Why Adelaide Businesses Rely on Test Tags
In Adelaide, electrical test tags play an important part in maintaining compliance with electrical safety inspections and tests. These small labels can instantly tell you whether or not an appliance has been inspected, tested, and is safe for use. Beyond compliance, they give staff and managers confidence that every piece of equipment, from office computers to tools on construction sites, is being tested and tagged regularly.
Want a better understanding of electrical test tags in Adelaide? The Local Guys have put together this helpful guide to teach you exactly what you’re looking at when you next see a test tag.
Understanding Electrical Test Tags
A test tag is a small compliance label that technicians use during testing and tagging services. Once the technician has finished the visual inspection and electrical testing of an item, they will apply a tag to it. Each test tag is printed with useful information, such as the date it was last inspected, whether the item is safe, and who carried out the service.
It's also a clear indicator that the appliance has undergone electrical safety testing services in line with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2022. In Adelaide, these tags are used on everything from portable appliances in schools and offices to heavy-duty machinery in factories.
What Details Are Printed on a Test Tag?
Test tags basically act as a little safety report for your electrical equipment. They are designed to be quick to read and easy to understand.
A tag in Adelaide should include:
- Pass/Fail result: to prove the appliance is safe (or dangerous)
- Last date tested: so you know when the most recent check was carried out
- Next due date: to keep you on track with your testing schedule
- Technician or company name: proof of who completed the work
- Contact details for testers: if you need to follow up, ask questions, or book again
- Extra notes: from the technicians
These simple labels pack a lot of compliance data into one place!
What If Equipment Doesn’t Pass?
Not all appliances will make it through electrical safety testing. If an item fails a visual inspection or the PAT Tester fails it, the technician will tag it with a bright red or orange danger tag. These fail test tags spell out the problem and ensure unsafe electrical appliances won't accidentally be put back into service.
- Warning markings: to make the danger obvious
- Common reasons for failure: such as a damaged cord or insulation fault
- Asset number: so the appliance can be identified quickly
In Adelaide workplaces, faulty equipment must be removed from service immediately. Repairs should only be carried out by a licensed electrician, or the item replaced before being used again.
Test Tag Colours in Adelaide Workplaces
Test tags come in different colours, so you might be wondering what they mean! In most low-risk Adelaide workplaces, technicians like The Local Guys often use a single colour (such as black) for consistency.
But the RGBY System is mandatory for higher-risk industries like mining, demolition, and construction sites. This quarterly colour rotation of Red, Green, Blue and Yellow (RGBY) makes it easy to check whether equipment has been tested on schedule.
| Test Period | Tag Colour |
|---|---|
| December – February | Red |
| March – May | Green |
| June – August | Blue |
| September – November | Yellow |
This colour coding helps supervisors verify that appliances are compliant and safe to use, and aligns with the test and tag industry regulations in Australia. Curious about a test and tag colours in a different city? Check out our guides to Sydney and Melbourne.
How Test Tags Protect Adelaide Workplaces
Being able to read a test tag effectively will help you keep up to code with safety and compliance testing. It shows that your business is proactive about protecting staff, reducing electrical risks, and meeting AS/NZS 3760:2022 Australian Standards. Regular testing and tagging also supports smooth operations, avoiding the disruptions caused by unsafe or faulty equipment.
How Often Do You Need to Test and Tag in Adelaide?
Testing frequency depends on the type of environment and how appliances are used.
Adelaide workplaces follow this testing schedule:
- Construction, mining, demolition: Every 3 months (+RGBY colour rotation)
- Factories and warehouses: Every 6 months
- Schools, retail, and offices: Every 12 months
- Server rooms and low risk areas: Every 5 years
- Second-hand equipment: Tested before resale or workplace use
These intervals keep equipment compliant and give staff confidence that appliances are safe to operate.
Professional Test and Tag Services in Adelaide
When it comes to test and tag for electrical equipment, Adelaide businesses trust The Local Guys. Our technicians are fully trained, insured, and equipped with advanced PAT testing machines to deliver accurate results every time.
Why choose The Local Guys in Adelaide?
- All technicians are fully-licensed and hold Police Clearance, First Aid, and Working with Children Checks
- We provide Complimentary Reminder Services so testing deadlines are never missed
- $20 million in Public Liability Insurance protects every service
- We deliver detailed reports and a Certificate of Compliance after each job
- We use professional Portable Appliance Testers (PAT machines)
From the Adelaide CBD to regional South Australia, clients trust our team to deliver reliable and affordable electrical safety testing services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a test tag last in Adelaide?
Test tags in Adelaide are valid until after the next service date has passed. If you think your test tag might have expired, check the tag colour or the due date printed on it.
Do I have to tag second-hand equipment?
Yes. Any second-hand electrical equipment must be tested and tagged before it can be sold or used in an Adelaide workplace.
What happens if I skip testing?
Ignoring testing requirements can lead to costly penalties, increased safety risks, and potential liability if an accident occurs due to malfunctioning electrical equipment.
Who is allowed to carry out testing and tagging?
Testing and tagging can only be carried out by a competent person in Adelaide. If your Test and Tag technician doesn't have the proper training or qualification, the test results will not be accepted during an insurance claim, safety investigation, or audit.
Key Takeaways
Electrical test tags show when an item was checked, the test result, and when the next inspection is due. The RGBY colour system applies to compliance tags used in Adelaide’s most high-risk industries. Technicians use fail test tags to label unsafe appliances so they won't be used by accident. Regular testing and tagging services reduce risk and keep workplaces compliant.
Are your electrical appliances due for a Test and Tag service? Get in touch with The Local Guys! Our Adelaide Test and Tag team will provide you with a free quote within 2 business hours.
