Frequently Asked Questions
Test and Tag FAQ
- How can I ensure my electrical equipment is safe and I comply with the law/OSH?
- Who should comply and is it mandatory ie a statutory requirement under Law?
- When should I test and how often?
- What is AS/NZS 3760?
- What types of appliances need testing?
- What test and tag records need to be kept ?
- How long will testing and tagging take ?
- What is a Portable Appliance Tester “PAT”?
- Do I need to turn my equipment off during the test and tag process ?
- Any difference testing regarding the Building/Construction Industry?
- Can Portable Appliance Testing be done by someone in-house?
- My organization is part of the ACC Partnership Program. What electrical standards do I need to meet?
- Should I use my existing electrical contractor to PAT test?
- My electrical contractor uses a Multimeter to Test our equipment. Does this comply?
- Pricing
- How can I reduce costs?
- Test notification/Audit trail
- Summary
How can I ensure my electrical equipment is safe and I comply with the Law/OSH
By having your equipment inspected and tested with appropriate test equipment by a person deemed competent. All tests are required to be as prescribed by AS/NZS 3760.
PAT testing operators should have attended a qualifying training process, though this is not a requirement by law the Act states the person who tests must be competent. At Appliance Test and Tag we have qualified as competent PAT Test technicians
By having your equipment inspected and tested with appropriate test equipment by a person deemed competent. All tests are required to be as prescribed by AS/NZS 3760.
PAT testing operators should have attended a qualifying training process, though this is not a requirement by law the Act states the person who tests must be competent. At Appliance Test and Tag we have qualified as competent PAT Test technicians
Who should comply and is it mandatory ie a statutory requirement under Law?
In short every enterprise e.g. All Businesses, schools, government departments, factories, workshops, hotels, motels, restaurants, engineering & construction companies, offices, health care facilities, trades people etc.
If you own a business or have employees or have an appliance that is available for use by the public/staff, the ACT applies to you and is a statutory requirement.
Insurances could be adversely affected as could any court proceedings where negligence in the duty of care is discovered.
Under the regulations and Standards stated to meet your obligations you have to be able to legally prove that you have taken all practical steps.
The simplest cost-effective option to ensure safety and legal protection without risking prosecution is inspecting and testing equipment in compliance with AS/NZS3760.
In short every enterprise e.g. All Businesses, schools, government departments, factories, workshops, hotels, motels, restaurants, engineering & construction companies, offices, health care facilities, trades people etc.
If you own a business or have employees or have an appliance that is available for use by the public/staff, the ACT applies to you and is a statutory requirement.
Insurances could be adversely affected as could any court proceedings where negligence in the duty of care is discovered.
Under the regulations and Standards stated to meet your obligations you have to be able to legally prove that you have taken all practical steps.
The simplest cost-effective option to ensure safety and legal protection without risking prosecution is inspecting and testing equipment in compliance with AS/NZS3760.
When should I test and how often?
Appliances, BOUGHT NEW must be tested and tagged before use for the first time.
The minimum frequencies for retesting is as stated by Standard AS/NZS 3760. The requirements vary upon on the type of equipment and the industry/situation in which it is used. See the table below.
Frequency of testing
All new appliances should be tested prior to use
3 monthly - Building sites and hire equipment
6 monthly - Factories, work areas and cleaning equipment
Annually - Schools and all other areas
2 yearly - Residential areas of hotels, motels, rest homes
5 yearly - Some office and protected appliances
Appliances, BOUGHT NEW must be tested and tagged before use for the first time.
The minimum frequencies for retesting is as stated by Standard AS/NZS 3760. The requirements vary upon on the type of equipment and the industry/situation in which it is used. See the table below.
Frequency of testing
All new appliances should be tested prior to use
3 monthly - Building sites and hire equipment
6 monthly - Factories, work areas and cleaning equipment
Annually - Schools and all other areas
2 yearly - Residential areas of hotels, motels, rest homes
5 yearly - Some office and protected appliances
What is AS/NZS 3760?
This is the Standard that states safety inspection testing and tagging requirements are in compliance with The Electricity Act 1992, The NZ Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992 and OSH regulations.
This is the Standard that states safety inspection testing and tagging requirements are in compliance with The Electricity Act 1992, The NZ Health & Safety in Employment Act 1992 and OSH regulations.
What types of appliances need testing?
The appliances that require safety testing are anything that plugs into a normal power point including computers, tools, electrical appliances, normal extension leads and multi boxes. In fact anything that requires electricity that has a two/three pin plug.
Frequency of testing
All new appliances should be tested and tagged prior to use
3 monthly - Building sites and hire equipment
6 monthly - Factories, work areas and cleaning equipment
Annually - Schools and all other areas
2 yearly - Residential areas of hotels, motels, rest homes
5 yearly - Some office and protected appliances
The appliances that require safety testing are anything that plugs into a normal power point including computers, tools, electrical appliances, normal extension leads and multi boxes. In fact anything that requires electricity that has a two/three pin plug.
Frequency of testing
All new appliances should be tested and tagged prior to use
3 monthly - Building sites and hire equipment
6 monthly - Factories, work areas and cleaning equipment
Annually - Schools and all other areas
2 yearly - Residential areas of hotels, motels, rest homes
5 yearly - Some office and protected appliances
What test and tag records need to be kept ?
AS/NZS 3760 requires the following record keeping establishing the history of tests: A test tag attached to each item indicating date, item, person performing the test, and status (pass/fail) of test and date of retest. .An asset register and historical record of all test items and test results A record of results including faulty item and repair action.
AS/NZS 3760 requires the following record keeping establishing the history of tests: A test tag attached to each item indicating date, item, person performing the test, and status (pass/fail) of test and date of retest. .An asset register and historical record of all test items and test results A record of results including faulty item and repair action.
How long will testing and tagging take ?
Factors include location of site, access to appliances that require testing, and then depending on the appliance, testing and tagging of each item will take several minutes. Each appliance is comprehensively visually tested prior to the two to four electrical tests required. We conduct the testing and tagging as efficiently as possible, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily business activities.
Factors include location of site, access to appliances that require testing, and then depending on the appliance, testing and tagging of each item will take several minutes. Each appliance is comprehensively visually tested prior to the two to four electrical tests required. We conduct the testing and tagging as efficiently as possible, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily business activities.
What is a Portable Appliance Tester “PAT”?
This is an electrical test instrument designed to test appliances. The PAT testers we use are designed to test appliances to the exact requirements stipulated by AS/NZS 3760. Our PAT tester sophisticated software also produces a barcoded appliance label after each test, records detailed test results and produces a test report we give to you for audit purposes.
It is mandatory for leakage current tests to be undertaken with equipment that has an electronic, magnetic or membrane type on/off switch. Most modern office equipment uses membrane type On/Off electronic switches as do many power tools. Examples of magnetic switches include new toasters (which will not latch without power applied) and some new power tools. These appliances must be powered up to get past the electronic or magnetic switch, and the item cannot be powered up by testing with a multimeter and insulation tester.
If your provider is testing using only a multimeter and an insulation tester, you may find that your appliances have a fault beyond the switch that cannot be detected through their testing. This type of testing does not satisfy your duty of care to provide a safe workplace.
Testing using only a multimeter and an insulation tester, or one of the low cost Pass/Fail PAT testers on the market, does not comply with the requirements of AS/NZ3760:2010.
This is an electrical test instrument designed to test appliances. The PAT testers we use are designed to test appliances to the exact requirements stipulated by AS/NZS 3760. Our PAT tester sophisticated software also produces a barcoded appliance label after each test, records detailed test results and produces a test report we give to you for audit purposes.
It is mandatory for leakage current tests to be undertaken with equipment that has an electronic, magnetic or membrane type on/off switch. Most modern office equipment uses membrane type On/Off electronic switches as do many power tools. Examples of magnetic switches include new toasters (which will not latch without power applied) and some new power tools. These appliances must be powered up to get past the electronic or magnetic switch, and the item cannot be powered up by testing with a multimeter and insulation tester.
If your provider is testing using only a multimeter and an insulation tester, you may find that your appliances have a fault beyond the switch that cannot be detected through their testing. This type of testing does not satisfy your duty of care to provide a safe workplace.
Testing using only a multimeter and an insulation tester, or one of the low cost Pass/Fail PAT testers on the market, does not comply with the requirements of AS/NZ3760:2010.
Any difference testing regarding the Construction/Building Industry?
The construction Industry is covered by Standard AS/NZS 3012 and states that testing is mandatory every 3 months.
If equipment has not been tested and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 3760 in all probability you may be denied access to or removed from the building or construction site. Insurances could be adversely affected as could any court proceedings where negligence in the duty of care is discovered.
Under the regulations and Standards stated to meet your obligations you have to be able to legally prove that you have taken all practical steps.
The simplest cost-effective option to ensure safety and legal protection without risking prosecution is inspecting and testing equipment in compliance with AS/NZS3760.
The construction Industry is covered by Standard AS/NZS 3012 and states that testing is mandatory every 3 months.
If equipment has not been tested and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 3760 in all probability you may be denied access to or removed from the building or construction site. Insurances could be adversely affected as could any court proceedings where negligence in the duty of care is discovered.
Under the regulations and Standards stated to meet your obligations you have to be able to legally prove that you have taken all practical steps.
The simplest cost-effective option to ensure safety and legal protection without risking prosecution is inspecting and testing equipment in compliance with AS/NZS3760.
Can Portable Appliance Testing be done by someone in-house?
Yes, however, you would need to ensure that any person who carries this testing out is competent to do so and equipment suited to the task is used.
Standard AS/NZS 3760 states that: "The operation, maintenance and testing of electrical systems and equipment should be carried out only by those persons who are competent for the job
Testing and tagging using only a multimeter and an insulation tester, or one of the low cost Pass/Fail PAT testers on the market, does not comply with the requirements of AS/NZ3760.
Yes, however, you would need to ensure that any person who carries this testing out is competent to do so and equipment suited to the task is used.
Standard AS/NZS 3760 states that: "The operation, maintenance and testing of electrical systems and equipment should be carried out only by those persons who are competent for the job
Testing and tagging using only a multimeter and an insulation tester, or one of the low cost Pass/Fail PAT testers on the market, does not comply with the requirements of AS/NZ3760.
My organization is part of the ACC Partnership Program. What electrical safety standards do we need to meet?
AS/NZS 3760 is the minimum standard ACC expects employers to meet as part of being in their partnership program.
AS/NZS 3760 is the minimum standard ACC expects employers to meet as part of being in their partnership program.
Should I use my existing electrical contractor to PAT Test?
No reason why not if your electrician is happy to continue doing so, although we find many electricians would rather pass this work on due to the time factor. It also comes down to cost to you.
Using Appliance Test and Tag to test your equipment would in most cases not upset your regular electrician as the usual electrical work required of your contacted electrician would continue.
They also may not have the time or test equipment to be cost effective.
Testing and tagging using only a multimeter and an insulation tester, or one of the low cost Pass/Fail PAT testers on the market, does not comply with the requirements of AS/NZ3760:2010.
No reason why not if your electrician is happy to continue doing so, although we find many electricians would rather pass this work on due to the time factor. It also comes down to cost to you.
Using Appliance Test and Tag to test your equipment would in most cases not upset your regular electrician as the usual electrical work required of your contacted electrician would continue.
They also may not have the time or test equipment to be cost effective.
Testing and tagging using only a multimeter and an insulation tester, or one of the low cost Pass/Fail PAT testers on the market, does not comply with the requirements of AS/NZ3760:2010.
Do I need to turn my equipment off during the test and tag process ?
Yes, prior to testing each appliance, the equipment needs to be switched off or powered down. After conducting a risk assessment, should you request an item such as a server to be visually tested only, we will not require this item to be powered down.
Yes, prior to testing each appliance, the equipment needs to be switched off or powered down. After conducting a risk assessment, should you request an item such as a server to be visually tested only, we will not require this item to be powered down.
Pricing
Pricing is based on a cost per item. Other factors include, travel, ease and time to test. We quote on request.
The price per test is dependent on: the number of tests, your site layout, and services required.
One sure way we can reduce your costs are long term contracts which gives us both a guarantee, ie, us for regular work and yourselves as preferred client status.
Pricing is based on a cost per item. Other factors include, travel, ease and time to test. We quote on request.
The price per test is dependent on: the number of tests, your site layout, and services required.
One sure way we can reduce your costs are long term contracts which gives us both a guarantee, ie, us for regular work and yourselves as preferred client status.
How can I reduce costs?
Setting up long term preferred client status contracts.
The removal of redundant equipment and/or informing us of equipment not to be tested.
If you would like a free quote or to order any of our services, please contact us
Setting up long term preferred client status contracts.
The removal of redundant equipment and/or informing us of equipment not to be tested.
If you would like a free quote or to order any of our services, please contact us
Test notification/Audit trail
Within 48 hours of testing you will receive a full detailed report on all tested appliances detailing both passed and failed appliances and re-test dates for your appliances. Failed tests will be notified immediately after testing on site for safe removal
Test results will be emailed to you as a PDF file with the invoice. We advise you to file the PAT test report for seven years for audit purposes.
Within 48 hours of testing you will receive a full detailed report on all tested appliances detailing both passed and failed appliances and re-test dates for your appliances. Failed tests will be notified immediately after testing on site for safe removal
Test results will be emailed to you as a PDF file with the invoice. We advise you to file the PAT test report for seven years for audit purposes.
Summary
Under the regulations and Standards stated to meet your obligations you have to be able to legally prove that you have taken all practical steps.
The simplest cost-effective option to ensure safety and legal protection without risking prosecution is inspecting and testing equipment in compliance with AS/NZS3760.
Employing Appliance Test and Tag as your PAT testing contractor takes away the worry and time associated with electrical appliance safety compliance. Efficiently, effectively, routinely and within budget with an independent report to satisfy any Audit enquiry or insurance claim.
Under the regulations and Standards stated to meet your obligations you have to be able to legally prove that you have taken all practical steps.
The simplest cost-effective option to ensure safety and legal protection without risking prosecution is inspecting and testing equipment in compliance with AS/NZS3760.
Employing Appliance Test and Tag as your PAT testing contractor takes away the worry and time associated with electrical appliance safety compliance. Efficiently, effectively, routinely and within budget with an independent report to satisfy any Audit enquiry or insurance claim.