How Often Should Electrical Equipment Be Tested and Tagged?

If you run a business, you’ve most likely heard of test and tag. It’s an important part of keeping your property, business, customers and staff safe from electrical hazards and unexpected electrical problems.

But how often should you get your equipment tested?

What is Test and Tag?

Test and tag is the process of inspecting and testing your electrical equipment to make sure it is safe to use. 

Every inspection includes two important steps:

• A thorough visual inspection to identify obvious signs of damage
• Electrical testing using our specialised equipment to check the device or appliance is safe

Once the device or equipment passes the inspection, a tag is attached showing:

• The date the device was tested
• The next recommended testing date
• The electrician’s details
• Whether the device or equipment passed the inspection

If your device fails testing, it should be removed immediately until it’s repaired or replaced.

Why is Test and Tag So Important?

Like any other appliance or device in your business, electrical equipment experiences wear and tear over time. Power cords can become frayed, appliances are moved and extension leads and tools are exposed to harsh weather conditions. Even minor damage can lead to serious electrical risks and hazards.

Regular test and tag inspections help:

• Reduce the risk of electric shock and electrical fires
• Make sure you are providing a safe working environment
• Duty of care to your staff and customers
• Keep your property safe
• Saves you money in the long run
• Gives you peace of mind

How Often Should Your Electrical Equipment Be Tested and Tagged?

Testing and tagging isn’t universal for every workplace. How often you get your devices and equipment tested and tagged depends on your work environment, the type fo equipment and the level of risk. Higher-risk workplaces like construction sites need more frequent testing as opposed to lower-risk office environments.

Construction Sites & Demolition

Construction and demolition sites are considered high-risk workplaces due to dust, vibration, moisture, and the constant movement of electrical equipment. The constant heavy-duty use and exposure to various weather conditions can cause your equipment to deteriorate quicker.

Portable electrical equipment, extension leads and residual current devices (RCDs) need testing every three months.

Factories, Workshops & Manufacturing Facilities

Equipment in workshops and industrial sites is exposed to heavy-duty use, dust and weather damage. Test and tag is carried out every six to twelve months, depending on the type of equipment and work environment.

Common equipment includes:

• Welders
• Grinders
• Compressors
• Workshop machinery
• Portable electrical tools
• Extension cords

Office Buildings

Just because office buildings are considered “low-risk”, doesn’t mean that their electrical equipment doesn’t need to be inspected. Computer monitors, printers, shredders and kitchen items like microwaves all need to be tested every 12 months in accordance with AS/NZ 3760 Standards.

Is Test and Tag Compulsory in Australia?

The short answer is yes. As a business owner, you have a duty of care to maintain safe electrical equipment for your workplace. In “hostile work environments” like mining, construction or demolition, not regularly testing and tagging our equipment actively puts you and your employees at risk.

Need Your Business's Equipment To Be Tested and Tagged?

Is your workplace overdue for a test and tag? Our team of licensed and insured electricians are here to help with specialised tools and high-quality workmanship.

For a free quote, call our team on 1300 375 048 or complete our online enquiry form.