Test and Tagging

What appliances can be test and tagged?

In accordance with the AS/NZS3760:2003 standard, Test and Tagging applies to all portable electrical appliances. Essentially this means anything which plugs into an electrical socket. A toaster, computer, power saw are all portable electrical appliances, where a light globe in the ceiling, hard wired heating, air conditioning and ovens, exit lighting etc. are not portable and are not tested under this standard.

Extension leads, Power boards (EPOD - Electrical Portable Outlet Device) and Safety Switches (RCD's) where the safety switch is on a Power board or extension lead (not in the switchboard) are also classed as portable appliances and under the standard also need testing.

What is test and tagging?

Test and tagging is essentially a four step process:

  1. Inspect
  2. Test
  3. Tag
  4. Log

The inspection of an appliance is a visual check for defects such as exposed wires, after market modifications, melted cords, broken casing etc. This must be done before any other tests are performed, and if and defects are found, the equipment will be deemed to fail the test and should be taken out of service.

The actual test performed depends on the appliance being tested, for more details see The Tests.

If the appliance fails any of the tests appropriate to it, it is deemed unsafe and tagged as such. Unsafe equipment must not be used and is removed from service for repair or disposal. If the appliance passes, it is tagged with a pass tag which will display the type of appliance, the date on which it was tagged, who it was tagged by and the date on which it must next be tagged

All tagging must be logged and records kept by both the tagger and the owner of the equipment. LTRN can provide records in any form which is required, or can begin a new system of logging for your company. We also keep records electronically, and can remind you when your tests are next due.

The Costs

LTRN commits itself to providing an affordable Test and Tagging solution. The company branched from the theatre industry where too often equipment is not tested and tagged due to the cost of tagging. Dangerous equipment and leads are used which cause minor and major injury. It is a legal requirement that all equipment used in a place of work or public place or is available for hire be test and tagged.

Cost is determined by the type of equipment being tested and the number of appliances being tested. Some people assume that a computer is one device, yet there are 4 appliances to be tested for each computer (Monitor, Tower + 2 IEC leads). RCD's take much longer to test and require much more expensive equipment. You do not need to know all of the details of your equipment, but it is for this reason that we do not provide any automated quoting system. We are determined to beat any quote, and we will work within your budget if necessary. Please contact us for a quote: Email for prompt response tag@ltrn.com.au or call us 0458 553 200.