Insulated”. Examples: drills, hair dryers
➡️ New equipment does not require electrical testing but must be visually inspected and tagged before use.
How Often Should Appliances Be Tested and Tagged?
Testing frequency depends on the environment. The AS/NZS 3760 Standard (Table 2.4) outlines minimum intervals, although workplace risk assessments may set stricter requirements.
Examples:
- Construction sites: every 3 months
- Factories/Warehouses: every 6 months
- Offices/Low-risk environments: up to 5 years
Test & Tag Quick Reference Glossary
🔌 PAT Tester (Portable Appliance Tester)
The main tool used to check the electrical safety of appliances. Provides a Pass/Fail result after testing.
⚖️ Calibration
The process of adjusting and verifying your PAT tester so it delivers accurate results. Must be done regularly.
⚡ Leakage Current Test
A safety test that checks appliances don’t leak electrical current, which could cause shocks. Required on all modern PAT testers.
🏷️ Test & Tag Labels
Coloured tags attached to appliances showing:
- Tester’s ID
- Date tested
- Next due date
They provide a clear visual record of compliance.
🧰 Test & Tag Equipment
All tools used in the testing process, including PAT testers, adaptors, and accessories.
🔄 3 Phase Testing
Testing for heavy-duty machinery that uses three-phase power. Ensures safe operation at higher electrical loads.
🎨 RBGY Colour System
Test tags follow a Red, Blue, Green, Yellow cycle. Each color represents a different testing quarter of the year, making it easy to see when the last test was done.