Testing and Tagging Frequently Asked Questions
Testing & Tagging is a way of ensuring electrical equipment
used within a workplace such as an office, factory,
retail outlet or construction site is safe to use.
This is achieved through regular inspection of the
electrical equipment and involves all areas of safety
from the power cord to safety components that are part
of the device.
Within
Most of our equipment is brand new or near new, do we still need to have it tested and tagged ?
When you put new items into service, you can either apply a "new to service" tag to the lead or have it tested first. What we are finding is that a growing number of faults are being detected in brand new appliances. That's probably because they are being manufactured to a price, rather than a standard of quality. So just because something is brand new, doesn't make it any safer than an older appliance.
How often do appliances need to be tested and tagged ?
The retest interval will depend on a number of factors including the type and electrical Class of the appliance and the environment it is being used in. In general, the periods range from from 3 months to 12 months, with some going up to 5 years. As part of our service, we can assist you on formulating what intervals are appropriate for each appliance.
What needs to be tested ?
Under the Standard, all
equipment considered being in a hostile
environment this is virtually all electrical
items within the workplace, such as power boards
(EPOD's) and
power cables to televisions, computers and
kitchen appliances. An exception to this is for
equipment above
Computers, printers, monitors, photocopiers, fax machines, power tools, desk lamps, battery chargers, vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, extension leads, power boards, TVs, radios, some air conditioners, fridges, portable flood lights, blow heaters, jugs, toasters, hand dryers, hair dryers, washing machines, transmitters, modems, CD players etc.
Fixed and portable safety switches (RCDs) also need regular testing.
Do 15 amp, 20 amp single phase and/or 3 Phase appliances need testing and tagging ?
All 10, 15, and 20 amp single Phase/ 3 Phase appliances need to be tested and tagged, our technicians have the necessary equipment, training and experience to test and tag them for you as well.
How long does it
take to test and tag an electrical item ?
In most cases you'll be looking at around 5 minutes per item remember that we also need to factor in; disconnecting the equipment and performing a complete visual inspection, testing item and then reconnecting the item again. Preparation of the work-site environment before hand can decrease the time taken to perform a testing and tagging.
What happens to the items that fail testing and tagging ?
If an electrical item fails testing and tagging, we must tag out
the item by placing either a DANGER DO NOT
USE or OUT OF SERVICE tag on the device,
the item will be logged that it has failed
inspection and will be withdrawn from service.
It is then the job of the Responsible Person to
decide to repair the equipment or not.
Do you offer testing and tagging special rates for Schools/Non Profit & Community
Organisations ?
Yes, we do offer discounted rates to both schools and
non profit community organisations. We see the value
and understand the contribution offered by such organisations and community groups.
I cannot find my Testing and Tagging reports ?
Contact United Electrical Services to have copies provided for you.
I have a Testing and Tagging audit coming up.
Check your records to confirm that all testing and tagging has been done in accordance with the required dates and that new equipment has been tested. Contact United Electrical Services, if testing is needed, or to clarify that all is in order.
