Test And Tagging
Frequently Asked Questions  

Electrical Test & 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 Australia and New Zealand there is a Standard known as AS/NZS 3760 which prescribes a procedure to implement a regular inspection and safety regime.

YES. WorkSafe Victoria explains, testing of plant, portable electrical equipment and appliances, and flexible electrical cords, shall be visually inspected for wear and mechanical damage, and tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3760 for earthing continuity, and insulation resistance. Inspection and testing should be undertaken by a licensed qualified electrician or electrician supervised
(ES or L) prior to its first use, and every 3 calendar  month thereafter, while being on a construction or building site.

NO. When the equipment is new, the supplier is deemed responsible for the initial electrical safety of the new equipment. If  your new appliance, electrical lead or power board has been used not long after the original purchase date we encourage these electrical items to be tested on your next appointment.

Feedback from our clients tell us that if you bring your new electrical appliance to a work conference or an alternative work venue then the organisers will ask to test and tag new appliances. This includes computer laptops, power leads, slide projectors and battery chargers.

United Electrical Services test and tagging costs are priced with careful tailored packages for every budge and provide a full range of cost effective testing solutions for all large and small Business to self employed persons. Email or Phone our UES representative and have our licensed experienced electrician test and tag your electrical appliances.

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.

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 2.5 meters above the ground (such as projectors), although we still suggest testing and tagging to ensure the safety of the equipment. All low voltage (240V - 415V) single and poly phase (three phase) electrical appliances. As a simple guide the following list covers a wide range of electrical appliances, including, but not limited to-

Computers, printers, monitors, photocopiers, fax machines, power tools, desk lamps, battery chargers, vacuum cleaners, floor polishers, extension leads, power boards, TVs, radios,  air conditioners with electrical leads, 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.

All 10, 15,  20 and 30 amp single Phase/ 3 Phase appliances need to be tested and tagged, our electricians have the necessary testing equipment, training and experience to test and tag them for you as well.

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.

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.

Yes, we do offer price 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.

Contact United Electrical Services to have copies provided for you.