Test and Tag is a process of carefully visually inspecting each appliance for damage to flex, connections, guards, covers and plug by a competent technician. Once the technician is assured the item is safe to electrically inspect, the item’s insulation, earthing and polarity may be tested to ensure it is electrically safe.

Test and Tag is a method of ensuring compliance with Australian WHS and Electrical Safety regulations and workplace safety.

Portable appliances such as power tools and kettles are items that are most frequently handled by workers are also the most open to abuse and hostile environmental conditions – which can cause them to become electrically unsafe. Under most state and territory regulations, these appliances in hostile operating environments must be tested and tagged on a regular basis to ensure their safe operation. 

In order to comply with WHS legislation and satisfy your duty of care, all workplaces Australia-wide must be able to demonstrate safe systems of work; as such detailed records of the test are kept by the technician.

Testing and tagging has been implemented in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom as a strategy to ensure the safety of portable electrical appliances in the workplace and is legislated in Australia. 

You can refer to more information on our Test and Tag page.

Do I need to test and tag mobile phone chargers?

Regulations and Standards do not differentiate between personal equipment and company-owned equipment. The test and tag of equipment within the workplace is the responsibility of the business owner not the individual who owns the equipment.

Do my double insulated appliances require testing and tagging?

Double insulated appliances (e.g., drills, angle grinders, and some kitchen appliances) only have two pins – an active and a neutral. The plugs of some double insulated appliances may have an earth pin which is not connected. These items usually have the markings of a square box within a square box or double D. These symbols indicate that the appliance is double insulated.

Double insulated appliances should be tested and tagged in accordance with Table 4 of AS/NZS 3760:2010 or the QLD Electrical Safety Regulations 2013.

Is there an Australian Standard for testing and tagging?

Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2022 In-Service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment and RCDs is the relevant standard for the safety inspection and testing of electrical appliances.

ATS’s Managing Director, Ainslie Allen, is a member of the review committee established to provide ongoing review of this important standard.

What equipment needs testing in my workplace?

All electrical items designed for connection by flexible supply cord and plug top to 240v or 415v power need to be inspected, tested, and tagged in every type of workplace, organisation, or community centre.

The following items are excluded from testing and tagging under AS/NZS 3760:2022:

  • Fixed or hard-wired items
  • Items at a height exceeding 2.5 meters
  • Items that need to be dismantled to establish safety
  • Demonstration items or new stock in a retail or warehouse outlet

What types of portable electrical appliances require testing and tagging?

All portable plug-in appliances and electrical plug-in appliances located in your workplace and plugged into a power point situated less than 2.5m from the ground require inspection, testing, and tagging.

For example, the following items require testing and tagging:

  • Laptop computers
  • Desktop computers and monitors
  • Printers
  • Photocopiers
  • Fax machines
  • Staff kitchen and tea room appliances
  • All electric power tools
  • Extension cords
  • Power boards
  • IEC leads
  • All double insulated appliances
  • Audio/visual equipment
  • Portable air conditioners
  • Isolation transformers
  • Desk lamps
  • Vacuum cleaners and electrical cleaning equipment
  • Forklift chargers
  • 3-phase electrical equipment
  • RCDs – Safety Switch

Will testing and tagging damage my electrical equipment?

No. Each individual appliance is assessed prior to testing, and the appropriate test is determined and conducted. All ATS technicians are expertly trained with many years of experience, ensuring your electrical appliances are free from damage.

How long will testing and tagging take?

Depending on the appliance, testing and tagging of each item will take several minutes. Each appliance is comprehensively visually tested prior to any electrical test being conducted. Appliances also require a number of electrical tests to be completed before they can be deemed to have passed the test and tag process.

Is it cheaper to conduct testing and tagging in-house?

If you are contemplating conducting testing and tagging in-house, you will need to consider the purchase of the appropriate equipment along with the ongoing training of your staff.

  • Initial and ongoing staff training in testing and tagging
  • Testing equipment and printer
  • Test tags
  • Australian Standards and guidance materials
  • Purchase and training in the use of reporting software

Based on over 15 years of direct testing and tagging experience, we know that an in-house test and tag program will cost you more than an outsourced service. An outsourced service also holds the appropriate insurances.

I have had testing and tagging done, why do some of my items have a Danger tag?

Items with a danger tag have failed testing. They must either be repaired or replaced before reintroduction to the workplace. They are highly dangerous and should not be used under any circumstances.

How do I book my site in for testing and tagging?

Contact the ATS National Support Office on 1300 287 669 and a friendly ATS consultant will make the appropriate arrangements. Alternatively, you can email office@ats.com.au.

Will I need to turn equipment off during the test and tag process?

Yes, prior to testing each appliance, the equipment needs to be switched off or powered down. After conducting a risk assessment, should you request an item such as a server to be visually tested only, your ATS technician will not require this item to be powered down.

What tests will ATS do on my appliances?

Under the standard, the following basic tests may be conducted on each appliance:

  • Visual inspection
  • Insulation resistance
  • Earth continuity
  • Polarity
  • Earth leakage

How frequently do I need to test?

AS/NZS 3760:2022 is specific about re-inspection protocols, which vary according to the location of equipment, the environment in which it operates, and the level of risk associated with use.

Testing of items varies from daily in extreme circumstances, monthly, three-monthly, six-monthly, yearly, two-yearly, or five-yearly.

How do I get a copy of my Test and Tag results?

At the conclusion of testing, ATS will email you a link, login, and password to download your test and tag results from the secure online reporting portal.

What test and tag records need to be kept?

AS/NZS 3760:2022 requires the following record keeping establishing the history of tests: A test tag attached to each item indicating date, item, person performing the test, and status (pass/fail) of test; An asset register and historical record of all test items and test results; A record of results including faulty items and repair actions.

My electrician completes my testing using a Megger. Isn’t this OK?

No. Testing and tagging using only a multimeter and an insulation tester, or one of the low-cost Pass/Fail PAT testers on the market, does not comply with the requirements of AS/NZ 3760:2022.

What equipment needs testing in my workplace?

All electrical items designed for connection by flexible supply cord and plug top to 240v or 415v power need to be inspected, tested, and tagged in every type of workplace, organisation, or community centre.

Where can I get more information on my state legislation?

You can purchase a copy of the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2022 from www.standards.org.au or find information on State and National legislation on the ATS website.

What sort of faults and hazards do ATS find in the workplace?

When conducting testing and tagging, ATS technicians come across many electrical safety hazards, such as frayed cords, wiring faults, safety switches not working, and unsafe or hazardous environments.

In order to satisfy OH&S Legislation, what areas of my workplace need to be tested and tagged?

Portable electrical appliances located in all areas of your workplace need to be tested and tagged, including offices, factories, laboratories, workshops, kitchens, classrooms, construction areas, and retail spaces.

Who can perform my testing?

Under Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2022, a licensed electrician or a competent person with sufficient knowledge and training can perform testing. In QLD, only a trained and qualified person holding a Restricted Electrical Contractors License can complete the task.

What should I expect from a quality testing and tagging service provider?

A quality test and tag provider should have specialist knowledge and expertise to help you meet compliance obligations, identify correct retest time frames, provide detailed reports, and offer peace of mind for your electrical safety requirements.

Does second-hand electrical equipment require testing prior to resale?

Some state legislation specifies all second-hand electrical equipment must be inspected, tested, and tagged prior to resale. Contact your local Office of Electrical Safety for advice.

Our power tools and appliances have worked for years. How can anything be wrong with them now?

Appliances can still function when they are unsafe. For example, the Earth wire may become detached from the appliance casing, or internal wiring can short circuit, increasing the risk of shock or fire.

How much does a Test and Tag program cost?

ATS’s test and tag cost structure is based on the number of unit tests completed. For a detailed individual quotation, please call ATS on 1300 287 669.

I have just purchased a new item. Does ATS need to check this?

Newly purchased items do not need to be tested upon entry to service but must be tagged to indicate they are new to service. Tags should state the item has not been tested and provide the date for future testing.

How many items fail testing?

ATS has found that 5% of appliances fail testing, with some sites reporting failure rates as high as 10%. Many of these failures pose risks such as shock, electrocution, or fire.

Can ATS repair my items if they fail testing?

ATS offers on-site repair services for plugs, sockets, extension leads, IEC leads, and power boards. Due to legislation, some repairs may not be performed on-site in QLD.