AS/NZS 3760:2022 Testing and Inspection Requirements

AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the Australian and New Zealand standard covering the in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs, including portable appliances and flexible cords used in workplaces. Testing and tagging intervals range from monthly up to 5 years depending on the environment, and testing must be carried out by a competent person.

What Changed Between AS/NZS 3760:2010 and AS/NZS 3760:2022

AS/NZS 3760:2022 replaced the 2010 edition and its amendments, and it's a full revision rather than a minor update. If your business or documentation still references the 2010 standard, here's what's changed.

The standard's title now explicitly includes RCDs, reflecting a stronger focus on residual current device testing for both fixed and portable units. The definition of a "competent person" has been tightened. Where the old wording said skills and knowledge "may need to be updated", the 2022 version now states they "should be maintained", along with a clearer expectation of understanding electrical risk. Record keeping requirements have also been strengthened, with a stronger emphasis on maintaining a full electrical equipment register rather than a basic pass or fail tag.

If your last test and tag documentation predates 2022, it's worth confirming your provider is working to the current standard.

Items Excluded

AS/NZS 3760:2022 does not include the following items:

• Hard wired items.
• Items that exceed 2.5 meters.
• Items that must be dismantled to be tested.
• Warehouse retails and new items in retail.
• Sample items.
• Demonstration items.

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What Tests Are Required Under AS/NZS 3760:2022?

The following tests are required under AS/NZS 3760:2022:

• Inspection visually and manually.
• Earth Leakage Testing.
• Polarity.
• Earth Continuity Testing.
• Insulation Resistance Testing.

Keeping Records

• AS/NZS 3760:2022 requires keeping certain records to create a detailed history of tests:
• A test tag must be attached to each item tested with certain information including when the test was performed, who tested the items, the status of the item whether it passed or failed the test, and when the item should be tested again.
• A detailed history of all the tested items and results along with an asset register.
• A detailed record of the results including damaged and faulty items and what repairs should be done.

Requirements of Retesting

According to the nature of workplace environment and equipment, intervals between inspection and tests differ.

1. Factories, Workshops, Repair and Assembly Workplaces

• Class I equipment, Class II Equipment, Cords, Extension Cords, and Power Boards: 6 months.
• Residual Current Devices (RCD’s)
  • Push-Button Test by User:
    1. Fixed: 6 months
    2. Portable: Daily or Before Daily Use
  • Operating Time and Push-Button Test
    1. Fixed: 12 Months.
    2. Portable: 12 Months.

2. When Flexible Cords Are Subject to Flexing Normally, Open to Abuse, Or In a Hostile Environment

• Class I equipment, Class II Equipment, Cords, Extension Cords, and Power Boards: 12 months.
• Residual Current Devices (RCD’s)
  • Push-Button Test by User:
    1. Fixed: 6 months
    2. Portable: 3 months
  • Operating Time and Push-Button Test
    1. Fixed: 12 Months.
    2. Portable: 12 Months.

3. When the Equipment and Cords Are NOT Subject to Flexing, NOT Open to Abuse, and NOT in a hostile environment

• Class I equipment, Class II Equipment, Cords, Extension Cords, and Power Boards: 5 years.
• Residual Current Devices (RCD’s)
  • Push-Button Test by User:
    1. Fixed: 6 months
    2. Portable: 3 months
  • Operating Time and Push-Button Test
    1. Fixed: 2 years.
    2. Portable: 2 years.

4. Residential Type Areas Such as Hotels, Halls, Motels, and Accommodation Houses

• Class I equipment, Class II Equipment, Cord Sets, Cord Extension Sets, and EPOD’s: 2 years.
• Residual Current Devices (RCD’s)
  • Push-Button Test by User:
    1. Fixed: 6 months
    2. Portable: 6 months
  • Operating Time and Push-Button Test
    1. Fixed: 2 years.
    2. Portable: 2 years.

5. Commercial Cleaning Equipment

• Class I equipment, Class II Equipment, Cord Sets, Cord Extension Sets and EPOD’s: 6 Months
• Residual Current Devices (RCD’s)
  • Push-Button Test by User:
    1. Fixed: N/A
    2. Portable: Daily or Before Daily Use
  • Operating Time and Push-Button Test
    1. Fixed: N/A
    2. Portable: 6 months

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6. Repaired, Serviced and Second-Hand Equipment: After repair or service which could affect electrical safety, or on reintroduction to service, refer to AS/NZS 5762. If you need more information about AS/NZS 3760:2022 – Electrical Safety Standard, contact us.

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To learn more about AS/NZS 3760:2022 visit here