What is Portable Appliance Testing in Sydney?
Portable appliance testing is the inspection and testing of portable electrical equipment and electrical appliances. In Sydney, Test and Tag services are an easy way to maintain compliance with Australian workplace safety standards and legal obligations outlined in AS/NZS 3760:2022.
Faulty electrical equipment is a common cause of worker injuries like burns and electric shocks, as well as electrical fires and other emergencies.
What are the 4 steps to portable appliance test and tag?
- A visual inspection to spot damage or electrical hazards
- Electrical safety testing using a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT Tester)
- The application of appliance test tags (compliance tags)
- Documentation and reporting from the service
At The Local Guys, our fully-trained and certified technicians deliver testing services for portable appliances of all types, ensuring your Sydney business stays compliant with AS/NZS 3760:2022 and protected against electrical hazards.
Step-by-Step Sydney Test and Tag Process
Step 1: Visual Inspection of Electrical Appliances
A certified Test and Tag technician will begin by visually inspecting each item.
The Local Guys will check for signs of physical faults or damage like:
- Frayed or damaged appliance cords
- Bent or melted plugs
- Loose parts or faulty equipment housing
- Scorch marks or water marks
Any electrical appliance that fails the visual inspection will not proceed to the next stage, because they present immediate risk of electrical hazards.
Step 2: Electrical Safety Testing Using a PAT Tester
Once the electrical appliance has passed the visual inspection, our Sydney Test and Tag technicians will use a PAT machine (Portable Appliance Tester) to check the device for internal faults or electrical issues.
PAT machines run:
- Earth continuity testing to confirm earthed appliances are safely grounded
- Insulation resistance testing to ensure wiring is intact and insulated
- Lead polarity testing to check for correct wiring and pathways for electrical currents
These electrical safety tests are designed to detect hidden risks or unstable electrical currents that could cause electrical shocks, fires, or other hazards.
Step 3: Applying Appliance Test Tags
After testing is complete, our Test and Tag technician will apply test tags to each item.
Appliance test tags from The Local Guys include important information like the:
- Test date
- Pass/fail status
- Next due date for testing
- Contact details for The Local Guys (or specific technician)
Do you work in an industry like construction, demolition, or mining? Your compliance tags will need to follow the RGBY system. The Local Guys follow the NSW test and tag colours schedule so your records align with testing and tagging industry requirements.
Step 4: Documentation & Reporting
After inspection and testing, we provide a detailed report and an updated Certificate of Compliance.
The service report will list:
- All items tested
- The test results (pass/fail) of each electrical item
- Any relevant comments from our technician
These records are essential for safety compliance reporting, and you will need them on record if your Sydney business, workplace or jobsite is audited.
Common Portable Appliances That Need Testing in Sydney
Which appliances need testing and tagging?
Our Test and Tag technicians can provide appliance testing for a wide variety of Class 1 (earthed appliances) and Class 2 (double-insulated appliances) devices.
Common items include:
- Desk fans and portable heaters
- Extension cords
- Hair dryers, curlers, and straighteners
- Handheld power tools (drills, saws, grinders)
- Kitchen appliances (kettles, microwaves, toasters etc.)
- Office equipment (desktop monitors, printers, photocopiers etc.)
- Power boards
This is a small sample list of the types of portable appliances that The Local Guys provide electrical safety testing for in Sydney.
Who can Test Portable Appliances in Sydney?
Under AS/NZS 3760:2022, only a competent person with the proper training and qualifications can inspect and test portable electrical equipment. The Local Guys has an excellent Test and Tag team in Sydney who provide affordable and reliable Portable Appliance Testing services.
With The Local Guys Test and Tag, you can expect:
- A Complimentary Reminder Service to ensure you never miss a safety inspection date for portable appliance testing again
- Cover of $20,000,000 in Public Liability Insurance for your peace of mind
- Each technician to hold a Working with Children Check (WWCC), current Police Clearance, and a First Aid Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should appliances be tested and tagged in NSW?
Portable appliance testing intervals depend on environmental risks:
- Construction, demolition, and mining sites: every 3 months
- Factories and workshops: every 6 months
- Schools and offices: every 12 months
- Server rooms: every 5 years
In Sydney, The Local Guys follow Test and Tag intervals as outlined in AS/NZS 3760:2022.
What are the NSW test and tag colours?
Hostile environments like mining, demolition, and construction sites follow the RGBY test and tag colour chart:
- December to February: Red tags
- March to May: Green tags
- June to August: Blue tags
- September to November: Yellow tags
How much does portable appliance testing cost in Sydney?
On average, Test and Tag providers in Sydney have a minimum charge or callout fee of $100-$250 (+GST) and charge $3.00-$9.50 per item tested. For Portable Appliance Testing, The Local Guys have a minimum charge of $125 +GST for the first 32 items, and an average cost of $2.20-$3.90 per item. You can discover more about our competitive pricing for electrical Test and Tag here!
Can I combine portable appliance test and tag with other safety checks?
Yes, The Local Guys provide a great range of Test and Tag services for electrical devices and fire safety equipment. In addition to Portable Appliance Testing, we also offer:
- Emergency Exit Light Testing
- Fire Extinguisher Testing
- Fire Blanket Testing
- Microwave Leakage Testing
- RCD Safety Switch Testing
With our Sydney Test and Tag team watching out for you, maintaining workplace safety and compliance is easy! That's why business owners and property managers pick The Local Guys for Sydney electrical appliance testing.
Key Takeaways
Under AS/NZS 3760:2022 portable appliances in Sydney workplaces and businesses need regular testing and inspection services from a qualified technician. Keeping up with Portable Appliance Testing will keep you up to code with Australian safety standards and reduce the risk of injuries, damage, or accidents.
The Test and Tag process includes a visual examination, electrical safety testing with a PAT Tester, application of appliance test tags, and official reporting and documentation. The Local Guys can test a wide range of electrical appliances, including both Class 1 devices and Class 2 appliances.
Want to safeguard your property against electrical hazards and avoid costly penalties for non-compliance? Book your next Portable Appliance Testing service in Sydney with The Local Guys today. Our certified technicians will ensure your workplace stays compliant, safe, and audit-ready. Call our customer service team now for a free, no-obligation quote!
