Test and tag intervals explained for NSW workplaces

One of the most common questions about electrical test and tag is how often it needs to be done. The answer depends on the environment the equipment is used in, because harsher conditions wear leads and appliances faster.

What the standard says

In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment in Australia is covered by AS/NZS 3760. It sets out recommended intervals based on the type of environment. As a general guide:

• Factories, workshops and manufacturing: every 6 months.
• Environments where equipment or leads are flexed or open to abuse: every 12 months.
• Residential-type areas of hotels, motels and accommodation: every 2 years.
• Offices and similar low-risk environments where equipment is not moved: up to every 5 years.

Construction and demolition sites are covered by a separate standard, AS/NZS 3012, which calls for testing every 3 months.

These are the starting point. A workplace risk assessment may justify shorter intervals, for example for a heavily used extension lead in an otherwise low-risk office.

What happens during a test

Each item is visually inspected for damage to the plug, lead and casing, then tested with a portable appliance tester. Items that pass receive a durable tag showing the test date and the next due date. Items that fail are tagged out of service and listed in the report so they can be repaired or replaced.

Keep a register

A tag on a lead is only half the job. An asset register listing every item, its location, the result and the next due date is what lets you show that equipment has been checked, and it makes the next round faster.

Make it part of your maintenance schedule

Test and tag is easiest when it is bundled with other routine visits, such as fire equipment inspection and testing. Hawks Facilities Management provides electrical test and tag for workplaces across Wollongong, the Illawarra and the Shoalhaven, and keeps track of your due dates for you.