Appliance testing
What is appliance testing and tagging?
Appliance Test & Tagging is the process by which an electrical appliance undergoes a visual inspection and a safety test with a Portable Appliance Tester to ensure it is fit for use in the work place.Who is responsible for the test and tag?
- The owner of the premises; or
- The manager of a business; or
- The owner of the electrical equipment; or
- A person who has a legal responsibility for the safety of electrical equipment within the scope of the Standard AS/NZS 3760
How often do we need to do the electrical testing and tagging?
The frequency at which you need to complete appliance test and tagging will be dependent upon the type of work environment. This below table outlines how often your electrical appliances should be test tagged-
Type of Environment and/or Equipment |
Interval Between Inspection and Tests for Appliance Test Tag |
Cord Extension Sets and EPODs |
|||||
Class of Equipment |
Residual Current Devices (RCDs) |
||||||
Class 1 – protectively earthed equipment |
Class 2 – double insulated equipment |
Push-button test by user |
Operating Time test |
||||
Portable |
Fixed |
Portable |
Fixed |
||||
Factories, workshops, places of work or repair, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance or fabrication |
6 months |
12 months |
Daily or before every use |
6 months |
12 months |
12 months |
6 months |
Laboratories, healthcare and educational establishments, tea rooms and office kitchens |
12 months |
12 months |
3 months or before every use |
6 months |
2 years |
2 years |
12 months |
Office environment: When the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment |
12 months |
12 months |
3 months |
6 months |
2 years |
2 years |
12 months |
Office environment: When the equipment or supply flexible cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and is NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment |
5 years |
5 years |
3 months |
6 months |
2 years |
2 years |
5 years |
Hire equipment |
Inspect before each hire, test monthly |
Inspect before each hire, test monthly |
Prior to each hire or monthly |
N/A |
Prior to each hire or monthly |
N/A |
Inspect before each hire, test monthly |
Repaired/serviced/second hand equipment |
After repair or service which could affect electrical safety or on introduction to service |
||||||
Equipment used for commercial cleaning |
6 months |
12 months |
3 months |
N/A |
2 years |
N/A |
6 months |
Residential |
2 years |
2 years |
6 months |
6 months |
2 years |
2 years |
2 years |
Notes:
- Multiple environments may exist within the one workplace, with differing retest frequencies. For example, an office may exist within a factory establishment.
- Regulatory authorities, other standards, workplace safety requirements or manufacturers instructions may specify intervals appropriate to particular industries or specific types of equipment for appliance test and tag.
- All equipment should be inspected and tested prior to initial introduction to service. When the equipment is new, the supplier or manufacturer is deemed responsible for the initial electrical safety of the item. In most cases, new appliances can remain un-tagged within the workplace for up to one year but you should retain documentation stating the purchase and installation date as proof of this